Intel Core i7-9700K vs Intel Core i9-12900

VS
Performance
Core i7-9700K
14,65740% of 36,991
Core i9-1290066% better
24,31466% of 36,991

The Core i9-12900 has 66% better performance than the Core i7-9700K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Performance per dollar
Core i7-9700K
38.0731% of 121.53
Core i9-1290023% better
46.8539% of 121.53

The Core i9-12900 has 23% better value for the money than the Core i7-9700K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Shop Core i7-9700K
Shop Core i9-12900
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Summary

#

About the Intel Core i7-9700K CPU

The Intel Core i7-9700K is an end-of-life 8-core (8-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q4 2018 with a suggested retail price of $385. It is part of Intel's Core i7 lineup, which is based on the Coffee Lake Refresh microarchitecture. The i7-9700K 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.

Memory and Cache

The Core i7-9700K supports DDR4 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-9700K 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 i7-9700K features 8 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 3.6 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.9 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 i7-9700K 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 i7-9700K has the 146th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 39.62% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 14,657 score and $385 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 38.07. This is the 85th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

About the Intel Core i9-12900 CPU

The Intel Core i9-12900 is a 16-core (24-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q1 2022 with a suggested retail price of $519. It is part of Intel's Core i9 lineup, which is based on the Alder Lake-S microarchitecture. The i9-12900 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 i9-12900 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 i9-12900 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 30 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i9-12900 features 16 total cores which can process 24 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The 16 cores consist of 8 P-Cores and 8 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 2.4 GHz, and it can boost up to 5.1 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 i9-12900 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 i9-12900 has the 29th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 65.73% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 24,314 score and $519 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 46.85. This is the 56th 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 i7-9700KCore i9-12900
ManufacturerIntelIntel
SeriesCore i7Core i9
Market SegmentDesktopDesktop
Release DateQ4 2018Q1 2022
Launch Price (MSRP)$385$519
Production StatusEnd-of-lifeActive
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Core i7-9700K
14,65740% of 36,991
Core i9-1290066% better
24,31466% of 36,991

The Core i9-12900 has 66% better performance than the Core i7-9700K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i7-9700K is ranked 146th with a score of 14,657, and the Core i9-12900 is ranked 29th with a score of 24,314.

Performance per dollar
Core i7-9700K
38.0731% of 121.53
Core i9-1290023% better
46.8539% of 121.53

The Core i9-12900 has 23% better value for the money than the Core i7-9700K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i7-9700K is ranked 85th with a performance per dollar of 38.07, and the Core i9-12900 is ranked 56th with a performance per dollar of 46.85.

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 i7-9700K or
CPUBenchmark Performance
Core i5-12600K25,017+71%
Core i7-12700K24,947+70%
Core i9-1290024,314+66%
Ryzen 5 760023,854+63%
Core i5-13400F23,820+63%
Ryzen 7 2700X15,098+3%
Core i7-8700K14,766+1%
Core i7-9700K14,657
Ryzen 7 270013,959-5%
Core i7-970013,939-5%

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 i7-9700K or
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Ryzen 9 7900X50.51+33%
Ryzen 9 7950X50.42+32%
Core i9-1290046.85+23%
Core i9-12900K43.78+15%
Core i5-11400T40.21+6%
Core i9-10900K40.1+5%
Ryzen 7 170038.67+2%
Core i7-9700K38.07
Ryzen 9 3900X37.94-0%
Core i9-9900KS36.44-4%

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 i7-9700KCore i9-12900
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
14,657
24,314
(+65.89%)
3DMark Time Spy CPU
7,875
15,095
(+91.68%)
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
1,449
3,299
(+127.67%)
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
205.5
262
(+27.49%)
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
7,210
13,356
(+85.24%)
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
1,697
2,537
(+49.5%)
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
14,463
34,297
(+137.14%)
CPU Mark Single-Thread
2,876
4,048
(+40.75%)
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

#

Manufacturing Details

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

SpecCore i7-9700KCore i9-12900
ManufacturerIntelIntel
FoundryIntelIntel
Process Size14 nm10 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 i7-9700KCore i9-12900
SeriesCore i7Core i9
MicroarchitectureCoffee Lake RefreshAlder Lake-S
CodenameCoffee LakeAlder Lake-S
Memory SupportDDR4DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800
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 i7-9700KCore i9-12900
Cores816
Threads824
Performance Cores (P-cores)--8
Efficient Cores (E-cores)--8
Clock Speed3.6 GHz2.4 GHz
Turbo Clock4.9 GHz5.1 GHz
P-core Clock--2.4 GHz
P-core Turbo Clock--5.1 GHz
E-core Clock Speed--1800.0 MHz
E-core Turbo Clock--3.8 GHz
Base Clock100 MHz100 MHz
Multiplier36.0x24.0x
Multiplier UnlockedYesYes

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 i7-9700KCore i9-12900
L1 Cache64 KB80 KB
L2 Cache256 KB1.25 MB
L3 Cache12 MB30 MB
E-core L1 Cache--96 KB
E-core L2 Cache--2 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 i7-9700KCore i9-12900
SocketIntel Socket 1151Intel Socket 1700
PCI ExpressPCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 5.0 x20
Thermal Design Power (TDP)95 W65 W
Power Limit 1 (PL1)--65 W
Power Limit 2 (PL2)--202 W
Tcase Max72 °C72 °C
TJ Max100 °C100 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

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

SpecCore i7-9700KCore i9-12900
Integrated GraphicsUHD Graphics 630UHD Graphics 770
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, CLMUL, FMA3, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, vPro, Boost 2.0MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, 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 3.0

Check out these comparisons for similar CPUs:

Looking for alternatives? Check out these similar CPUs:

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