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Core i7-12700K vs Core i9-12900K: Which is Better?

Nov 2021 Alder Lake vs Nov 2021 Alder Lake

The verdict

Core i9-12900K wins

Core i9-12900K comes out ahead of Core i7-12700K on overall performance, while the rest of the picture is more nuanced. Core i9-12900K runs 20.6% more efficient under the same productivity load than Core i7-12700K. Performance-per-dollar is comparable. For most builders, Core i9-12900K is the more compelling pick across both gaming and productivity workloads.

Dimension-by-dimension

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Specifications

Spec Core i7-12700K Core i9-12900K
Cores 12 16
Threads 20 24
Boost clock 5.0 GHz 5.2 GHz
Base clock 3.6 GHz 3.2 GHz
TDP 125 W 125 W
L2 cache 12 MB 14 MB
L3 cache 25 MB 30 MB
MSRP $409 $589
Process node Intel 7 Intel 7
Socket LGA1700 LGA1700
Memory DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200
Launched Nov 2021 Nov 2021

Benchmarks

BenchmarkCore i7-12700KCore i9-12900K
  • Multi-coreCinebench 2024· Cinebench 2024 nT
    −25.9%
    Core i7-12700K
    1,342
    Core i9-12900K
    1,812
  • Single-coreCinebench 2024· Cinebench 2024 1T
    −5.0%
    Core i7-12700K
    113
    Core i9-12900K
    119
  • Multi-coreGeekbench 6
    −17.8%
    Core i7-12700K
    15,012
    Core i9-12900K
    18,256
  • Single-coreGeekbench 6
    −5.3%
    Core i7-12700K
    2,598
    Core i9-12900K
    2,742

Bars are normalized to the highest score in our catalog for each metric. Hover any row for the source attribution.

Price analysis

Core i7-12700K MSRP
$409
Difference
−$180

Core i9-12900K costs more.

Core i9-12900K MSRP
$589

Frequently asked

Is the Core i7-12700K better than the Core i9-12900K?
Core i9-12900K comes out ahead in our weighted scoring under default priorities (50% gaming, 50% productivity, 25% value, 25% efficiency). Use the comparison tool to weight by your own workload mix.
Which is better for gaming, the Core i7-12700K or the Core i9-12900K?
Core i9-12900K leads in gaming workloads by 5.1% over Core i7-12700K.
Which is faster for productivity, the Core i7-12700K or the Core i9-12900K?
Core i9-12900K is 20.6% faster than Core i7-12700K in multi-core productivity workloads.
What is the price difference between the Core i7-12700K and the Core i9-12900K?
The Core i9-12900K launched at $589, $180 more than the Core i7-12700K at $409.

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