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Intel Core i7-12700F vs Intel Core i7-12700KF: Comparison
Core i7-12700F vs Core i7-12700KF p-core boost clock compared
The first real difference is p-core boost clock: Core i7-12700F 4.8 GHz against Core i7-12700KF 4.9 GHz. There is a split on unlocked multiplier as well, No on the Core i7-12700F versus Yes on the Core i7-12700KF. Base power is not the same on both, 65 W on the Core i7-12700F versus 125 W on the Core i7-12700KF. Max turbo power is not the same on both, 180 W on the Core i7-12700F versus 190 W on the Core i7-12700KF.
Who each one is for
The Core i7-12700F suits desktop gaming with discrete GPU and value desktop builds, though it is the wrong buy for laptops and fanless designs. Buy the Core i7-12700KF for enthusiast desktop gaming and overclocking with discrete GPU, though it is not built for systems without a discrete GPU and fanless designs. Our rating of the Core i7-12700F (8.1/10): the Intel Core i7-12700F is a graphics-less desktop chip, a good value pick for builds already using a discrete GPU. Our rating of the Core i7-12700KF (7.8/10): the Intel Core i7-12700KF is an unlocked, GPU-less chip aimed at enthusiasts already running a discrete graphics card.
Where the two are identical
Where they agree, they agree completely, total cores, performance cores, efficiency cores, total threads and l3 cache included, so the decision does not turn on any of those. They match on 17 further specifications as well.
Which is cheaper, Core i7-12700F or Core i7-12700KF?
Cost splits them too. Core i7-12700F sits at $314, Core i7-12700KF at $384, 22% more.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Core i7-12700F and Core i7-12700KF differ on e-core boost clock?
Yes. E-Core Boost Clock reads 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-12700F versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-12700KF.
Is the Integrated Graphics the same on the Core i7-12700F and Core i7-12700KF?
It is. Both are listed at No, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Product Line
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- Core
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Core
Form Factor
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- Desktop
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Desktop
Model Number
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- i7-12700F
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- i7-12700KF
Codename
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- Alder Lake
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Alder Lake
Release Year
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 2022
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 2021
TDP
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 65 W
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 125 W
iGPU
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- None
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- None
Market Segment
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- Desktop
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Desktop
Microarchitecture
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- Alder Lake
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Alder Lake
Socket
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- FCLGA1700
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- FCLGA1700
Socket Status
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- Mature
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Mature
Process Node
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 7 nm
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 10 nm
Total Cores
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 12
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 12
Performance Cores
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 8
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 8
Efficiency Cores
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 4
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 4
Total Threads
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 20
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 20
SMT Enabled
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- Yes
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Yes
P-Core Base Clock
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 2.1 GHz
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 3.6 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 4.8 GHz
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 4.9 GHz
E-Core Base Clock
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 1.6 GHz
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 2.7 GHz
E-Core Boost Clock
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 3.6 GHz
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 3.8 GHz
Unlocked Multiplier
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- No
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Yes
L2 Cache
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 12 MB
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 12 MB
L3 Cache
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 25 MB
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 25 MB
Base Power
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 65 W
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 125 W
Max Turbo Power
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 180 W
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 190 W
Bundled Cooler
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- Intel Laminar RM1
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- None
Memory Type
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- DDR5, DDR4
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- DDR5 or DDR4
Max Memory Speed
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 4800 MT/s
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 4800 MT/s
Memory Channels
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 2
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 2
Max Memory Capacity
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 128 GB
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 128 GB
Integrated Graphics
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- No
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- No
Copilot Plus Certified
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- No
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- No
PCIe Generation
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- PCIe 5.0
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- PCIe 5.0
PCIe Lanes
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- 20
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 20
Launch MSRP
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- $314
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- $384
Retail Availability
- Intel Core i7-12700F
- Boxed Retail
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Boxed Retail
Which one should you pick?
Choose 12700F if you want the higher L2 cache (12 MB vs 12 MB), the higher L3 cache (25 MB vs 25 MB) and the higher memory channels (2 vs 2).
Choose 12700KF if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Intel Core i7-12700F | Intel Core i7-12700KF |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $314.00 View on Amazon | $384.00 View on Amazon |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | View on Newegg |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Intel Core i7-12700F
8.1 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i7-12700F is a graphics-less desktop chip, a good value pick for builds already using a discrete GPU.
Intel Core i7-12700KF
7.8 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i7-12700KF is an unlocked, GPU-less chip aimed at enthusiasts already running a discrete graphics card.