Intel Core i7-12700KF vs AMD Ryzen 3 3300X

The Intel Core i7-12700KF is a 12-core (20-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q4 2021 with a suggested retail price of $384. It is part of Intel's Core i7 lineup, which is based on the Alder Lake-S microarchitecture. The i7-12700KF is compatible with Intel Socket 1700 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 10 nm manufacturing process.

Memory and Cache

The Core i7-12700KF 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 i7-12700KF 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 i7-12700KF 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 i7-12700KF does not include an integrated graphics solution. A dedicated graphics card will be required if you require a monitor with your computer.

The AMD Ryzen 3 3300X is a 4-core (8-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q2 2020 with a suggested retail price of $120. It is part of AMD's Ryzen 3 lineup, which is based on the Zen 2 microarchitecture. The 3300X is compatible with AMD Socket AM4 motherboards and is fabricated on TSMC's 7 nm manufacturing process.

Memory and Cache

The Ryzen 3 3300X supports DDR4 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Ryzen 3 3300X 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 512 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 16 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Ryzen 3 3300X features 4 total cores which can process 8 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.8 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.3 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 Ryzen 3 3300X does not include an integrated graphics solution. A dedicated graphics card will be required if you require a monitor with your computer.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Ryzen 3 3300X has the 176th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 35.01% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 12,952 score and $120 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 107.93. This is the 4th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.