Intel Core i7-12700K vs Intel Core Ultra 5 336H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded head-to-head data shows a clear split: the Intel Core i7-12700K wins 12 of the 17 shared benchmarks, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 336H takes 5. But the margin and nature of those wins tell a more nuanced story than the raw win count suggests.

The i7-12700K dominates in multi-threaded productivity workloads. Its largest victory comes in PassMark integer math, where it scores 114264 against 62070 for the Ultra 5 336H, a staggering 84.1% advantage. Data compression follows closely, with the i7-12700K posting 446595 versus 280340, a 59.3% lead. These are not small margins; they represent fundamental throughput differences in integer-heavy and compression-heavy tasks. The i7-12700K also wins PassMark random string sorting by 33.1% (45805 vs 34402) and PassMark multithread by 20.5% (34404 vs 28545).

In the Cinebench suite, the results are mixed across versions. Cinebench R15 multicore favors the i7-12700K heavily: 3325 vs 2418, a 37.5% edge. Cinebench R20 multicore also goes to the i7-12700K at 12229 vs 10076, a 21.4% margin. However, the newer Cinebench R23 multicore flips the result: the Ultra 5 336H scores 23991 against 19784, a 17.5% advantage. This reversal is notable, as it suggests the Ultra 5 336H scales better under the R23 workload despite losing in older Cinebench versions.

Single-core results show a similar pattern. The Ultra 5 336H wins Cinebench R15 singlecore with 341 vs 272, a 20.2% edge. In Cinebench R23 singlecore, its lead expands dramatically to 45.4%, scoring 3387 against 1850.5. Yet in Cinebench R20 singlecore, the i7-12700K comes out ahead at 1726 vs 1422, a 21.4% margin. The PassMark single-thread tests end in a perfect tie at 4013 for both chips.

The Ultra 5 336H also wins PassMark find prime numbers decisively, 299 vs 114, a 61.9% advantage, and PassMark physics, 2682 vs 1790, a 33.3% edge. Meanwhile, the i7-12700K takes smaller wins in floating point math (6.8%), data encryption (9.9%), and extended instructions (17.7%). Overall average benchmark scores are close: the i7-12700K sits at 35287, the Ultra 5 336H at 34485, a gap of roughly 2.3% in favor of the desktop chip.

Architecture Differences

These two processors come from different design philosophies and different market segments. The i7-12700K is a desktop part built on Intel's Alder Lake architecture, using a 10 nm process node. It packs 12 cores and 20 threads, with a base clock of 3.60 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. The Ultra 5 336H is a mobile processor based on Panther Lake architecture, fabricated on a 3 nm node. It has 16 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock of 1.90 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz.

The core count difference is notable: the Ultra 5 336H has 4 more physical cores, but the i7-12700K has 4 more threads thanks to hyperthreading. The i7-12700K also carries a much higher TDP of 125 W versus 25 W for the Ultra 5 336H, reflecting their desktop versus mobile positioning. The i7-12700K uses Intel Socket 1700, while the Ultra 5 336H uses Intel BGA 2540, which is soldered and not upgradeable.

Cache hierarchies differ significantly. The i7-12700K has 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 25 MB L3 cache. The Ultra 5 336H has larger per-core caches at 192 KB L1 and 2.5 MB L2, but a smaller shared L3 at 18 MB. The die size of the i7-12700K is 215 mm²; no die size is recorded for the Ultra 5 336H.

Memory support also separates them. The i7-12700K supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the Ultra 5 336H supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X. Both use dual-channel memory buses. The Ultra 5 336H has a recorded memory bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s; no bandwidth figure is listed for the i7-12700K. PCIe connectivity differs: the i7-12700K offers Gen 4 with 20 CPU lanes, while the Ultra 5 336H offers Gen 5 with 12 CPU lanes. Neither chip supports ECC memory.

Integrated graphics are different generations. The i7-12700K includes UHD Graphics 770, while the Ultra 5 336H ships with Intel Xe3 Graphics. The i7-12700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking; the Ultra 5 336H does not. The i7-12700K launched in November 2021 with a launch MSRP of $409. The Ultra 5 336H is a newer design with a January 2026 release date and no recorded launch MSRP.

Where Each One Wins

The i7-12700K is the clear choice for integer-heavy and data-intensive workloads. Its 84.1% lead in PassMark integer math and 59.3% lead in data compression make it the stronger option for tasks like file archiving, database operations, and general application logic that relies heavily on integer computation. The 33.1% advantage in random string sorting reinforces this, as sorting workloads often stress memory access patterns and core throughput. The 20.5% win in PassMark multithread and 17.7% win in extended instructions add to its productivity credentials.

