Intel Core i7-3970X
Intel Core i9-12900K
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Intel Core i7-3970X vs Intel Core i9-12900K. Specifications, performance, tests

Overall score
star star star star star
Released
Q4/2012
Intel Core i7-3970X
Intel Core i7-3970X
Released
Q4/2021
Overall score
star star star star star
Intel Core i9-12900K
Intel Core i9-12900K

Compare Intel Core i7-3970X VS Intel Core i9-12900K. Which processor delivers superior performance?

In this detailed comparison, we evaluate the specifications and benchmarks of both processors to determine the best choice for your needs. We analyze their core counts, maximum frequencies, and power consumption.

Intel Core i7-3970X boasts a maximum frequency of 3.50 GHz GHz. 6 cores that enhance multitasking capabilities.With a power consumption of 150 W W, it ensures efficient performance.Released in Q4/2012, it incorporates the latest technology for optimal efficiency.

Intel Core i9-12900K features a maximum frequency of 3.70 GHz GHz. 16 cores designed for high-performance tasks.Its power consumption is 125 W W, providing a balance of power and efficiency.Launched in Q4/2021, it is built to handle demanding applications.

Differences

  • Place in the overall ranking

    (based on several benchmarks)

    719 left arrow score

Positions in all rankings

Common positions Intel Core i7-3970X CPU in popular benchmarks, for comparison with other models.

  • Cinebench R15 (Single-Core)
    581 place
  • Cinebench R15 (Multi-Core)
    295 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Single-Core)
    761 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    517 place
  • Geekbench 3, 64bit (Single-Core)
    373 place
  • Geekbench 3, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    181 place
  • Cinebench R11.5, 64bit (Single-Core)
    202 place
  • Cinebench R11.5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    167 place
  • Estimated results for PassMark CPU Mark
    438 place
  • Place in the overall ranking

    (based on several benchmarks)

    58 left arrow score
  • Higher clock speed

    Around 5% better clock speed

    3.70 GHz left arrow 3.50 GHz
  • More number of cores

    About 2.67 times more cores

    16 left arrow 6
  • Higher turbo clock speed

    Around 25 % better overclocked clock speed

    5.30 GHz left arrow 4.00 GHz
  • Performance per watt

    About 0.83 times less performance per watt

    125 W left arrow 150 W

Positions in all rankings

Common positions Intel Core i9-12900K CPU in popular benchmarks, for comparison with other models.

  • Cinebench R23 (Single-Core)
    20 place
  • Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core)
    340 place
  • Cinebench R20 (Single-Core)
    22 place
  • Cinebench R20 (Multi-Core)
    26 place
  • Cinebench R15 (Single-Core)
    20 place
  • Cinebench R15 (Multi-Core)
    20 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Single-Core)
    38 place
  • Geekbench 5, 64bit (Multi-Core)
    66 place
  • iGPU - FP32 Performance (Single-precision GFLOPS)
    426 place
  • Estimated results for PassMark CPU Mark
    57 place
  • CPU-Z Benchmark 17 (Single-Core)
    8 place
  • Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)
    44 place
  • Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)
    25 place

Specifications

Technical data
Intel Core i7-3970X Intel Core i7-3970X
Intel Core i9-12900K Intel Core i9-12900K
CPU family and group

Comprehensive background on the processors being compared, detailing their series, generation, and targeted market segment.

  • Segment
    Desktop / Server left arrow Desktop / Server
  • Family
    Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition left arrow Intel Core i9
  • Generation
    3 left arrow 12
  • CPU group
    Intel Core i 3000X left arrow Intel Core i 12000
  • Predecessor
    -- left arrow Intel Core i9-11900K
CPU Technical specs

Essential parameters including the number of cores, threads, base and turbo frequencies, and cache size. These metrics provide insight into the processor’s speed—higher values generally indicate better performance.

