Intel Core i7-12700H vs Intel Core i9-11900K Comparison

The Intel Core i7-12700H and Intel Core i9-11900K represent two distinct philosophies from Intel: a mobile-first hybrid design versus a desktop-focused high-clock part. The data shows the i7-12700H edges out the i9-11900K in overall average benchmark score (26,717 vs. 26,639), a 0.3% difference, placing both at the 79th percentile among all CPUs. However, this overall parity masks significant, workload-specific divergences. The i9-11900K dominates 3DMark and single-threaded Cinebench tests, while the i7-12700H counters with wins in PassMark physics, floating-point math, and prime number finding. The benchmark results indicate that the choice between these two hinges entirely on whether the target workload favors raw single-core frequency or multi-threaded throughput on a hybrid architecture.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has the higher overall average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i7-12700H has a slightly higher average benchmark score of 26,717 compared to the i9-11900K's 26,639, a delta of 0.3%. Both CPUs sit at the 79th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: How do the two processors compare in multi-threaded 3DMark performance?

A: The i9-11900K wins decisively in the 3DMark 16-thread test, scoring 8,331 against the i7-12700H's 6,460, a 22.5% advantage. The desktop chip also leads in the max-thread test by 16.6% (8,319 vs. 6,941).

Q: Does the mobile chip win any Cinebench multi-core tests?

A: Yes, the i7-12700H wins Cinebench R15 multicore by 22.1% (2,604.6 vs. 2,133) and narrowly wins Cinebench R20 multicore by 0.3% (8,921 vs. 8,890). However, the i9-11900K retakes a 23% lead in Cinebench R23 multicore (21,168 vs. 16,307.5).

Q: What is the largest single benchmark win for the i7-12700H?

A: The largest win for the i7-12700H is in the PassMark physics test, where it scores 1,512 against the i9-11900K's 1,052, a 43.7% advantage. It also wins PassMark find prime numbers by 38.2% (94 vs. 68).

Q: What is the largest single benchmark win for the i9-11900K?

A: The i9-11900K's biggest margin is in Cinebench R23 single-core, where it scores 2,988 versus the i7-12700H's 1,782, a 40.4% lead. It also wins Cinebench R15 single-core by 14.7% (300 vs. 256).

Q: Which CPU has more wins in the head-to-head benchmark comparison?

A: The i9-11900K wins 12 of the 23 head-to-head benchmarks, while the i7-12700H wins 11. Despite the i9's slight win count advantage, the i7-12700H holds a 0.3% lead in average benchmark score.

Architecture Differences

The fundamental architectural split is between Alder Lake and Rocket Lake. The i7-12700H is built on Alder Lake-H, a 10 nm process, whereas the i9-11900K uses Rocket Lake on Intel's 14 nm node. This process difference is reflected in die size: the i7-12700H measures 217 mm², while the i9-11900K is larger at 276 mm². The i7-12700H is a hybrid design with 14 cores and 20 threads, while the i9-11900K is a conventional monolithic 8-core, 16-thread part.

Cache hierarchies diverge significantly. Both share the same 80 KB L1 per core, but the i7-12700H has 1.25 MB of L2 per core versus 512 KB per core on the i9-11900K. The i7 also has more L3 cache, 24 MB shared, compared to the i9's 16 MB shared. Memory support differs as well: the i7-12700H supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the i9-11900K is limited to DDR4; both use a dual-channel memory bus. The i7-12700H has a 45 W TDP, a typical mobile figure, while the i9-11900K is rated at 125 W, reflecting its desktop orientation. Both CPUs provide Gen 4 PCIe with 20 lanes, but the i7 uses Intel BGA 1744 socketing, and the i9 uses Intel Socket 1200. Integrated graphics also differ: the i7-12700H carries Iris Xe 96EU, while the i9-11900K has UHD Graphics 750.

Clock speeds tell a clear story: the i9-11900K has a higher base clock of 3.50 GHz and boost clock of 5.30 GHz, versus 2.30 GHz and 4.70 GHz for the i7-12700H. The i9-11900K also has an unlocked multiplier, while the i7-12700H is locked. Production status separates them further: the i7-12700H is listed as Active, while the i9-11900K is End-of-life. The i9-11900K has a release date of 2021-03-15 and a launch MSRP of $539, while the i7-12700H has no listed launch MSRP.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data reveals a clear split between synthetic 3DMark and Cinebench workloads versus PassMark workloads. The i9-11900K asserts dominance across all six 3DMark tests, with the margin growing as thread count increases. It leads by 8% in 2-thread (1,975 vs. 1,817), 13.5% in 4-thread (3,778 vs. 3,268), and 24.2% in 8-thread (6,528 vs. 4,951). The 16-thread and max-thread tests show 22.5% and 16.6% leads respectively. Single-thread 3DMark favors the i9 by 6.1% (1,011 vs. 949). These results indicate the desktop chip's high clock speeds are particularly effective in this benchmark suite.

