Intel Core i7-12700K vs Intel Core i7-4790K
69.4Single-core29.7
61.5Multi-core27.2
58.1Gaming26.9
18 spec wins — Intel Core i7-12700K3 spec wins — Intel Core i7-4790K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i7-12700K wins this desktop processor face-off, 63 to 27.9, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+40) and Multi-core (+34). Intel Core i7-4790K 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 30
- Stronger Multi-core score: 62 vs 27
- Stronger gaming score: 58 vs 27
- 1100% higher L2 cache: 12 MB vs 1 MB
- 327% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 22,400 vs 5,250
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-4790K
- 30% lower Base TDP: 88 W vs 125 W
- 11% higher Base clock: 4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $339 vs $409
General
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2014 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1150 |
| Process | 10 nm+55% | 22 nm |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 88 W+30% |
| Max turbo power | 190 W | — |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 12+200% | 4 |
| Performance cores | 8+100% | 4 |
| Efficiency cores | 4 | 0 |
| Threads | 20+150% | 8 |
| Base clock | 3.6 GHz | 4 GHz+11% |
| Boost clock | 5 GHz+14% | 4.4 GHz |
| L2 cache | 12 MB+1100% | 1 MB |
| L3 cache | 25 MB+213% | 8 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel HD Graphics 4600 |
| iGPU clock | 1,500 MHz+20% | 1,250 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| 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 i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5+67% | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i7-4790K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,500+85%Top 25% | 1,350Top 76% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 14,300+211%Top 23% | 4,600Top 80% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,950+77%Top 20% | 1,100Top 80% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 22,400+327%Top 18% | 5,250Top 83% |
| PassMark | 34,500+288%Top 23% | 8,900Top 82% |
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