21score
#84 of 555
Overall rank
Core i7-12700K
12 cores · 20 threads · up to 5.0 GHz on FCLGA1700.
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Cores
12
Threads
20
Boost
5.0 GHz
L3 cache
1 MB
TDP
125W
Socket
FCLGA1700
Performance breakdown
Gaming21
Productivity20
Single-core22
Multi-core50
Power efficiency18
Lab scores
Performance score21
Cores12
Threads20
Boost clock (GHz)5.0 GHz
Estimated gaming FPS
Paired with a high-end GPU. CPU impact is largest at 1080p.
1080p46 fps
1440p37 fps
4K25 fps
Full specifications
Processor & cores
- Architecture
- Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont
- Process node
- 10 nm
- Socket
- FCLGA1700
- Release year
- 2021
- Total cores
- 12
- Threads
- 20
- Integrated graphics
- Intel UHD Graphics 770
Clocks & cache
- Base clock
- 3.6 GHz
- Boost clock
- 5.0 GHz
- Multiplier
- 36 (unlocked)
- L1 cache
- 384 KB
- L2 cache
- 2 MB
- L3 cache
- 1 MB
Memory & platform
- Memory support
- DDR4
- Max capacity
- 128 GB
- Channels
- 2
- Max bandwidth
- 76.805 GB/s
- Base power (TDP)
- 125W
- Max temperature
- 100°C
- PCIe
- PCIe 5.0 and 4.0
- Launch price
- $409
Technologies
- Instruction sets
- SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2
- Extensions
- AES-NI, AVX, VT-x, VT-d, Turbo Boost Max 3.0, TXT
Community Feedback
What Owners Say
Owners love the massive speed boost for gaming and multitasking. The usual gripe is it runs hot and needs a pricey cooler to stay quiet.
Pros
- Fast for gaming and daily tasks
- Runs cool with a decent cooler
- Handles heavy multitasking without stutter
- Great value for a previous-gen chip
Cons
- Heats up quickly under load
- Needs a beefy cooler
- Power draw is just too high
Verdict
Our verdict on the Core i7-12700K
The Core i7-12700K is a hybrid desktop CPU that mixes fast performance cores with efficient small cores for strong multi-tasking.
Get it if you want strong all-around performance for gaming and multitasking without paying a premium for the newest generation. Skip it if you’re building a brand-new PC and can get a newer, more efficient chip for the same money.
Buy it if…
- You want top-tier gaming without jumping to the newest platform.
- You edit video and need fast export times on a budget.
- You run heavy multi-tasking and value strong single-core speed.
Leaderboard
Its place in the overall top
4.1
229 votes
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