OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i7-12700 review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260PassMark multi-core score:29951N. of physical cores:12CPU boost clock speed:4.9 GHzCPU socket:LGA1700TDP (Thermal design power):65 W

Intel Core i7-12700 Review: Compare 74 technical specifications, 10 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i7-12700
7.9/10

Overall score

Score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

40%

8.0

Technical score

25%

8.3

Reviews score

25%

8.0

List score

10%

7.0

Sentiment score

★Better than 93% of processors
8.3

Value for money

Value for money
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

★Better than 95%
8.0

Technical score

Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 86% of models
Score components

60%

8.2

Performance

18%

7.7

Architecture

10%

8.0

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.9

Power & Thermal

4%

8.3

Platform

1%

8.0

Integrated graphics

▲Better than 86%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 86% of models

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

8.7

Popularity

Grades by review (10)
5 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 86%
8.0

List score

List score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (1)
List score: in 1 of 87 lists (1%)
▲Better than 89%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i7-12700

Based on 4 · 6

Reviewers like how it stacks up against rivals and its value, but the bundled cooler and integrated graphics fall short.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i7-12700

Based on 39 owners sharing their experience in online comments

49%positive15%mixed36%negative

Owners praise the strong value and speed, while heat, throttling, and uneven multicore results are the main frustrations.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report the non-K chip runs hot and throttles under load, especially with the stock cooler, and some suggest undervolting or a better cooler.6
  • Owners report multicore scores ranging widely, with some reaching only about 12,000–16,000 points in tests.3
  • Owners say the 12700 is a solid all-rounder but falls short of the 12700K and higher-end chips in top-end performance.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7-12700

Technical score
Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 86% of models
Score components:

60%

8.2

Performance

18%

7.7

Architecture

10%

8.0

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.9

Power & Thermal

4%

8.3

Platform

1%

8.0

Integrated graphics

8.0
Reviews score
8.3
List score
8.0
Value for money
Value for money
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components:

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

8.3
Processor type
desktop
This processor belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 39.5% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA1700
This processor uses the LGA1700 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 84.5% of processors and equal to that of 8.4% of processors.
Chipset
Intel 600 Series, Intel 700 Series
This processor supports Intel 600 Series, Intel 700 Series chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 81.6% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES, VAES, BMI2
This processor supports MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES, VAES, BMI2 instruction sets, which is narrower support than 74% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
12
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 12 CPU cores, which is more than 79.9% of processors and equal to 5.7% of processors.
CPU threads
20
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 20 CPU threads, which is more than 84.3% of processors and equal to 5% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.9 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.9 GHz which is higher than that of 73.7% of processors and equal to that of 4.7% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
8x 2.1 GHz & 4x 1.6 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 8x2.1 GHz & 4x1.6 GHz which is higher than that of 72.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
29,951
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 29,951 in PassMark, which is higher than 85.8% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
10 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 19.5% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 7
This processor is built on the Intel 7 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 64.8% of processors and equal to that of 15.7% of processors.
L3 cache
25 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 25 MB which is larger than that of 86.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
L2 cache
12 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
L1 cache
1,024 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 1,024 KB which is larger than that of 85.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4/DDR5
This processor supports DDR DDR4/DDR5, which is newer than that of 77.1% of processors and equal to that of 10.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
3,200 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 3,200 MHz, which is higher than that of 49.8% of processors and equal to 8.5% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR5-4800 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-4800 MHz, which is higher than that of 62.3% of processors and equal to 6.7% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 59.3% of processors and equal to 22.8% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Intel UHD Graphics 770
Integrated GPU model
Intel UHD Graphics 770
This processor uses the Intel UHD Graphics 770 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 57.8% of processors and equal to that in 4.7% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
32
Market range: <6 – >64
This processor has 32 GPU execution units, which is more than 70.1% of processors and equal to 10.1% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
300 MHz
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57.8% of processors and equal to that of 38.4% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
This processor supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 85.4% of processors and equal to 5.4% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
TDP (Thermal design power)
65 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 68% of processors and equal to that of 17% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
65 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 68.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
180 W
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 180 W which is higher than that of 89.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
28 seconds
Market range: <8 seconds – >28 seconds
This processor has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 4.4% of processors and equal to that of 85.3% of processors.
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i7-12700 vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 2.61x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (29,951 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    29,951 vs 11,469
  • 2.15x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,182 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    11,182 vs 5,209
  • 12 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (20 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    20 vs 8
  • 50.4% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,848 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,848 vs 2,558
  • 6 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    12 vs 6
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 + 4 vs 3).
    5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0
  • 4x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    12 MB vs 3 MB
  • 54.7% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,375 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,375 vs 1,535
  • 23.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 86% of models

