Core i7-12700K vs Pentium G3450T
Core i7-12700K
Pentium G3450T
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 G3450T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Pentium G3450T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($45) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Pentium G3450T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+185%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($45) |
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 G3450T
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 G3450T
The Pentium G3450T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,904 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Pentium G3450T offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 10 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 2.9 GHz on the Pentium G3450T — a 53.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Pentium G3450T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Pentium G3450T's 1,904 — a 179% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3450T.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Pentium G3450T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20+500% | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+72% | 2.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+24% | 2.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total)+733% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-55% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Haswell (2013−2015) |
| PassMark | 34,347+1704% | 1,904 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 614 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Pentium G3450T uses LGA1150 (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 G3450T — 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 G3450T) — the Core i7-12700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Pentium G3450T).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Pentium G3450T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1150 |
| 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
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) vs Yes (Pentium G3450T). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) and Intel HD Graphics (Pentium G3450T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Pentium G3450T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel HD Graphics |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | Yes |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Pentium G3450T debuted at $75. At current prices ($285 vs $45), the Pentium G3450T is $240 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 42.3 pts/$ for the Pentium G3450T — making the Core i7-12700K the 96.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Pentium G3450T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409 | $75-82% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $45-84% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5+185% | 42.3 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2014 |
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