Intel Core i7-12700K vs Intel Core i7-4790
69.4Single-core27.2
61.5Multi-core25.9
58.1Gamingspec-based24.4
17 spec wins — Intel Core i7-12700K2 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i7-12700K wins this desktop processor face-off, 63 to 25.9, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+42) and multi-core (+36). Intel Core i7-4790 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-12700K
- Stronger single-core score: 69 vs 27
- Stronger multi-core score: 62 vs 26
- 1100% higher L2 cache: 12 MB vs 1 MB
- 387% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 22,400 vs 4,600
- 316% higher PassMark: 34,500 vs 8,300
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790
- 33% lower Base TDP: 84 W vs 125 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $303 vs $409
General
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i7-4790 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2014 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1150 |
| Process | 10 nm+55% | 22 nm |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 84 W+33% |
| Max turbo power | 190 W | — |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | No |
| Cooler included | No | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i7-4790 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 12+200% | 4 |
| Performance cores | 8+100% | 4 |
| Efficiency cores | 4 | 0 |
| Threads | 20+150% | 8 |
| Base clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5 GHz+25% | 4 GHz |
| L2 cache | 12 MB+1100% | 1 MB |
| L3 cache | 25 MB+213% | 8 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i7-4790 |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel HD Graphics 4600 |
| iGPU clock | 1,500 MHz | 1,200 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i7-4790 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR3-1600 |
| Max memory | 128 GB+300% | 32 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i7-4790 |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5+67% | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i7-4790 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,500+103%Top 40% | 1,230Bottom 16% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 14,300+253%Top 36% | 4,050Bottom 14% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,950Top 30% | — |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 22,400+387%Top 26% | 4,600Bottom 12% |
| PassMark | 34,500+316%Top 34% | 8,300Bottom 11% |
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