CPU
GPU
Xeon W-1290TE
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. 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 Xeon W-1290TE
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Xeon W-1290TE | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($552) | ✅ More affordable ($285) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Xeon W-1290TE | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+359%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($552) | ✅ More affordable ($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 Xeon W-1290TE and Core i7-12700K
Xeon W-1290TE
The Xeon W-1290TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 May 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,505 points. Launch price was $552.
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 Xeon W-1290TE packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Xeon W-1290TE versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 1.8 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Xeon W-1290TE uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Xeon W-1290TE scores 14,505 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 81.2% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Xeon W-1290TE vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Xeon W-1290TE | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20 | 12 / 20+20% |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 5 GHz+11% |
| Base Clock | 1.8 GHz | 3.6 GHz+100% |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 25 MB (total)+25% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Comet Lake (2020−2025) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 14,505 | 34,347+137% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,507 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,478 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Xeon W-1290TE uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Xeon W-1290TE versus 4800 on the Core i7-12700K — the Core i7-12700K supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Xeon W-1290TE) vs 20 (Core i7-12700K) — the Core i7-12700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: W480 (Xeon W-1290TE) and Z690,B660 (Core i7-12700K).
| Feature | Xeon W-1290TE | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | 4800+119900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+104857500% | 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. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics P630 (Xeon W-1290TE) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i7-12700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon W-1290TE targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Xeon W-1290TE | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics P630 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Workstation | — |
Value Analysis
The Xeon W-1290TE launched at $552 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($552 vs $285), the Core i7-12700K is $267 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Xeon W-1290TE delivers 26.3 pts/$ vs 120.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700K — making the Core i7-12700K the 128.4% better value option.
| Feature | Xeon W-1290TE | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $552 | $409-26% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $552 | $285-48% |
| Performance per Dollar | 26.3 | 120.5+358% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2021 |
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