Core i7-12700K vs Ryzen AI Max 390
Core i7-12700K
Ryzen AI Max 390
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
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Strix Halo (2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Ryzen AI Max 390
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.
Ryzen AI Max 390
The Ryzen AI Max 390 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Strix Halo (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP11. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 41,834 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, matching the Ryzen AI Max 390's 12 cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max 390 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Ryzen AI Max 390 uses Strix Halo (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Ryzen AI Max 390's 41,834 — a 19.7% lead for the Ryzen AI Max 390. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max 390.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20 | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+12% | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | 64 MB (total)+156% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 4 nm-60% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Strix Halo (2025) |
| PassMark | 34,347 | 41,834+22% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen AI Max 390 uses FP11 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus 8000 on the Ryzen AI Max 390 — the Ryzen AI Max 390 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-12700K) vs 4 (Ryzen AI Max 390). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 28 (Ryzen AI Max 390) — the Ryzen AI Max 390 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and Strix Halo (Ryzen AI Max 390).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FP11 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800 | 8000+67% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 28+40% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Ryzen AI Max 390 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen AI Max 390). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) and AMD Radeon 8050S (Ryzen AI Max 390) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X; Ryzen AI Max 390 rivals Apple M4 Max.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | AMD Radeon 8050S |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Ryzen AI Max 390 debuted at $0. At current prices ($285 vs $0), the Ryzen AI Max 390 is $285 cheaper.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen AI Max 390 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409 | $0-100% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $0-100% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5 | — |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2025 |
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