Intel Core i7-12700K vs Intel Core i9-12900K
69.4Single-core72.2
61.5Multi-core70.4
58.1Gamingspec-based63.8
2 spec wins — Intel Core i7-12700K11 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 63, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+9) and single-core (+3). Intel Core i7-12700K 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
- 12% higher Base clock: 3.6 GHz vs 3.2 GHz
- Lower launch price: $409 vs $648
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 62
- 100% higher Efficiency cores: 8 vs 4
- 33% higher cores: 16 vs 12
- 27% higher Max turbo power: 241 W vs 190 W
- 22% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 17,450 vs 14,300
General
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 10 nm | 10 nm |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 190 W | 241 W+27% |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 12 | 16+33% |
| Performance cores | 8 | 8 |
| Efficiency cores | 4 | 8+100% |
| Threads | 20 | 24+20% |
| Base clock | 3.6 GHz+12% | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5 GHz | 5.2 GHz+4% |
| L2 cache | 12 MB | 14 MB+17% |
| L3 cache | 25 MB | 30 MB+20% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,500 MHz | 1,550 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 20 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,500Top 39% | 2,715+9%Top 32% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 14,300Top 36% | 17,450+22%Top 24% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,950+2%Top 28% | 1,903Top 30% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 22,400Top 26% | 26,229+17%Top 19% |
| PassMark | 34,500Top 34% | 41,103+19%Top 24% |
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