Intel i9-12th gen vs Intel i7 12th gen processor comparison

Intel’s i9 and i7 12th generation processors are some of the fastest processors around for desktop computers. The i7 12th generation processors are almost 40-50% cheaper than the i9 12th generation processors. Given this background, what are the key differences between the i9 and i7 core processors from the Intel family? We discuss the details of the i9 and i7 12th generation processors below.

Desktop Processors – i9 12th generation

i9 12th generation processors contain a total of 12 processors. 6 of these processors are for the desktops, 4 are for the mobile segment and 2 are in the embedded category. For the purpose of our study, we will focus our attention on the desktop processors.

The following i9 12th generation processors are for the desktop category of processors:

i9 12th generation processors with integrated graphics (for desktops):

i9-12900K
i9-12900
i9-12900T
I9-12900ks

i9 12th generation processors without integrated graphics (for desktops):

i9-12900KF
i9-12900F

These 6 processors can be used to build your own PC.

Desktop Processors – i7 12th generation

On a similar note, the following processors are from the 12th generation of the Intel i7 core family:

Intel i7 12th generation processors with integrated graphics:

i7-12700
i7-12700K
i7-12700T

Intel i7 12th generation processors without integrated graphics:

i7-12700KF
i7-12700F

Processor Specifications – i9 vs i7 12th generation (for desktops)

i9 12th generation processors are the most advanced Intel processors available in the town. We look at the processor specifications of the i9 12th generation. And, we also look at the differences between i9 12th generation and i7 12th generation processors. For the purpose of our study, the focus remains on processors that can be used to build a custom PC. In other words, we are comparing Intel desktop processors from the 12 generations of the i9 and i7 series.

i9 12th generation processors come with 16 cores. 8 are performance cores and 8 are efficient cores.
i7 12th generation processors come with 12 cores. 8 are performance cores and 4 are efficient cores.
The efficient cores of the i7 12th generation processors have a base frequency that lies between 1 GHz to 2.70 GHz.
The efficient cores of the i7 12th generation have a Max Turbo Frequency that lies between 3.40 GHz to 3.80 GHz.
The efficient cores of the i9 12th generation processors have a base frequency that lies between 1 GHz to 2.50 GHz.
The efficient cores of the i9 12th generation processors have a Max Turbo frequency that lies between 3.60 GHz to 4 GHz.
The performance cores of the i7 12th generation have a base frequency range that lies between 1.40 GHz to 3.60 GHz.
The performance cores of the i7 12th generation have a Max Turbo frequency range that lies between 4.60 GHz to 4.90 GHz.
The performance cores of the i9 12th generation have a base frequency range that lies between 1.40 GHz to 3.40 GHz.
The performance cores of the i9 12th generation have a Max Turbo frequency range that lies between 4.80 GHz to 5.20 GHz.

The essential difference between the i7 12th generation and the i9 12th generation must be seen in terms of the higher number of performance cores and a higher frequency of the performance cores. This provides a turbo boost performance on the i9 12th generation processors. For gamers, the difference in performance would reflect on the screen.

Multi-threading – i9 vs i7 12th generation

i9 12th generation and i7 12th generation processors come with multi-threading support. The subtle difference lies in the number of threads that can participate in simultaneous processing of tasks.

i9 12th generation desktop processors have 24 threads for multi-threading support and processing.
i7 12th generation desktop processors have 20 threads for multi-threading support and processing.

The incremental 4 threads on the i9 12th generation would improve multi-processing performance. This is one of the contributory reasons for improved performance of the i9 12th generation processors of the core family of Intel processors.

Cache Size – i9 12th generation vs i7 12th generation processors

Processors make use of the L1, L2 and L3 cache for improving the speed of processing.

i9 12th generation processors have a processor cache of 30 MB.
i7 12th generation processors have a processor cache of 25 MB.
i9 12th generation processors have an L2 cache of 14 MB.
i7 12th generation processors have an L2 cache of 12 MB.

Incremental cache on i9 12th generation processors adds to performance of the systems and leads to accelerated processing. This is one of the significant features for the i9 12th generation processors.

Summary of differences – i9 12th generation vs i7 12th generation

Higher number of cores on i9 12th generation (16) vs i7 12th generation (12)
Higher number of threads on i9 12th generation (24) vs i7 12th generation (20)
Higher size of cache on i9 12th generation (30 MB) vs i7 12th generation (25 MB)

Similarities – i9 12th generations vs i7 12th generation

It makes a lot of sense to evaluate all the similarities that exist between i9 12th gen and i7 12th gen processors. These similarities would help you in taking a firm decision about your next processor.

i9 and i7 12 generation processors use the same socket FCLGA1700. The socket can support 1700 pin processor.
i9 and i7 12th generation processors have the same size. Both processors have a size of 45.0 mm x 37.5 mm.
i9 and i7 12th generation processors can support 2 memory banks. Both processors can support a maximum RAM capacity of 128 GB.
i9 and i7 12th generation processors can support DDR4 – 3200 MHz and DDR5 – 4800 MHz RAM.
i9 and i7 12th generation processors can achieve a maximum data throughput of 76.8 GBps.
i9 and i7 12th generation processors (with integrated display) can support ECC RAM.
i9 and i7 12th generation processors (with integrated display) come with integrated graphics based on the Intel UHD 770 display technology.
i9 and i7 12th generation processors (with integrated display) can achieve a maximum resolution of 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz. Both these processors support 32 execution units for processing graphics.
i9 and i7 12th generation processors (with integrated graphics) can support up to 4 display monitors.
i9 and i7 12th generation processors can support PCIe 5 and PCIe 4 standards. PCIe 5 can achieve data transfer rates of 32 Gigatransfers per second. PCIe 4 can attain 16 Gigatransfers per second.
i9 and i7 12th generation processors come with 20 PCI lanes.

Do notice all the similarities between the i9 12th generation processors and the i7 12th generation processors. The core features and abilities between i9 12th gen and i7 12th gen processors converge and are similar. The basic difference in processor architecture easily adds 20% to the CPU benchmark scores of the i9 12th generation processors. Beyond that, you may not have any major performance gains in moving from an i7 12th gen to i9 12th gen processors.

The cost of an i7 12th generation processor is almost 40% lower than the cost of an i9 12th generation processor. This could, possibly, help you in picking the right Intel processor for your requirements.

Summary

Intel i9 12th generation processors are similar to i7 12th generation processors in more ways than one. There are basic differences in the core architecture of the processors. This causes incremental performance gain on the i9 12th generation processors. The performance gains come at an incremental cost.

At the end of the day, i9 12th generation is a fast processor. If you have the budget, go for it. Else, i7 12th generation processor will not disappoint you in terms of performance and reliability of the processor.

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Rajesh Dhawan

Rajesh Dhawan is a technology professional who loves to blog about smart wearables, Cloud computing and Microsoft technologies. He loves to break complex problems into manageable chunks of meaningful information.