SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i7-12700K + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090

Get a comprehensive performance analysis of your gaming rig with detailed benchmarks, bottleneck detection, and upgrade recommendations

92 / 100
ULTIMATE READY

Apex Performer

Top 8% of systems. Capable of 4K Ultra gaming and advanced rendering.

4K 60+ FPSVR ReadyRay Tracing

System Balance Analysis

CPU vs GPU performance ratio
Well Balanced
CPU
91%
VS
GPU
93%
PROCESSOR

Intel Core i7-12700K

35,287 Benchmark Score
Top 9% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →
GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090

27,565 Benchmark Score
Top 7% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →

Market Position

How your build compares to others
Budget
0-30
Mid-Range
30-60
High-End
60-85
Enthusiast
85-100
Your Build

Game Performance Benchmarks

Real-world 4K FPS in popular titles
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Performance Insights

Tips to maximize your system

Optimal Performance

Your system is in the top tier. You can run any modern game at maximum settings.

4K Gaming Ready

Consider a 4K 144Hz monitor to fully utilize your hardware capabilities.

Compatible Games See what you can play Compare CPUs Find upgrades Compare GPUs Find upgrades

Performance Tiers Explained

90-100

Ultimate

4K Ultra gaming, VR ready, ray tracing enabled, professional workloads

4K 60+ FPS VR Ready
70-89

High-End

1440p Ultra or 4K High settings, excellent for modern AAA titles

1440p Ultra 4K High
50-69

Mid-Range

1080p Ultra or 1440p Medium, great value for most gamers

1080p Ultra 1440p Med
30-49

Entry Level

1080p Medium settings, suitable for eSports and older titles

1080p Med eSports
0-29

Legacy

Basic gaming, older titles, consider upgrading for modern games

720p-1080p Low Older Games

# CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i7-12700K is a 12th-generation Alder Lake desktop processor built on Intel's 10 nm process. It packs 12 cores and 20 threads, a configuration that leverages the hybrid architecture Intel introduced with Alder Lake-S. The chip runs at a 3.60 GHz base clock and boosts up to 5.00 GHz, with a 125 W TDP. It uses the Intel Socket 1700 platform and supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel mode, giving builders flexibility in platform choice without sacrificing performance. The CPU also includes UHD Graphics 770 integrated graphics, which provides a fallback display output for basic tasks before a discrete GPU is installed.

The benchmark data shows a processor that is strong across the board, but the shape of its performance curve is telling. In 3DMark threaded tests, the chip scores 2,065 at 2 threads, 4,011 at 4 threads, 7,202 at 8 threads, and 9,276 at 16 threads, with a max-thread score of 9,979. The scaling from 8 to 16 threads is not linear — it gains roughly 29% — which reflects the hybrid core arrangement where not all threads have equal weight. The single-thread score of 1,043 in 3DMark and 1,850.5 in Cinebench R23 single-core indicate excellent per-core performance, which matters for lightly threaded applications like older games and everyday desktop responsiveness.

In Cinebench, the multicore results are substantial: 3,325 in R15, 12,229 in R20, and 19,784 in R23. These numbers place the i7-12700K in the upper mid-range of desktop CPUs. The Geekbench multicore score of 15,790 and single-core score of 2,308 reinforce the picture of a balanced chip that handles both bursty single-threaded work and sustained multi-threaded loads.

The PassMark suite reveals the chip's character in specialized workloads. Integer math scores 114,264 and floating-point math scores 88,035, showing strong arithmetic throughput. Data compression scores 446,595, which is a very high number and indicates the chip handles archiving and compression tasks with ease. Data encryption scores 23,408, random string sorting scores 45,805, and extended instructions score 28,885. The physics score is 1,790, and the multithread score is 34,404. The average benchmark score across all tests is 35,287, placing the CPU at the 84th percentile of all CPUs in the database.

The nearest rivals show the competitive landscape. The Intel Core i5-13600T scores 35,305, which is 0.1% higher than the i7-12700K — effectively a statistical tie. The i7-12700KF scores 35,365, 0.2% higher, which makes sense since it is the same chip without integrated graphics. The Intel Core i7-13700T scores 35,403, 0.3% higher, and the Intel Core 5 213PE scores 35,428, 0.4% higher. This means the i7-12700K is right in the middle of a tight pack of competitors, all within 0.5% of each other. The practical takeaway is that the i7-12700K is not the fastest chip in its class, but it is also not meaningfully slower than its closest alternatives.

