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Intel Core i7-12700K vs Intel Core i7-8700

Intel
VS
Intel
Performance
Core i7-12700K87% better
24,94767% of 36,991
Core i7-8700
13,31036% of 36,991

The Core i7-12700K has 87% better performance than the Core i7-8700 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Performance per dollar
Core i7-12700K39% better
6150% of 121.53
Core i7-8700
43.9336% of 121.53

The Core i7-12700K has 39% better value for the money than the Core i7-8700 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

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Summary

#

About the Intel Core i7-12700K CPU

The Intel Core i7-12700K is a 12-core (20-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q4 2021 with a suggested retail price of $409. It is part of Intel's Core i7 lineup, which is based on the Alder Lake-S microarchitecture. The i7-12700K is compatible with Intel Socket 1700 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 10 nm manufacturing process. It features the UHD Graphics 770 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i7-12700K supports DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-12700K has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 80 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 1.25 MB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 25 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i7-12700K features 12 total cores which can process 20 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The 12 cores consist of 8 P-Cores and 4 E-Cores. P-Cores are designed for high-performance tasks and E-Cores are intended for efficiency and lighter tasks. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.6 GHz, and it can boost up to 5.0 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i7-12700K includes an integrated graphics solution called UHD Graphics 770. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Core i7-12700K has the 27th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 720 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 67.44% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 24,947 score and $409 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 61. This is the 32nd best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

About the Intel Core i7-8700 CPU

The Intel Core i7-8700 is an end-of-life 6-core (12-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q4 2017 with a suggested retail price of $303. It is part of Intel's Core i7 lineup, which is based on the Coffee Lake microarchitecture. The i7-8700 is compatible with Intel Socket 1151 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process. It features the UHD Graphics 630 integrated graphics solution and is bundled with a E97379-001 cooler.

Memory and Cache

The Core i7-8700 supports DDR4 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-8700 has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 12 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i7-8700 features 6 total cores which can process 12 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.2 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.6 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i7-8700 includes an integrated graphics solution called UHD Graphics 630. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Core i7-8700 has the 165th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 720 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 35.98% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 13,310 score and $303 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 43.93. This is the 62nd best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

General Info

General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.

InfoCore i7-12700KCore i7-8700
ManufacturerIntelIntel
SeriesCore i7Core i7
Market SegmentDesktopDesktop
Release DateQ4 2021Q4 2017
Launch Price (MSRP)$409$303
Production StatusActiveEnd-of-life
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Core i7-12700K87% better
24,94767% of 36,991
Core i7-8700
13,31036% of 36,991

The Core i7-12700K has 87% better performance than the Core i7-8700 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i7-12700K is ranked 27th with a score of 24,947, and the Core i7-8700 is ranked 165th with a score of 13,310.

Performance per dollar
Core i7-12700K39% better
6150% of 121.53
Core i7-8700
43.9336% of 121.53

The Core i7-12700K has 39% better value for the money than the Core i7-8700 for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i7-12700K is ranked 32nd with a performance per dollar of 61, and the Core i7-8700 is ranked 62nd with a performance per dollar of 43.93.

Relative Performance

The average score in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i7-12700K or
CPUBenchmark Performance
Ryzen 9 5950X25,154.5+1%
Core i5-12600K25,017+0%
Core i7-12700K24,947
Core i9-1290024,314-3%
Ryzen 5 760023,854-4%
Core i7-970013,939-44%
Ryzen 7 1800X13,782-45%
Core i7-870013,310-47%
Ryzen 3 3300X12,952-48%
Ryzen 7 170012,723-49%

Relative Value For Money

The average performance per dollar in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score implies a better value for your money.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i7-12700K or
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Ryzen 5 5600X65.72+8%
Ryzen 9 790061.36+1%
Core i7-12700K61
Ryzen 7 5800X3D60.66-1%
Core i9-14900K53.58-12%
Ryzen 7 270046.69-23%
Ryzen 7 2700X45.89-25%
Core i7-870043.93-28%
Ryzen 5 140043.57-29%
Core i7-11700K43.42-29%

Benchmark Scores

This table showcases the average performance scores achieved by both CPUs across industry-standard benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

  • Popular
BenchmarkCore i7-12700KCore i7-8700
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
24,947
(+87.43%)
13,310
3DMark Time Spy CPU
15,550
(+126.23%)
6,873.5
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
3,325
(+177.31%)
1,199
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
272
(+41.67%)
192
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
13,772
(+131.62%)
5,946
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
2,554
(+66.71%)
1,532
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
34,628
(+169.31%)
12,858
CPU Mark Single-Thread
4,034
(+52.63%)
2,643
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

#

Manufacturing Details

Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.

SpecCore i7-12700KCore i7-8700
ManufacturerIntelIntel
FoundryIntelIntel
Process Size10 nm14 nm

Architecture

CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.

SpecCore i7-12700KCore i7-8700
SeriesCore i7Core i7
MicroarchitectureAlder Lake-SCoffee Lake
CodenameAlder Lake-SCoffee Lake
Memory SupportDDR4-3200, DDR5-4800DDR4
Memory ChannelsDual-channelDual-channel
ECC MemoryNoNo

Cores & Clock Speeds

Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.

SpecCore i7-12700KCore i7-8700
Cores126
Threads2012
Performance Cores (P-cores)8--
Efficient Cores (E-cores)4--
Clock Speed3.6 GHz3.2 GHz
Turbo Clock5.0 GHz4.6 GHz
P-core Clock3.6 GHz--
P-core Turbo Clock5.0 GHz--
E-core Clock Speed2.7 GHz--
E-core Turbo Clock3.8 GHz--
Base Clock100 MHz100 MHz
Multiplier36.0x32.0x
Multiplier UnlockedYesNo

Cache

CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.

SpecCore i7-12700KCore i7-8700
L1 Cache80 KB64 KB
L2 Cache1.25 MB256 KB
L3 Cache25 MB12 MB

Compatibility & Power Consumption

Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.

SpecCore i7-12700KCore i7-8700
SocketIntel Socket 1700Intel Socket 1151
PCI ExpressPCIe 4.0 x20PCIe 3.0 x16
Thermal Design Power (TDP)125 W65 W
Power Limit 1 (PL1)190 W--
Power Limit 2 (PL2)190 W--
Tcase Max72 °C72 °C
TJ Max100 °C--

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.

SpecCore i7-12700KCore i7-8700
Bundled Cooler--E97379-001
Integrated GraphicsUHD Graphics 770UHD Graphics 630
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, SHA, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, CLMUL, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, ABM, ADX, RdRand, TBT 2.0, TBT 3.0MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, CLMUL, FMA3, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, Boost 2.0

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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.