Next-gen
Intel Core i7-12700K
Pros
- Far more powerful
- Supports DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0
- Newer 10nm process
- Power and efficient hybrid core design
- 125W TDP
Cons
- More expensive
- Requires Z690 motherboard
Intel finally moved from 14nm to 10nm for its manufacturing process and the results are clear. This new hybrid core approach has allowed Intel to strike back against AMD's Ryzen processors and the Core i7-12700K is one amazing CPU.
Classic
Intel Core i7-11700K
Pros
- Works with older Z590 motherboards
- Can be found heavily discounted
- Still a decent mid-range CPU
- 125W TDP
- Can be found discounted
Cons
- No DDR5 or PCIe 5.0 support
- Older 14nm process
We weren't terribly impressed by Intel with its 11th generation of Core processors. They were great CPUs but were let down by the company sticking to 14nm and lagging behind AMD in tests. If you're not comparing processors, the Core i7-11700K is great on paper.
The newer Intel Core i7-12700K brings with it a whole host of changes. For the first time, we're seeing a hybrid core design with Alder Lake desktop-class processors. This CPU is one of the best CPUs for gaming and serious workloads, but one shouldn't overlook the older Core i7-11700K, especially if you're on a tighter budget and are seeking a good deal.
Intel Core i7-12700K vs. i5-11700K: Specs
| Category | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core i7-11700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores/threads | 12/16 | 8/16 |
| Base frequency | P: 3.6GHz E: 2.7GHz |
3.6GHz |
| Boost | P: 4.9GHz E: 3.8GHz |
4.9GHz |
| Turbo Boost Max 3.0 | 5GHz | 5GHz |
| Memory | DDR4-3200/DDR5-4800 Up to 128GB |
DDR4-3200 Up to 128GB |
| L3 cache | 25MB | 16MB |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 750 |
| PCIe | PCIe Gen 5.0 x 20 | PCIe Gen 4.0 x 20 |
| TDP | 125W | 125W |
| Manufacturing node | 10nm | 14nm |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1200 |
| MSRP | $419 | $399 |
Intel Alder Lake is a huge upgrade
With Alder Lake, Intel finally managed to ditch its 14nm manufacturing process that was used for previous generation processors. The new 10nm (Intel 7) process allows for better performance and efficiency, but Intel didn't just stop there. 12th Gen Intel processors are also the first desktop-class CPUs to sport a new hybrid core design.
It follows the same "big.LITTLE" hybrid design principle we've seen with ARM chips like the M1 from Apple. Instead of having 12 powerful cores that all ramp up clock speeds when under load, Intel installed eight performance cores onto the Core i7-12700K with Hyperthreading, as well as four efficiency cores.
This mix of high-performance Golden Cove and more power-efficient Gracemont cores brings together very power-efficient single-threaded cores that handle low-priority tasks with more traditional PC-grade multi-thread, high-performance cores that can handle everything else.
You can think of the Golden Cove cores handling all the main tasks like important processes, games, in-use apps, and other tasks while other, lower-priority apps and tasks get pushed off onto the Gracemont cores, freeing up resources. The end result is a core and thread configuration that seems a little out of place in 2021 (12 cores and 16 threads).
Compared to the older Core i7-11700K, we're looking at a four-core improvement with the same number of threads. Intel has managed to throw on the four efficient cores, as well as improve the performance of the high-power cores to create a processor that would decimate its predecessor in benchmarks.
The clock speeds between the two are exactly the same, starting at 3.6GHz and boosting to 4.9GHZ and 5GHz with Turbo Boost Max 3.0. The Core i7-12700K does have a slight advantage here as its four efficient cores run at 2.7GHz and can boost to 3.8GHz, allowing the full eight performance cores to be freed up and dedicated to gaming and other tasks.
There's also full support for DDR5 RAM (we rounded up the best RAM for 12th Gen Intel CPUs) and PCIe 5.0, both of which bring notable improvements to bandwidth and speeds. Finally, the cache has been bumped from 16MB to 25MB and the integrated graphics have been upgraded from the UHD Graphics 750 to the newer Intel UHD Graphics 770.
12th Gen offers impressive performance gains
Even compared to 11th Gen processors, we're seeing considerable gains with 12th Gen Intel CPUs. Even the new Core i5-12600K can beat the outgoing Core i9-11900K in some benchmarks. That's how much of a performance boost we're seeing with Alder Lake. The Core i7-12700K is the CPU to pick if your budget can cover the processor and Z690 motherboard.
12th Gen
Intel Core i7-12700K
Latest and greatest
If all you want is the latest and greatest from Intel, look no further than the Core i7-12700K. It has 12 cores and 16 threads, resulting in some impressive performance. This is the better option for new PC builds.
You can find the Core i7-11700K at a discount
Like all previous generation products, you'll be able to find the Core i7-11700K at a discount. Right now we're seeing the CPU listed at retailers for around $350, which is a full $100 more affordable than current Core i7-12700K listings. If you're sticking to DDR4 RAM and already own a motherboard, you can save some serious money here.
11th Gen
Intel Core i7-11700K
Classic value
The Core i7-11700K has eight cores and 16 threads, making it one powerful CPU. If you're wanting to build a gaming rig on a budget or have an existing motherboard you wish to continue using, this is the better buy.
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