Intel Core i7-14700K vs Intel Core i9-12900K
The Intel Core i7-14700K is the premium option here, boasting a remarkable 20 cores and a max clock speed of 5.6 GHz. This means it crushes the Intel Core i9-12900K in multi-core tasks with 4 additional E-cores, making it a powerhouse for gaming and content creation. The i9-12900K shines in its flexibility, supporting both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. In real-world use, the i7-14700K's higher power consumption at 253W can lead to thermal issues, requiring robust cooling solutions. If you're looking to save money, the i9-12900K still delivers elite performance for rendering and gaming, but with fewer cores and a slightly lower turbo speed.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Intel Core i7-14700K
Intel Core i9-12900K
Comparison: Intel Core i7-14700K vs Intel Core i9-12900K
Intel Core i7-14700K
Intel Core i9-12900K
| Criterion | Intel Core i7-14700K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(10)Amazon | ★4.5(2,331)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Raptor Lake Refresh (14th Gen Intel Core) | Alder Lake (12th Gen Intel Core) |
Socket Platform | Socket LGA1700 (FCLGA1700) | LGA1700 |
Cores Threads | 20 Cores (8P + 12E) / 28 Threads | 16 Cores (8 Performance + 8 Efficient) / 24 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | P-Core: 3.4 / 5.5 GHz; E-Core: 2.5 / 4.3 GHz; Max Turbo: 5.6 GHz | P-core: 3.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 2.4–3.9 GHz |
Cache L2 L3 | 28 MB L2 + 33 MB L3 (61 MB Total) | 30 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 14 MB L2 (44 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 125 W (Processor Base Power) | 125 W (Processor Base Power) |
Max Turbo Power | 253 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 241 W (Maximum Turbo Power) |
Process Node | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) |
Memory Support | DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200; Dual-Channel; Up to 192 GB; ECC Support: Yes (W680 chipset required) | DDR5-4800 MT/s / DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Up to 128 GB |
Memory Bandwidth Max | 89.6 GB/s (DDR5-5600) | 76.8 GB/s |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 (x16 lanes) + PCIe 4.0 (x4 lanes) | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 20 Total (16 CPU PCIe 5.0 + 4 CPU PCIe 4.0) | 20 (16 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0) |
Igpu | Intel UHD Graphics 770 (32 EUs, 300 – 1600 MHz) | Intel UHD Graphics 770 (32 EUs, 1.55 GHz Dyn Max) |
Instruction Features | Intel 64, AVX2, AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d, SSE4.1/4.2, Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 | SSE4.1/4.2, AVX2, Intel 64, VT-x/VT-d, AES-NI, Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 |
Cooler Included | No (360mm Liquid cooler highly recommended) | No (Heatsink not included) |
Max Temp | 100°C (212°F) TjMax | 100°C (212°F) Tjunction |
Notes Limits | Known for extremely high power draw and heat; often exceeds 253W limit on default motherboard settings. 4 extra E-cores vs i7-13700K. LGA1700 platform is end-of-life (no future upgrades). | Requires a robust liquid cooler (AIO) due to 241W turbo power. Unlocked for overclocking. |
Chipset Support | Intel 700 Series (Z790, B760, etc.) & 600 Series (BIOS update required) | Intel 600 and 700 Series (Z690, Z790, etc.) |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Intel Core i7-14700K
✓ Pros:
- • Significant multi-core performance boost over 13700K (4 extra E-cores)
- • Excellent gaming performance, rivaling top-tier flagships
- • Versatile memory support (DDR4 for budget, DDR5 for performance)
✗ Cons:
- • Very high power consumption and thermal output
- • Requires a high-end cooling solution (360mm AIO recommended)
- • Dead-end platform (LGA1700) with no upgrade path to Core Ultra
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Intel Core i9-12900K
✓ Pros:
- • Elite multi-core performance for rendering, editing, and streaming
- • Supports both cost-effective DDR4 and high-performance DDR5 motherboards
- • High clock speeds (up to 5.2 GHz) ensure top-tier gaming performance
- • Integrated graphics useful for troubleshooting or Quick Sync workloads
✗ Cons:
- • Very high power consumption (241W) requires premium cooling solutions
- • Runs hotter than competitors under full load
- • LGA1700 platform reaches end-of-life after 14th Gen
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which one is better?
The Intel Core i7-14700K is the better buy for most people - its 20 cores and max clock speed of 5.6 GHz crush the i9-12900K.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Intel Core i7-14700K if: you need maximum multi-core performance for heavy gaming, you plan to stream and edit videos simultaneously, or you want top-tier gaming performance.
Choose the Intel Core i9-12900K if: you need a balance of performance and cost, you work with both DDR4 and DDR5 motherboards, or you prioritize a slightly lower power draw.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Intel Core i7-14700K excels if you value significant multi-core performance boost over 13700k (4 extra e-cores). Intel Core i9-12900K is better if you prioritize elite multi-core performance for rendering, editing, and streaming. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.