The cache hierarchy is notable: 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 25 MB of shared L3 cache. This is a large L3 pool that helps with gaming and other latency-sensitive workloads. The CPU supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU, which is sufficient for a modern GPU and a fast NVMe drive. The multiplier is unlocked, so overclocking is available for users who want to push beyond stock clocks. The launch MSRP was $409, and the production status is Active.

# FAQ

Q: How does the Intel Core i7-12700K compare to its nearest rival, the Intel Core i5-13600T?

A: The i7-12700K has an average benchmark score of 35,287, while the i5-13600T scores 35,305. The delta is -0.1%, meaning the i5-13600T is marginally ahead. In real-world terms, this difference is negligible and will not be noticeable in daily use or gaming.

Q: What is the single-thread performance of the i7-12700K?

A: The CPU scores 1,043 in 3DMark single-thread, 272 in Cinebench R15 single-core, 1,726 in Cinebench R20 single-core, 1,850.5 in Cinebench R23 single-core, 2,308 in Geekbench single-core, and 4,013 in PassMark single-thread. These scores indicate strong per-core performance for latency-sensitive tasks.

Q: What is the GPU's memory configuration and bandwidth?

A: The RTX 3090 has 24 GB of GDDR6X memory on a 384-bit bus, delivering 936.2 GB/s of bandwidth. The memory clock runs at 1219 MHz, which translates to 19.5 Gbps effective. This is a very high-bandwidth configuration suited for large datasets and high-resolution textures.

Q: Is the RTX 3090 still competitive against newer GPUs?

A: The RTX 3090 has an average benchmark score of 27,565 and sits at the 73rd percentile of all GPUs. Its nearest rivals include the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Mobile at 27,435 (0.5% lower), the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT at 27,425 (0.5% lower), the AMD Radeon Pro Vega 20 at 27,839 (1% higher), and the AMD Radeon RX 7800M at 27,883 (1.1% higher). It remains competitive but is no longer at the top of the stack.

Q: What does the combined percentile of 79 indicate for this CPU+GPU pairing?

A: The combined percentile of 79 means this build outperforms roughly 79% of all desktop configurations in the database. It is a high-tier pairing, though not in the top echelon.

Q: Does the CPU support overclocking?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked, which means the i7-12700K can be overclocked. The base clock of 3.60 GHz and boost of 5.00 GHz can be adjusted within the thermal and power limits of the motherboard and cooler.

Q: What is the RTX 3090's raw compute performance?

A: The GPU delivers 35.58 TFLOPS of FP32 compute and 35.58 TFLOPS of FP16 (1:1 ratio). It has 82 RT cores and 328 tensor cores, which handle ray tracing and AI-accelerated workloads respectively. The pixel rate is 189.8 GPixel/s and the texture rate is 556.0 GTexel/s.

# Usage Scenarios

High-refresh gaming: The RTX 3090 is a formidable GPU, and the i7-12700K's strong single-thread score of 1,850.5 in Cinebench R23 and 1,043 in 3DMark single-thread ensures the CPU will not bottleneck the GPU in most titles. The combination is well-suited for 1440p and 4K gaming with high refresh rates, though exact frame rates depend on the game and settings.

Streaming: The CPU's 12 cores and 20 threads provide ample headroom for encoding and streaming while gaming. The PassMark multithread score of 34,404 and the Cinebench R23 multicore score of 19,784 indicate the CPU can handle concurrent workloads without significant frame drops. The GPU's tensor cores can also accelerate encoding tasks if the streaming software supports them.

Video editing: The combination of the CPU's multicore strength and the GPU's 24 GB of VRAM makes this a capable video editing workstation. The Geekbench multicore score of 15,790 and the GPU's passmark gpu compute score of 15,356 suggest smooth timeline scrubbing and accelerated export times. The high memory bandwidth of 936.2 GB/s helps with large video files.

3D rendering: The RTX 3090's 10,496 shading units and 35.58 TFLOPS FP32 compute make it a strong renderer. The 82 RT cores accelerate ray-traced renders, and the 328 tensor cores handle AI denoising. The CPU's Cinebench R23 score of 19,784 indicates it can keep up with complex scene preparation and simulation tasks.

Software development: The CPU's balanced performance profile is ideal for compilation workloads. The PassMark integer math score of 114,264 and the data compression score of 446,595 suggest fast code compilation and package management. The 20 threads help parallelize build processes that support multi-threading.

