Core i7-12700

Core i7-12700 Specifications

The Core i7-12700 is built on the Alder Lake architecture and manufactured using the 10 nm process. It is compatible with the LGA 1700 socket and supports DDR4 / DDR5 memory with speeds of up to 4800 MT/s. This processor features 8 performance cores operating at a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz , along with 4 efficiency cores running at a base clock of 1.60 GHz and boosting up to 3.60 GHz , and includes 20 threads. It also comes equipped with 12 MB of L2 cache and 25 MB of L3 cache.

This CPU has a high base TDP of 65 W and a maximum TDP of 180 W. A high-quality air cooler is necessary, while liquid cooling is recommended for optimal thermal management. Good airflow and a reliable power supply are also advised for maintaining system stability.

For users who require integrated graphics, this CPU includes the UHD Graphics 770, which features 32 GPU cores. It operates at a base clock of 0.30 GHz and boosts up to 1.50 GHz. This makes it suitable for systems without a dedicated GPU, capable of handling everyday tasks and running older or less demanding games. Integrated graphics can also accelerate specific workloads even when a discrete GPU is installed.

Core i7-12700 Application Performance and Gaming Benchmark Analysis

Core i7-12700 is a mid-range CPU, achieving a relative application performance score of 45.02% of the best possible desktop CPU performance. This CPU is ideal for daily computing, productivity tasks, and multitasking. While it can handle professional applications like 3D rendering and video editing, it may exhibit slower execution and reduced responsiveness under heavy workloads.

Core i7-12700 delivers a balanced application performance-per-price ratio of 63.1%. It provides good value for users looking for a practical balance between cost and performance.

Core i7-12700 is a mid-range gaming CPU, achieving a relative gaming performance score at 1080p resolution of 73.59% of the best possible desktop CPU gaming performance. This CPU provides solid mid-level gaming performance and is best paired with corresponding mid-range graphics cards. Note that CPU-related performance limitations decrease as GPU performance lowers—particularly at higher resolutions—since the GPU becomes the bottleneck.

The gaming performance-per-price ratio of Core i7-12700 is 56.9%. This places it in the mid-value category, making it suitable for average gaming builds aiming to strike a good balance between performance and cost.