Intel Core i9-9900K vs Intel Core i7-12700

VS
Performance
Core i9-9900K
17,26447% of 36,991
Core i7-1270057% better
27,02273% of 36,991

The Core i7-12700 has 57% better performance than the Core i9-9900K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Performance per dollar
Core i9-9900K
35.3829% of 121.53
Core i7-12700119% better
77.4364% of 121.53

The Core i7-12700 has 119% better value for the money than the Core i9-9900K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

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Summary

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About the Intel Core i9-9900K CPU

The Intel Core i9-9900K is an end-of-life 8-core (16-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q4 2018 with a suggested retail price of $488. It is part of Intel's Core i9 lineup, which is based on the Coffee Lake Refresh microarchitecture. The i9-9900K 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 i9-9900K supports DDR4 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i9-9900K 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 16 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i9-9900K features 8 total cores which can process 16 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 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 i9-9900K 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 i9-9900K has the 104th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 46.67% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 17,264 score and $488 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 35.38. This is the 99th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

About the Intel Core i7-12700 CPU

The Intel Core i7-12700 is a 12-core (20-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q1 2022 with a suggested retail price of $349. It is part of Intel's Core i7 lineup, which is based on the Alder Lake-S microarchitecture. The i7-12700 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 and is bundled with a Laminar RM1 cooler.

Memory and Cache

The Core i7-12700 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 i7-12700 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 i7-12700 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 2.1 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 locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i7-12700 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 i7-12700 has the 16th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 73.05% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 27,022 score and $349 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 77.43. This is the 17th 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 i9-9900KCore i7-12700
ManufacturerIntelIntel
SeriesCore i9Core i7
Market SegmentDesktopDesktop
Release DateQ4 2018Q1 2022
Launch Price (MSRP)$488$349
Production StatusEnd-of-lifeActive
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Core i9-9900K
17,26447% of 36,991
Core i7-1270057% better
27,02273% of 36,991

The Core i7-12700 has 57% better performance than the Core i9-9900K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i9-9900K is ranked 104th with a score of 17,264, and the Core i7-12700 is ranked 16th with a score of 27,022.

Performance per dollar
Core i9-9900K
35.3829% of 121.53
Core i7-12700119% better
77.4364% of 121.53

The Core i7-12700 has 119% better value for the money than the Core i9-9900K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i9-9900K is ranked 99th with a performance per dollar of 35.38, and the Core i7-12700 is ranked 17th with a performance per dollar of 77.43.

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 i9-9900K or
CPUBenchmark Performance
Ryzen 9 7900X27,731+61%
Ryzen 7 5800X3D27,236+58%
Core i7-1270027,022+57%
Core i7-1370026,874+56%
Ryzen 9 790026,325+52%
Core i9-11900KB17,803+3%
Core i7-11700K17,324+0%
Core i9-9900K17,264
Ryzen 9 390016,803-3%
Ryzen 5 5600G16,538-4%

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 i9-9900K or
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Core i7-14700K79.06+123%
Ryzen 7 7700X78.86+123%
Core i7-1270077.43+119%
Core i7-13700K76.32+116%
Ryzen 7 7800X3D73.38+107%
Ryzen 9 3900X37.94+7%
Core i9-9900KS36.44+3%
Core i9-9900K35.38
Ryzen 9 390033.67-5%
Core i9-11900KB33.03-7%

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 i9-9900KCore i7-12700
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
17,264
27,022
(+56.52%)
3DMark Time Spy CPU
10,593
16,400
(+54.82%)
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
1,979
3,151
(+59.22%)
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
212
272
(+28.3%)
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
8,028
11,216
(+39.71%)
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
1,700
2,388
(+40.47%)
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
18,297
30,791
(+68.28%)
CPU Mark Single-Thread
2,931
3,913
(+33.5%)
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

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Manufacturing Details

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

SpecCore i9-9900KCore i7-12700
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 i9-9900KCore i7-12700
SeriesCore i9Core i7
MicroarchitectureCoffee Lake RefreshAlder Lake-S
CodenameCoffee Lake-RAlder 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 i9-9900KCore i7-12700
Cores812
Threads1620
Performance Cores (P-cores)--8
Efficient Cores (E-cores)--4
Clock Speed3.6 GHz2.1 GHz
Turbo Clock5.0 GHz4.9 GHz
P-core Clock--2.1 GHz
P-core Turbo Clock--4.9 GHz
E-core Clock Speed--1600.0 MHz
E-core Turbo Clock--3.6 GHz
Base Clock100 MHz100 MHz
Multiplier36.0x21.0x
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 i9-9900KCore i7-12700
L1 Cache64 KB80 KB
L2 Cache256 KB1.25 MB
L3 Cache16 MB25 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 i9-9900KCore i7-12700
SocketIntel Socket 1151Intel Socket 1700
PCI ExpressPCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 x4
Thermal Design Power (TDP)95 W65 W
Power Limit 1 (PL1)95 W65 W
Power Limit 2 (PL2)119 W180 W
Tcase Max72 °C--
TJ Max100 °C100 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

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

SpecCore i9-9900KCore i7-12700
Bundled Cooler--Laminar RM1
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, HTT, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, CLMUL, FMA3, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, vPro, Boost 2.0MMX, 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 3.0

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