Student and office work: This build is overkill for basic productivity, but the i7-12700K's integrated UHD Graphics 770 means the system can operate even without the discrete GPU for light tasks. The single-thread performance ensures snappy application launches and responsive multitasking, while the 25 MB of L3 cache helps with repeated workflows.

# Gaming Performance

No measured FPS data exists for this exact CPU+GPU combination in the FACT PACK. The database contains no measuredFpsUltraByGame rows for this pairing, and the dataIsMeasured flag is set to false. Therefore, all frame rate discussions below are estimates derived from the benchmark scores, not from direct testing.

The CPU's strong single-thread performance — a 3DMark single-thread score of 1,043 and a PassMark single-thread score of 4,013 — indicates it can feed the GPU efficiently in most gaming scenarios. The GPU's PassMark G3D score of 26,645 places it high in the graphics hierarchy, suggesting it can push high frame rates at 1440p and 4K resolutions in most titles.

For esports and lighter games, the i7-12700K's high boost clock of 5.00 GHz and the GPU's raw throughput should allow very high frame rates, likely exceeding 144 FPS at 1080p or 1440p in competitive shooters. For AAA titles at 4K with ultra settings, the RTX 3090's 24 GB of VRAM and 936.2 GB/s bandwidth provide ample headroom for high-resolution textures, but frame rates will vary widely depending on the specific game's optimization.

Ray tracing performance is supported by the 82 RT cores, but the actual impact on frame rates depends on the game's implementation. DLSS and other tensor-core-accelerated features can help recover performance in demanding scenes. The overall picture is that this build is capable of high-end gaming, but the exact FPS numbers must be treated as estimates given the lack of measured data for this exact pairing.

# Balance and Bottleneck

The balance between the i7-12700K and the RTX 3090 is skewed toward the GPU in most gaming scenarios. The CPU's 84th percentile ranking versus the GPU's 73rd percentile ranking means the processor is comparatively stronger than the graphics card relative to their respective pools. In CPU-bound workloads like physics simulation or heavy strategy games, the i7-12700K will be the limiting factor, but its 1,790 PassMark physics score and high single-thread performance keep it capable.

In GPU-bound workloads like high-resolution gaming or 3D rendering, the RTX 3090 will be the primary constraint. The GPU's PassMark G3D score of 26,645 and its 73rd percentile ranking indicate it is a strong but not top-tier card. The 0.5% gap to the RTX 4070 Mobile and RX 6700 XT shows the 3090 is in a competitive middle ground, not a dominant leader.

The CPU's scaling from 8 to 16 threads in 3DMark shows diminishing returns after 8 threads, which is typical for gaming workloads that rarely use more than 8 threads. The GPU's memory bandwidth of 936.2 GB/s is not a bottleneck for most games, but it could be for future titles with massive texture requirements. The 24 GB VRAM capacity is generous and unlikely to be exceeded at current resolution and detail settings.

The PCIe Gen 4 x16 interface for the GPU and 20 CPU lanes provide sufficient bandwidth for both the graphics card and storage devices. The system is well-balanced for a high-end desktop, with no single component dramatically outclassing the other in a way that would cause significant waste.

# Who Should Build It

This desktop build targets gamers who want high-resolution performance without chasing the absolute top tier. The RTX 3090's 24 GB VRAM and 936.2 GB/s bandwidth make it suited for 4K gaming with high-quality textures, and the i7-12700K's strong single-thread performance ensures smooth frame pacing. The 73rd percentile GPU ranking means it handles current titles well, but enthusiasts seeking the fastest available hardware may want to look at higher-tier cards.

Content creators working with large video files or complex 3D scenes will benefit from the GPU's 24 GB memory capacity, which allows loading large datasets without spilling to system RAM. The CPU's 20 threads and 19,784 Cinebench R23 multicore score accelerate rendering and export tasks. The 84th percentile CPU ranking indicates strong performance for compilation and simulation workloads, making this a viable workstation for developers.

Students and office workers will find this build far more powerful than needed for typical productivity tasks. The integrated UHD Graphics 770 provides a backup display output, and the CPU's single-thread performance ensures responsive everyday computing. Small business workstations running virtualization or database workloads will appreciate the CPU's data compression score of 446,595 and encryption score of 23,408, which indicate strong throughput for these tasks.

The build is less suited for users on a strict power budget, as the CPU's 125 W TDP and GPU's 350 W TDP are substantial. The suggested PSU of 750 W reflects the power appetite of this pairing. Users who prioritize energy efficiency or compact builds should consider other options.

