CPU Comparison

# Intel Core i7-12700E vs AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

The Intel Core i7-12700E and AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X represent two very different approaches to desktop processing: the Intel part is a 12-core, 20-thread Alder Lake-S chip on a 10 nm node with a 65 W TDP, while the AMD part is a 16-core, 32-thread Zen+ Colfax processor on a 12 nm node with a 180 W TDP. Benchmark results show a clear split: the Threadripper wins all six Cinebench tests, while the Core i7 wins both Geekbench tests, including a massive 66.9% single-core advantage. The average benchmark score favors the Intel chip at 6776 versus 6647 for AMD, though both sit in the 62nd percentile of all CPUs.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X dominates in rendering and compute workloads that scale with thread count. Across all three Cinebench versions (R15, R20, R23), the Threadripper wins both multi-core and single-core runs. In multi-core tests, the advantage is consistent at 4.6% across R20, R23, and R15, with scores of 10516, 25040, and 2523 respectively, versus Intel's 10029, 23879, and 2406. Even in Cinebench single-core, the older Zen+ architecture edges ahead, winning R15 single-core by 4.8% (356 vs 339) and R20/R23 single-core by 4.6% (1484 vs 1415, and 3535 vs 3371). This makes the Threadripper the stronger choice for Cinebench-style rendering workloads.

The Intel Core i7-12700E wins decisively in Geekbench, which measures a broader mix of integer and floating-point tasks. The multi-core Geekbench score shows Intel at 10676 versus AMD's 8469, a 26.1% margin. The single-core Geekbench gap is even more pronounced: 2094 versus 1255, a 66.9% advantage for Intel. These results indicate that for general-purpose applications, particularly those that rely on single-thread performance or benefit from the newer architecture's efficiency, the Core i7 is significantly stronger. The data suggests a use-case split: threaded renderers favor AMD, while mixed or lightly-threaded workloads favor Intel.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design generations. The Intel Core i7-12700E uses the Alder Lake-S architecture on a 10 nm process node, fabricated by Intel. It has 12 cores and 20 threads, with a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. The cache layout is notable: 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 25 MB of shared L3 cache. The memory support includes both DDR4 and DDR5, running on a dual-channel memory bus. It also includes integrated UHD Graphics 770, PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only), and has a die size of 215 mm². The multiplier is locked, and the launch MSRP is $344.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is built on the Zen+ architecture, codenamed Colfax, using a 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries. It offers 16 cores and 32 threads, with a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.40 GHz. The cache structure differs: 96 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 32 MB of L3 cache. Memory support is DDR4 only, but on a quad-channel bus with a rated memory bandwidth of 93.9 GB/s. The PCIe implementation is Gen 3 with 60 lanes (CPU only). It has no integrated graphics, uses a dual-die design with 2x 213 mm² dies, and contains 9,600 million transistors. The multiplier is unlocked, and the launch MSRP is $899. The Threadripper also has a significantly higher TDP at 180 W versus Intel's 65 W.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

Starting with Cinebench R15 multi-core, the Threadripper scores 2523 against Intel's 2406, a 4.6% difference. In single-core R15, the margin is similar at 4.8%, with scores of 356 and 339. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multi-core result is 10516 for AMD and 10029 for Intel, again a 4.6% gap. The single-core R20 shows 1484 versus 1415, another 4.6% difference. Cinebench R23 multi-core continues the pattern: 25040 for AMD, 23879 for Intel, a 4.6% margin. The R23 single-core test yields 3535 versus 3371, also 4.6%. Across all six Cinebench runs, the AMD processor maintains a remarkably consistent 4.6% to 4.8% lead, suggesting a stable architectural advantage in this workload regardless of test version or core count scaling.

The Geekbench results invert the picture dramatically. In Geekbench multi-core, the Intel Core i7-12700E scores 10676, which is 26.1% higher than the Threadripper's 8469. This is a substantial reversal given that the Threadripper has more cores and threads. The single-core Geekbench test shows the largest gap of any benchmark: Intel at 2094 versus AMD at 1255, a 66.9% advantage. This single-core delta is nearly 15 times larger than the Cinebench single-core margins, highlighting how differently the two architectures respond to the Geekbench workload. The Intel part's boost clock of 4.80 GHz, combined with the Alder Lake design, appears to deliver far superior per-thread performance in this test, while the Zen+ architecture at 4.40 GHz boost cannot keep pace.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear recommendation based on workload type. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is the better choice for users whose primary applications are Cinebench-style renderers or heavily threaded compute tasks, as it wins all six Cinebench tests by a consistent 4.6% to 4.8% margin. Its 16 cores and 32 threads provide a raw throughput advantage that the Intel chip cannot overcome in those specific benchmarks. The Threadripper also offers quad-channel DDR4 memory with 93.9 GB/s bandwidth, which may benefit memory-intensive workloads beyond what the benchmarks capture. However, this comes with a 180 W TDP and a launch MSRP of $899, both of which are considerably higher than the Intel part.

The Intel Core i7-12700E is the stronger overall performer based on average benchmark score (6776 vs 6647) and is particularly dominant in Geekbench, where it leads by 26.1% multi-core and 66.9% single-core. This suggests that for general desktop use, productivity applications, and any software that responds well to high single-thread performance, the Core i7 is clearly superior. Its 65 W TDP, integrated UHD Graphics 770, DDR4 and DDR5 support, and lower launch MSRP of $344 make it a more versatile and efficient package. Users who prioritize single-thread responsiveness or run mixed workloads should choose the Intel part. Users who live inside Cinebench-style renderers and want maximum thread throughput should pick the AMD part, accepting the higher power draw and price.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core i7-12700E has 12 cores and 20 threads.

Q: What is the single-core Geekbench score difference?

A: The Intel Core i7-12700E scores 2094, which is 66.9% higher than the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X's 1255.

Q: Does the Intel chip have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the Intel Core i7-12700E includes UHD Graphics 770. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X has no integrated graphics.

Q: Which CPU wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X wins with a score of 25040, compared to the Intel Core i7-12700E's 23879, a 4.6% margin.

Q: What memory types does each support?

A: The Intel Core i7-12700E supports DDR4 and DDR5 on a dual-channel bus. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X supports DDR4 only, but on a quad-channel bus with 93.9 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Is the Intel multiplier unlocked?

A: No, the Intel Core i7-12700E has a locked multiplier. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X has an unlocked multiplier.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-12700E | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X |

|----------------|-----------------------|------------------------------|

| Cores | 12 | 16 |

| Threads | 20 | 32 |

| Base Clock | 2.10 GHz | 3.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.80 GHz | 4.40 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 180 W |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 12 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | GlobalFoundries |

| Die Size | 215 mm² | 2x 213 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 96 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 512 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 25 MB (shared) | 32 MB |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR4 |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Quad-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not specified | 93.9 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 60 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 770 | None |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Launch MSRP | $344 | $899 |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | AMD Socket SP3r2 |

| Architecture | Alder Lake | Zen+ (Colfax) |