Core i7-12700K vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
Core i7-12700K
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
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 Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Castle Peak (2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+178%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
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 Threadripper PRO 3945WX
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 Threadripper PRO 3945WX
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 July 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Castle Peak (2020) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: sWRX8. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 33,455 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, matching the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX's 12 cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX — a 15.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses Castle Peak (2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX's 33,455 — a 2.6% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20 | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+16% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 4 GHz+11% |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | 64 MB+156% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Castle Peak (2020) |
| PassMark | 34,347+3% | 33,455 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 18,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,652 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 11,500 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses sWRX8 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-12700K) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | sWRX8 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+119900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 2048 GB+1677721500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 128+540% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) vs AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX targets Professional Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X; Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX rivals Xeon w5-2455X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Professional Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX debuted at $1149. At current prices ($285 vs $100), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX is $185 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 334.6 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX the 94.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409-64% | $1149 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $100-65% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5 | 334.6+178% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2020 |
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 Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
