Core i7-12700K vs Xeon E5-2690 v3
Core i7-12700K
Xeon E5-2690 v3
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 Xeon E5-2690 v3
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Xeon E5-2690 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Haswell-EP (2014−2015) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Xeon E5-2690 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+56%) |
| 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 Xeon E5-2690 v3
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.
Xeon E5-2690 v3
The Xeon E5-2690 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 135 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 16,027 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, matching the Xeon E5-2690 v3's 12 cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 3.5 GHz on the Xeon E5-2690 v3 — a 35.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Xeon E5-2690 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Xeon E5-2690 v3's 16,027 — a 72.7% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 30 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2690 v3.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Xeon E5-2690 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20 | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+43% | 3.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+38% | 2.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | 30 MB (total)+20% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-55% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Haswell-EP (2014−2015) |
| PassMark | 34,347+114% | 16,027 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E5-2690 v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E5-2690 v3 — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E5-2690 v3 supports up to 768 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 142.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-12700K) vs 4 (Xeon E5-2690 v3). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 40 (Xeon E5-2690 v3) — the Xeon E5-2690 v3 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and Intel X99,Intel C612 (Xeon E5-2690 v3).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Xeon E5-2690 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+119900% | DDR4-2133 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 768 GB+629145500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 40+100% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) / not specified (Xeon E5-2690 v3). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Xeon E5-2690 v3 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Xeon E5-2690 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Xeon E5-2690 v3 debuted at $2090. At current prices ($285 vs $85), the Xeon E5-2690 v3 is $200 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 188.6 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2690 v3 — making the Xeon E5-2690 v3 the 44% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Xeon E5-2690 v3 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409-80% | $2090 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $85-70% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5 | 188.6+57% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2014 |
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