Core i7-12700K vs Xeon E7-4880 v2
Core i7-12700K
Xeon E7-4880 v2
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 E7-4880 v2
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Xeon E7-4880 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($185) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-12700K | Xeon E7-4880 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+117%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) | ✅ More affordable ($185) |
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 E7-4880 v2
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 E7-4880 v2
The Xeon E7-4880 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 15 cores and 30 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 37.5 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 48,435 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Xeon E7-4880 v2 offers 15 cores / 30 threads — the Xeon E7-4880 v2 has 3 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 3.1 GHz on the Xeon E7-4880 v2 — a 46.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-12700K is built on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Xeon E7-4880 v2's 48,435 — a 34% lead for the Xeon E7-4880 v2. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 37.5 MB on the Xeon E7-4880 v2.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Xeon E7-4880 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 20 | 15 / 30+25% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+61% | 3.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+44% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 25 MB (total) | 37.5 MB+50% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | — |
| Process | 10 nm-55% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | — |
| PassMark | 34,347 | 48,435+41% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon E7-4880 v2 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i7-12700K versus 1600 on the Xeon E7-4880 v2 — the Core i7-12700K supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E7-4880 v2 supports up to 1536 of RAM compared to 128 — 169.2% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-12700K) vs 4 (Xeon E7-4880 v2). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-12700K) vs 40 (Xeon E7-4880 v2) — the Xeon E7-4880 v2 offers 20 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K) and C602-J (Xeon E7-4880 v2).
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Xeon E7-4880 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+200% | 1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 1536+1100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 40+100% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Xeon E7-4880 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X; Xeon E7-4880 v2 rivals AMD Opteron 6380.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Xeon E7-4880 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Xeon E7-4880 v2 debuted at $6619. At current prices ($285 vs $185), the Xeon E7-4880 v2 is $100 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 120.5 pts/$ vs 261.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E7-4880 v2 — making the Xeon E7-4880 v2 the 73.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-12700K | Xeon E7-4880 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $409-94% | $6619 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $285 | $185-35% |
| Performance per Dollar | 120.5 | 261.8+117% |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2014 |
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 Xeon E7-4880 v2
