Intel Core i7-12700K vs AMD Ryzen 7 7700X: Which is the best mid-range processor?
The Intel Core i7-12700K and AMD Ryzen 7 7700X are great desktop processors. Both are leading performers but come from slightly older generations, which makes it fair to compare them. They're also affordable choices compared to more powerful chips, making them super popular in the mid-range category.
If you're looking to buy a processor for your new setup, you might be confused between the two as they are so closely matched. To help you make an informed decision, we have put together a thorough comparison comparing features like specs, features, performance, and much more.
Note: Some parts of this article are subjective and solely reflect the opinions of the writer
Intel Core i7-12700K vs AMD Ryzen 7 7700X: Specifications
The Intel Core i7-12700K and the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X are super capable CPUs. They can support higher-powered graphics cards from the RTX 40 series with great ease. The Core i7-12700K is based on 12 cores and 20 threads, while the Ryzen 7 7700X is an eight-core CPU with 16 threads.
However, the Ryzen 7 chip is also 400MHz faster than the Core i7 one when it comes to boost clock speed, making it much faster and more efficient.
Here are the detailed specifications of the two processors:
The Ryzen 7 7700X also has a higher cache memory, making it easier to fetch data. Moreover, it consumes a little power compared to Intel’s chipset. All these features really show on the benchmark performance and the game framerates, as we will see in the section below.
Intel Core i7-12700K vs AMD Ryzen 7 7700X: Performance
Both the Core i7-12700K and the Ryzen 7 7700X are really good performers. However, the higher clock speed on the AMD offering gives it a much better number on both single- and multi-core tasks, like video rendering, gaming, and even web development.
However, as you can see, the Intel Core i7-12700K still performs well and even slightly better than the Ryzen 7 processor in the Cinebench R23 benchmark.
I'd suggest you go for the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU though, as it is undoubtedly the better performer.
Gaming performance
Both the processors are extremely capable at multi-core tasks, meaning they serve as solid options for gaming provided you have a good enough GPU, typically an RTX graphics processor to further improve your gameplay.
If we're talking stock or integrated GPU, the Intel Core i7-12700K features the Intel UHD 770 graphics processor, while the Ryzen 7 7700X features the AMD Radeon graphics, which is slightly better than the latter due to its higher game frequency.
The following framerates have been sourced from the Testing Games YouTube channel and have been tested on laptops featuring the RTX 3090 Ti graphics processor.
This comparison is the perfect example of why you shouldn't blindly go for a CPU based on its on-paper specs. As you saw in both tests above, the Ryzen 7 produces much higher numbers even though it features a lower number of cores and threads. The Core i7-12700K isn't that bad though, as it still produces very playable framerates.
Check out: 5 best GPUs for gaming (2024)
Intel Core i7-12700K vs AMD Ryzen 7 7700X: Which has greater value for money?
Speaking of value for money, the Intel Core i7-12700K costs $232.99 compared to the $257.89 of the Ryzen 7 7700X. Thus, the AMD offering is a tad bit pricier. However, considering the features and the performance it provides, I’d say it’s worth the extra $25 you’re paying.
Intel Core i7-12700K vs AMD Ryzen 7 7700X: Final Verdict
Based on the comparison that we’ve done, we can say that the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X is the better processor due to its greater number of features and better performance overall. It does have a slightly higher cost, but it provides better computation and gaming capabilities.
However, if you feel the Ryzen 7 processor is too expensive for you, you can always opt for the Core i7-12700K as it is still a solid processor.
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