Core i7-12700vsRyzen Threadripper 9980X
The Core i7-12700 is a sensible mid-range desktop chip for gamers and everyday users, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is a workstation monster built for professionals who need extreme multi-core power.
Core i7-12700
Alder Lake-S · Intel 7 nm · 2022
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Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
Shimada Peak · 4 nm · 2025
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Overall Performance Score
A unified score from combined synthetic and real-world benchmarks. 100 represents the fastest desktop CPU available.
Side-by-Side Specs
Every detail compared. Highlighted cells indicate the leading value for that metric.
Which should you buy?
The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X wins overall for its vastly higher core count and performance in demanding workloads.
For budget/value buyers, the Core i7-12700 is the smarter pick with lower power draw and more than enough speed for everyday tasks.
The Core i7-12700 is the right choice for a general-purpose home or office PC where extreme multi-core power is unnecessary.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i7-12700 better than the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X?
Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (86 vs 18 out of 100), so it leads the Core i7-12700 in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X than the Core i7-12700?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is roughly 378% faster than the Core i7-12700 overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Core i7-12700 or the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X. If the Core i7-12700 is meaningfully cheaper where you shop, it can be the better value for similar real-world results — check current prices and the full spec comparison above before deciding.