Core i7-12700K vs Pentium III 1400S
Core i7-12700K
Pentium III 1400S
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 III 1400S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Pentium III 1400S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($250) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Tualatin (2000−2002) / 130 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Pentium III 1400S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+13114%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($250) |
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 III 1400S
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 III 1400S
The Pentium III 1400S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Tualatin (2000−2002) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: PGA370. Thermal design power (TDP): 32 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 228 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Pentium III 1400S offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 11 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 1.4 GHz on the Pentium III 1400S — a 112.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K. The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Pentium III 1400S uses Tualatin (2000−2002) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Pentium III 1400S's 228 — a 197.4% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 0 kB on the Pentium III 1400S.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Pentium III 1400S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20+1100% | 1 / 1 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+257% | 1.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | — |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512 kB |
| Process | 10 nm-92% | 130 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Tualatin (2000−2002) |
| PassMark | 34,347+14964% | 228 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Pentium III 1400S uses PGA370 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus PC133 on the Pentium III 1400S — the Core i7-12700K supports 189.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-12700K supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 4 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-12700K) vs 1 (Pentium III 1400S). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 0 (Pentium III 1400S) — the Core i7-12700K offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and Intel 815,VIA Apollo Pro 133T (Pentium III 1400S).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Pentium III 1400S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | PGA370 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+355% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+3509% | PC133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 4 GB+3276700% |
| RAM Channels | 2+100% | 1 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 0 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) vs No (Pentium III 1400S). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Pentium III 1400S requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Pentium III 1400S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | No |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Pentium III 1400S debuted at $250. At current prices ($285 vs $250), the Pentium III 1400S is $35 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 0.9 pts/$ for the Pentium III 1400S — making the Core i7-12700K the 197% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Pentium III 1400S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409 | $250-39% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $250-12% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5+13289% | 0.9 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2002 |
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