Cinebench results are mixed, showing the architectural trade-offs. The i7-12700H wins Cinebench R15 multicore by 22.1% (2,604.6 vs. 2,133), suggesting its 14-core hybrid design excels in this older workload. The newer Cinebench R20 multicore is nearly tied, with the i7 ahead by just 0.3% (8,921 vs. 8,890). However, Cinebench R23 multicore flips decisively to the i9-11900K, which scores 21,168 versus 16,307.5, a 23% margin. Single-core Cinebench is consistently in favor of the i9: 14.7% higher in R15 (300 vs. 256), 0.4% lower in R20 (1,254 vs. 1,259), and a massive 40.4% higher in R23 (2,988 vs. 1,782).

PassMark tests reveal the i7-12700H's strengths in specific computational tasks. The mobile chip wins PassMark physics by 43.7% (1,512 vs. 1,052) and find prime numbers by 38.2% (94 vs. 68). It also leads floating-point math by 23.2% (65,075 vs. 52,841) and data encryption by 9.8% (17,575 vs. 16,000). Integer math is nearly even, with the i7 ahead by 0.9% (90,106 vs. 89,279), and multithread shows a 2.3% lead (25,615 vs. 25,038). Single-thread PassMark is also a narrow i7 win at 0.7% (3,535 vs. 3,511). The i9-11900K counters with wins in data compression (330,836 vs. 300,594, a 9.1% margin), extended instructions (23,406 vs. 17,886, a 23.6% margin), and random string sorting (37,942 vs. 33,449, an 11.8% margin).

Specification Differences

The two CPUs differ across nearly every core specification. The i7-12700H has 14 cores and 20 threads, while the i9-11900K has 8 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks differ by 1.20 GHz in favor of the i9 (3.50 GHz vs. 2.30 GHz), and boost clocks differ by 0.60 GHz (5.30 GHz vs. 4.70 GHz). TDP is a major separator: the i7-12700H is rated at 45 W, while the i9-11900K is rated at 125 W. Process node differs as well, with the i7 on 10 nm and the i9 on 14 nm. Die size is 217 mm² for the i7 and 276 mm² for the i9.

Cache configurations diverge in L2 and L3. Both have 80 KB L1 per core, but the i7-12700H has 1.25 MB L2 per core versus 512 KB on the i9-11900K. L3 cache is 24 MB shared on the i7 versus 16 MB shared on the i9. Memory support differs: the i7 supports DDR4 and DDR5, while the i9 supports only DDR4. The i9-11900K has a listed memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s, while the i7-12700H has no listed bandwidth figure. Sockets are incompatible: Intel BGA 1744 for the i7 versus Intel Socket 1200 for the i9.

Integrated graphics are different models: Iris Xe 96EU on the i7-12700H and UHD Graphics 750 on the i9-11900K. The i9-11900K has an unlocked multiplier, while the i7-12700H does not. Market segment and status also differ: the i7 is a Mobile, Active part, while the i9 is Desktop, End-of-life. The i9-11900K has a release date of 2021-03-15 and a launch MSRP of $539; the i7-12700H has no release date or MSRP listed. Part numbers are SRLD1 for the i7 and SRKND for the i9.

The Verdict

The data supports a workload-based decision rather than a clear overall winner. The i9-11900K is the better choice for applications that mirror the 3DMark and Cinebench R23 single-core suites, where it leads by margins ranging from 6.1% to 40.4%. Its 5.30 GHz boost clock and 125 W TDP deliver peak performance in low-thread-count, high-frequency scenarios. The i9 also wins the majority of head-to-head tests, 12 out of 23, and shows particular strength in extended instructions and random string sorting.

The i7-12700H is the superior option for physics simulations, prime number calculations, and floating-point math, where it leads by 43.7%, 38.2%, and 23.2% respectively. Its 14 cores and 24 MB L3 cache provide an edge in specific multi-threaded PassMark workloads, and it manages to tie or slightly edge the i9 in Cinebench R20 and single-thread PassMark. The mobile chip also wins on efficiency, with a 45 W TDP versus 125 W, and supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory.

For a desktop user prioritizing maximum frame rates in 3DMark or single-threaded Cinebench performance, the i9-11900K is the data-backed pick. For workloads involving physics calculations, encryption, or floating-point throughput, the i7-12700H offers measurable advantages. The near-identical average scores (0.3% apart) and the i9's 12-11 win count edge indicate that neither CPU is universally faster; the correct selection depends entirely on the specific benchmark or application profile.