  • Frequency
    3.50 GHz left arrow 3.70 GHz
  • CPU Cores
    6 left arrow 16
  • Turbo (1 Core)
    4.00 GHz left arrow 5.30 GHz
  • CPU Threads
    12 left arrow 24
  • Hyperthreading
    Yes left arrow Yes
  • Overclocking
    Yes left arrow Yes
  • Core architecture
    normal left arrow hybrid (big.LITTLE)
  • A core
    -- left arrow 8x Golden Cove
  • B core
    -- left arrow 8x Gracemont
IGPU

The integrated graphics (iGPU) do not influence the CPU performance significantly; they serve as a substitute for a dedicated graphics card in the absence of one or are utilized in mobile devices.

  • GPU name
    no iGPU left arrow Intel Iris Xe Graphics 32 (Alder Lake S)
  • GPU frequency
    left arrow 0.40 GHz
  • GPU (Turbo)
    No turbo left arrow 1.45 GHz
  • Execution units
    left arrow 32
  • Shader
    left arrow 256
  • Max. GPU Memory
    -- left arrow 16 GB
  • Max. displays
    left arrow 4
  • Generation
    left arrow 12
  • DirectX Version
    left arrow 12
  • Technology
    left arrow 10 nm
  • Release date
    left arrow Q4/2021
Hardware codec support

This section details the built-in codecs used for encoding and decoding media content, which significantly enhance processing speed and efficiency.

  • h265 / HEVC (8 bit)
    No left arrow Decode / Encode
  • h265 / HEVC (10 bit)
    No left arrow Decode / Encode
  • h264
    No left arrow Decode / Encode
  • VP9
    No left arrow Decode / Encode
  • VP8
    No left arrow Decode
  • AV1
    No left arrow Decode
  • AVC
    No left arrow Decode / Encode
  • VC-1
    No left arrow Decode
  • JPEG
    No left arrow Decode / Encode
Memory specs & PCI

Overview of the types and quantities of RAM supported by Intel Core i9-12900K and Intel Core i7-3970X. The supported memory frequencies may vary depending on the motherboard configuration.

  • Memory type
    DDR3-1600 left arrow DDR4-3200DDR5-4800
  • Max. Memory
    left arrow 256 GB
  • ECC
    No left arrow No
  • Memory channels
    4 left arrow 2
  • PCIe version
    left arrow 5.0
  • PCIe lanes
    left arrow 20
Encryption
  • AES-NI
    Yes left arrow Yes
Thermal Management

Analyze the TDP (Thermal Design Power) requirements of Intel Core i7-3970X and Intel Core i9-12900K to make an informed decision on the appropriate cooling system. Remember that TDP refers to thermal watts, not electrical watts.

  • TDP (PL1)
    150 W left arrow 125 W
  • TDP (PL2)
    -- left arrow 228 W / 56 s
  • Tjunction max.
    -- left arrow 100 °C
Technologies and extensions

Information on architecture, interfaces, and additional instructions supported by Intel Core i7-3970X and Intel Core i9-12900K, including virtual machine technologies and fabrication processes.

  • Instruction set (ISA)
    x86-64 (64 bit) left arrow x86-64 (64 bit)
  • Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-x EPT, VT-d (C2 Stepping) left arrow VT-x, VT-x EPT, VT-d
  • ISA extensions
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX left arrow SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, AVX2+
  • L2-Cache
    -- left arrow 3.75 MB
  • L3-Cache
    15.00 MB left arrow 30.00 MB
  • Architecture
    Sandy Bridge E left arrow Alder Lake S
  • Technology
    32 nm left arrow 10 nm
  • Socket
    LGA 2011 left arrow LGA 1700
  • Release date
    Q4/2012 left arrow Q4/2021
  • Part Number
    -- left arrow BX8071512900K

Benchmarks

Performance tests CPUs

By analyzing the results from various benchmarks, you can gain a clearer understanding of the performance differences between Intel Core i7-3970X and Intel Core i9-12900K.

Compare the synthetic benchmark scores and make an informed decision on the best processor for your needs!

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