# GPU Analysis

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 is built on the Ampere architecture using Samsung's 8 nm process. The GA102 chip contains 28,300 million transistors on a 628 mm² die, with a transistor density of 45.1M per mm². The GPU has 10,496 shading units, 328 TMUs, and 112 ROPs. It operates at a base clock of 1395 MHz and a boost clock of 1695 MHz.

The memory subsystem is a defining feature. The RTX 3090 has 24 GB of GDDR6X on a 384-bit bus, delivering 936.2 GB/s of bandwidth. The memory clock is 1219 MHz, which translates to 19.5 Gbps effective. This configuration is designed for high-resolution textures and large compute datasets. The pixel rate is 189.8 GPixel/s and the texture rate is 556.0 GTexel/s, providing strong fill rates for rasterization.

Compute performance is substantial: 35.58 TFLOPS of FP32 and the same for FP16 with a 1:1 ratio. The 82 RT cores accelerate ray tracing, and the 328 tensor cores handle AI workloads like DLSS. The GPU supports DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4, covering current graphics APIs.

The benchmark scores show a GPU that is strong but not dominant. The PassMark G3D score of 26,645 and the GPU compute score of 15,356 indicate solid performance. The Geekbench OpenCL score of 172,758 and Vulkan score of 53,927 show good cross-API performance. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 5,118 is a modern benchmark result. The DirectX 11 score of 220 and DirectX 12 score of 110 in PassMark show the card handles both APIs, though the raw scores are not directly comparable across API versions.

The GPU sits at the 73rd percentile of all GPUs, with an average benchmark score of 27,565. Its nearest rivals are within 1.1% in either direction, meaning the RTX 3090 is in a tightly contested performance band. The card is 0.5% ahead of the RTX 4070 Mobile and RX 6700 XT, and 1% behind the AMD Radeon Pro Vega 20 and 1.1% behind the RX 7800M. The production status is end-of-life, with the GeForce 40 series as its successor.

# Build Overview

This is a desktop-class build combining the Intel Core i7-12700K with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090. The CPU is an active product, while the GPU is end-of-life, but both remain capable performers. The combined percentile ranking is 79, meaning this pairing outperforms 79% of all desktop configurations in the database.

The CPU is a 12-core, 20-thread Alder Lake processor with a 5.00 GHz boost clock and 125 W TDP. The GPU is a 24 GB Ampere card with a 350 W TDP and triple-slot cooler. The system requires a 750 W PSU and a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. The physical dimensions of the GPU are 336 mm in length, 140 mm in height, and 61 mm in width, which requires a full-size case with adequate clearance.

This pairing represents a high-end desktop build from the previous generation. The CPU's 84th percentile and GPU's 73rd percentile individually place them above the majority of their respective pools, but not at the very top. The combined 79th percentile reflects the slight mismatch, where the CPU is relatively stronger than the GPU. This is a capable system for gaming, content creation, and development, but it is not the fastest desktop configuration available.

# Benchmark Performance

The Intel Core i7-12700K has an average benchmark score of 35,287, placing it at the 84th percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rival, the Intel Core i5-13600T, scores 35,305 with a delta of -0.1%, meaning the i5 is marginally ahead. The i7-12700KF scores 35,365, which is 0.2% higher. The i7-13700T scores 35,403, 0.3% higher, and the Intel Core 5 213PE scores 35,428, 0.4% higher. The CPU is effectively tied with its closest competitors.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 has an average benchmark score of 27,565, placing it at the 73rd percentile of all GPUs. Its nearest rivals are the RTX 4070 Mobile at 27,435 (0.5% lower), the RX 6700 XT at 27,425 (0.5% lower), the AMD Radeon Pro Vega 20 at 27,839 (1% higher), and the RX 7800M at 27,883 (1.1% higher). The GPU is in a tight cluster of similar-performing cards.

The combined picture shows a CPU that is stronger relative to its pool than the GPU is to its pool. The CPU's 84th percentile versus the GPU's 73rd percentile means the processor has more headroom over its competition than the graphics card does. The combined percentile of 79 reflects this gap. In workload terms, the CPU is less likely to be the bottleneck than the GPU, which is typical for a gaming-focused build where the graphics card carries the heavier load. The data shows a well-matched pair for high-end desktop use, with the CPU providing a solid foundation and the GPU delivering strong graphics performance.