For Cinebench R15 and R20 multicore, the i7-12700K also comes out ahead, with 37.5% and 21.4% leads respectively. This suggests older rendering and 3D workloads that align with those benchmark versions will favor the desktop chip. The i7-12700K also wins the only Cinebench R20 singlecore test among the two, so its per-core performance in that specific workload should not be underestimated.

The Ultra 5 336H wins in several specific areas. Its 45.4% lead in Cinebench R23 singlecore is the largest single-core margin in the dataset, indicating strong modern single-thread performance. The 61.9% win in PassMark find prime numbers points to efficient handling of mathematical prime-finding workloads. PassMark physics, with a 33.3% edge, suggests better performance in physics simulation tasks. The 17.5% win in Cinebench R23 multicore is significant because R23 is a widely used modern benchmark, and it shows the Ultra 5 336H can outperform the older desktop chip in this specific modern workload.

The tie in PassMark single-thread at 4013 means that for purely single-threaded PassMark tasks, neither chip has a measurable advantage. That is a rare outcome and worth noting for users who rely on that metric.

The Verdict

The data points to a split decision based on workload and platform. For desktop users who need raw multi-threaded throughput in integer math, compression, and older Cinebench versions, the i7-12700K is the stronger performer. Its 84.1% lead in integer math and 59.3% lead in data compression are decisive. It also offers an unlocked multiplier, DDR4 and DDR5 memory support, and a desktop socket, making it a flexible and overclockable platform component. The average benchmark score of 35287 versus 34485 for the Ultra 5 336H reflects a modest overall edge.

For users who prioritize modern single-thread performance, the Ultra 5 336H is the better choice. Its 45.4% lead in Cinebench R23 singlecore and 20.2% lead in Cinebench R15 singlecore are substantial. The 17.5% win in Cinebench R23 multicore shows that in the most current Cinebench workload, the mobile chip can actually outrun the desktop part. Its 3 nm process node and 25 W TDP make it far more power-efficient, and the larger per-core L1 and L2 caches suggest architectural refinements that benefit certain workloads.

The i7-12700K belongs in a desktop build where high power draw is acceptable and multi-threaded integer workloads dominate. The Ultra 5 336H belongs in a mobile system where efficiency and modern single-thread performance matter more. Neither chip is a universal winner, and the choice hinges on platform, power budget, and specific application mix. The near-identical PassMark single-thread scores mean users focused solely on that metric can choose either without penalty.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in single-threaded PassMark tests?

A: Both processors score exactly 4013 in PassMark single-thread and PassMark singlethread tests, so there is no measurable difference in that specific metric.

Q: How large is the i7-12700K's advantage in integer math?

A: The i7-12700K scores 114264 in PassMark integer math versus 62070 for the Ultra 5 336H, a lead of 84.1%.

Q: Does the Ultra 5 336H win any Cinebench multicore test?

A: Yes, it wins Cinebench R23 multicore with 23991 against 19784 for the i7-12700K, a 17.5% advantage. However, the i7-12700K wins Cinebench R15 multicore by 37.5% and Cinebench R20 multicore by 21.4%.

Q: What is the core and thread configuration of each chip?

A: The i7-12700K has 12 cores and 20 threads. The Ultra 5 336H has 16 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Which processor supports PCIe Gen 5?

A: The Ultra 5 336H supports PCIe Gen 5 with 12 CPU lanes. The i7-12700K supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 CPU lanes.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The i7-12700K has an average benchmark score of 35287, while the Ultra 5 336H has 34485. Both rank at the 84th percentile among all CPUs in the database.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-12700K | Intel Core Ultra 5 336H |

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

| Series | Core 12th Gen | Core Ultra Series 3 |

| Cores | 12 | 16 |

| Threads | 20 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 3.60 GHz | 1.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 4.60 GHz |

| TDP | 125 W | 25 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel BGA 2540 |

| Architecture | Alder Lake | Panther Lake |

| Codename | Alder Lake-S | Panther Lake |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 3 nm |

| Die Size | 215 mm² | Not recorded |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 192 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2.5 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 25 MB (shared) | 18 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5, LPDDR5X |

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

| Memory Bandwidth | Not recorded | 115.2 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 12 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 770 | Intel Xe3 Graphics |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2021-11-03 | 2026-01-01 |

| Launch MSRP | $409 | Not recorded |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part Number | SRL4N | SA4RD |