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (10)
    5 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 6.7
  • 14% better value for money
    Intel Core i7-12700 has better value for money than the average processor (8.31 vs 7.3).
    8.31 vs 7.29
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1700 vs FP5).
    LGA1700 vs FP5
  • More extensive crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more extensive crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES, VAES, SHA, PCLMULQDQ vs AES, SHA).
    AES, VAES, SHA, PCLMULQDQ vs AES, SHA
  • Supports heterogeneous scheduling
    This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
  • 2.61x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (29,951 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    29,951 vs 11,469
  • 2.15x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,182 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    11,182 vs 5,209
  • 12 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (20 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    20 vs 8
  • 50.4% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,848 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,848 vs 2,558
  • 6 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (12 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    12 vs 6
  • 49.2% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (731 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    731 vs 490
  • 54.7% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,375 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    2,375 vs 1,535
  • 11.4% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.9 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x2.1 GHz & 4x1.6 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    8x2.1 GHz & 4x1.6 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 2 wider front-end design
    This processor has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
    P-core 6, E-core 3
    6 vs 4
  • 2x higher bus transfer rate
    This processor has a higher bus transfer rate than the average processor (16 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
    16 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
  • More advanced Turbo Core
    This processor has a more advanced Turbo Core version than the average processor (3 vs 2).
    Turbo Boost Technology
    3.0 vs 2.0
  • 4x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    12 MB vs 3 MB
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    1.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • Mixed big and small cores
    This processor uses a big.LITTLE design, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors use one.
    P-cores + E-cores
  • 2.67x larger L1 cache
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (1,024 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    1,024 KB vs 384 KB
  • 2.78x larger L3 cache
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (25 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    25 MB vs 9 MB
  • 12.4% more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.1 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    2.08 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • More advanced foundry
    This processor uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
    Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm
  • Newer PCIe version
    This processor supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5 + 4 vs 3).
    5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0
  • Newer DDR support
    This processor supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    20 vs 16
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 63.8% higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    76.8 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • Supports ECC memory
    This processor supports ECC memory, while the average processor does not. 32% of processors support it.
  • 1 more supported displays
    This processor has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
    4 vs 3
  • Includes a cooler
    This processor includes a cooler, while the average processor does not. 26.9% of processors include a cooler.
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.81x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (180 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    180 W vs 64 W
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, Secure Key, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, Secure Key, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES, VAES, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES, VAES, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 44.4% higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    65 W vs 45 W
  • 21.5% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (215 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    215 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 27.4% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (289 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    289.02 vs 398.015
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    65 W vs 45 W
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES, VAES, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES, VAES, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, Secure Key, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, Secure Key, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 27.4% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (289 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    289.02 vs 398.015
  • 7 lower clock multiplier
    This processor has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (21 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    21 vs 28
  • 21.5% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (215 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    215 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.81x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (180 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    180 W vs 64 W
  • 44.4% higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    65 W vs 45 W
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    65 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Ray's Tech
≈ estimated
11/04/2023
Hands-on build · value for budget gaming and creator PCs · integrated graphics test
Verdict
Intel Core i7-12700 is one of the best bang-for-buck CPUs available, and a strong alternative to the Ryzen 5600X.
9.0
Tech Notice
≈ estimated
10/03/2022
Hands-on review · creator benchmarks and value analysis
Verdict
Intel Core i7-12700 is a solid mid-range pick for video and photo editing, especially as an upgrade from a 12600K if you have the budget.
9.0
Boopolo
≈ estimated
21/10/2022
Review · installation and benchmark in a new build
Verdict
Intel Core i7-12700 is a very fast processor, though perhaps not the top choice for gamers.
9.0
Technoholic
≈ estimated
18/07/2022
Unboxing · what's in the box and value overview
Verdict
Intel Core i7-12700 offers the best value if you skip a dedicated graphics card and overclocking.
9.0
Tech Notice
≈ estimated
05/04/2022
Comparison with 12700K · benchmarks and power draw
Verdict
Intel Core i7-12700 is good value for most buyers, since the K only pays off for heavy video rendering.
Not graded
Not graded
Overview video
Not graded
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
techspot.com
✓ explicit
04/01/2022
Lab test · Desktop CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-12700 is a gaming chip that nearly matches the unlocked K model, but it needs a good cooler and raised power limits for full speed.
7.0
arstechnica.com
≈ estimated
10/03/2022
Lab test · Power limit tuning
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-12700 games well at its 65 watt default, but heavy rendering needs higher power limits and a tower cooler.
8.0
channellife.com.au
≈ estimated
14/04/2022
Hands-on test · Desktop CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-12700 runs cooler than the Core i9 with strong performance, but it cannot be overclocked for extra speed.
7.3
pcgameshardware.de
✓ explicit
07/03/2022
Lab test · Efficiency review
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-12700 games nearly as well as the 12700K, but its clocks drop sharply in Blender and Handbrake, and the Core i5-12400 is the better pick for gaming.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7-12700

  • Excellent value for money compared to the i9-12900K, offering nearly identical gaming performance at a lower price
  • Strong multi-threaded and single-core performance suitable for gaming, 3D rendering, and video editing
  • Lower power consumption and heat output compared to 'K' series variants when sticking to default power limits
  • Compatible with both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, allowing for flexible and budget-friendly upgrade paths
  • Can be paired with more affordable B660 or H670 motherboards instead of expensive Z690 models
  • Significant performance leap over previous 10th and 11th generation i7 processors

What customers don't like about Intel Core i7-12700

  • Locked multiplier means the processor lacks official overclocking capabilities
  • Power efficiency is mixed; performance can drop significantly if strict 65W power limits are enforced by the motherboard
  • Stock 'RM1' cooler can be noisy under heavy loads and may struggle during extended workstation tasks like rendering
  • Performance is sensitive to motherboard BIOS settings; some default power limits can lead to lower-than-expected benchmark scores
  • Difficult to justify over the i5-12600K for users who only prioritize gaming and are on a strict budget

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-12700 is a 12th-generation Alder Lake desktop processor featuring a hybrid architecture with 12 cores (8 Performance-cores and 4 Efficient-cores) and 20 threads. Operating on the LGA 1700 socket, it offers a base frequency of 2.1 GHz and can reach a maximum turbo frequency of 4.9 GHz, supported by 25 MB of Intel Smart Cache and a 65W base TDP (up to 180W max turbo power). Key advantages include strong single-threaded and multi-threaded performance that rivals high-end competitors, support for both DDR4 (3200 MT/s) and DDR5 (4800 MT/s) memory, PCIe 5.0 compatibility, and the inclusion of integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770. However, it lacks an unlocked multiplier for traditional overclocking, and its high power draw during turbo modes can lead to significant heat output requiring robust cooling solutions.

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