Core i7-12700K vs Pentium G2030
Core i7-12700K
Pentium G2030
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Per Dollar Pentium G2030
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Pentium G2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($85) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Pentium G2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+479%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($85) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-12700K and Pentium G2030
Core i7-12700K
The Core i7-12700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 34,347 points. Launch price was $409.
Pentium G2030
The Pentium G2030 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,769 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Pentium G2030 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 10 more cores. The Core i7-12700K is built on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Pentium G2030's 1,769 — a 180.4% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium G2030.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Pentium G2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20+500% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | — |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+20% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+733% | 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | 10 nm-55% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | — |
| PassMark | 34,347+1842% | 1,769 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 608 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 492 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 826 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Pentium G2030 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus DDR3-1600 on the Pentium G2030 — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-12700K supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 32 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 16 (Pentium G2030) — the Core i7-12700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and H61,B75,H77,Z77,Q77 (Pentium G2030).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Pentium G2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+159900% | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 32 GB+26214300% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) vs VT-x (Pentium G2030). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) and HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge GT1) (Pentium G2030) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G2030 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X; Pentium G2030 rivals Core i3-2100.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Pentium G2030 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | HD Graphics (Ivy Bridge GT1) |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Pentium G2030 debuted at $85. At current prices ($285 vs $85), the Pentium G2030 is $200 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 20.8 pts/$ for the Pentium G2030 — making the Core i7-12700K the 141.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Pentium G2030 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409 | $85-79% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $85-70% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5+479% | 20.8 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2013 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-12700K and Pentium G2030
