Phenom X4 9750B vs Core i7-12700K
Phenom X4 9750B
Core i7-12700K
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. The Phenom X4 9750B is positioned at rank #1047 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 Phenom X4 9750B
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom X4 9750B | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($34) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Agena (2007−2008) / 65 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom X4 9750B | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+170%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($34) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($285) |
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 Phenom X4 9750B and Core i7-12700K
Phenom X4 9750B
The Phenom X4 9750B is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,520 points. Launch price was $149.
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.
Processing Power
The Phenom X4 9750B packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Phenom X4 9750B versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 70.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K. The Phenom X4 9750B uses the Agena (2007−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom X4 9750B scores 1,520 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 183% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9750B vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9750B | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 12 / 20+200% |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz+108% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB (total) | 25 MB (total)+1150% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% |
| Process | 65 nm | 10 nm-85% |
| Architecture | Agena (2007−2008) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 1,520 | 34,347+2160% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 300 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom X4 9750B uses the AM2+ socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-1066 on the Phenom X4 9750B versus 4800 on the Core i7-12700K — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-12700K supports up to 128 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Phenom X4 9750B) vs 20 (Core i7-12700K) — the Core i7-12700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AM2+,AM2 (Phenom X4 9750B) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | Phenom X4 9750B | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM2+ | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 5.0+150% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-1066 | 4800+239900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+6553500% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Phenom X4 9750B) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Phenom X4 9750B requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Phenom X4 9750B targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9750B | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Legacy Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Phenom X4 9750B launched at $215 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($34 vs $285), the Phenom X4 9750B is $251 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Phenom X4 9750B delivers 44.7 pts/$ vs 120.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700K — making the Core i7-12700K the 91.8% better value option.
| Feature | Phenom X4 9750B | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $215-47% | $409 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $34-88% | $285 |
| Performance per Dollar | 44.7 | 120.5+170% |
| Release Date | 2008 | 2021 |
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