PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, productivity performance, platform differences, power efficiency, pricing context, and upgrade path so you can see which CPU actually makes more sense.

Core i7-12700K

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +21.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+56.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 16 MB).
✅Delivers 36.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 84.0 vs 61.5 PassMark/$ ($409 MSRP vs $400 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌
2.3% HIGHER MSRP
$409 MSRPvs$400 MSRP
❌127.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 55W.

Ryzen AI Max PRO 380

2025

Why buy it

✅Costs $9 less on MSRP ($400 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 125W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-12700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (24,613 vs 34,347).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 61.5 vs 84.0 PassMark/$ ($400 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-12700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-12700K

2021

Ryzen AI Max PRO 380

2025

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +21.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+56.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 16 MB).
✅Delivers 36.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 84.0 vs 61.5 PassMark/$ ($409 MSRP vs $400 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 needs a discrete GPU.

Why buy it

✅Costs $9 less on MSRP ($400 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 125W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌
2.3% HIGHER MSRP
$409 MSRPvs$400 MSRP
❌127.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 55W.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-12700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (24,613 vs 34,347).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 25 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 61.5 vs 84.0 PassMark/$ ($400 MSRP vs $409 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-12700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-12700K better than Ryzen AI Max PRO 380?

Yes. Core i7-12700K is the better overall CPU here. You are getting a 21.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 39.5% better PassMark, which makes it the stronger all-around choice.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-12700K is the better pick here. According to our tests, it delivers 21.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-12700K is the better fit. You are getting 39.5% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 20 threads. It also carries the larger cache pool with 56.3% larger total L3 cache (25 MB vs 16 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-12700K is the smarter buy today. Core i7-12700K is 2.3% more expensive on MSRP at $409 MSRP versus $400 MSRP, and it gives you a 21.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 36.5% better value on MSRP (84.0 vs 61.5 PassMark/$), so the better CPU is not just faster, it is also the cleaner value play on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2025 vs 2021). That should give you a better long-term upgrade path for motherboard, RAM, and future CPU swaps.

Games Benchmarks

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Core i7-12700K Benchmark Check

Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	Core i7-12700K	Ryzen AI Max PRO 380
1080p
low	314 FPS	272 FPS
medium	295 FPS	239 FPS
high	246 FPS	204 FPS
ultra	193 FPS	174 FPS
1440p
low	269 FPS	233 FPS
medium	225 FPS	184 FPS
high	182 FPS	153 FPS
ultra	145 FPS	134 FPS
4K
low	170 FPS	161 FPS
medium	142 FPS	129 FPS
high	109 FPS	99 FPS
ultra	96 FPS	86 FPS

Open Core i7-12700K Open Ryzen AI Max PRO 380

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	Core i7-12700K	Ryzen AI Max PRO 380
1080p
low	630 FPS	402 FPS
medium	533 FPS	327 FPS
high	450 FPS	282 FPS
ultra	410 FPS	244 FPS
1440p
low	536 FPS	341 FPS
medium	475 FPS	287 FPS
high	403 FPS	255 FPS
ultra	349 FPS	216 FPS
4K
low	312 FPS	257 FPS
medium	280 FPS	221 FPS
high	266 FPS	201 FPS
ultra	234 FPS	170 FPS

Open Core i7-12700K Open Ryzen AI Max PRO 380

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	Core i7-12700K	Ryzen AI Max PRO 380
1080p
low	797 FPS	615 FPS
medium	633 FPS	615 FPS
high	556 FPS	615 FPS
ultra	472 FPS	554 FPS
1440p
low	704 FPS	615 FPS
medium	565 FPS	588 FPS
high	490 FPS	507 FPS
ultra	422 FPS	429 FPS
4K
low	510 FPS	509 FPS
medium	425 FPS	416 FPS
high	381 FPS	356 FPS
ultra	321 FPS	289 FPS

Open Core i7-12700K Open Ryzen AI Max PRO 380

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	Core i7-12700K	Ryzen AI Max PRO 380
1080p
low	859 FPS	615 FPS
medium	802 FPS	615 FPS
high	699 FPS	615 FPS
ultra	628 FPS	615 FPS
1440p
low	760 FPS	615 FPS
medium	678 FPS	615 FPS
high	590 FPS	615 FPS
ultra	519 FPS	589 FPS
4K
low	535 FPS	602 FPS
medium	488 FPS	536 FPS
high	437 FPS	480 FPS
ultra	384 FPS	421 FPS

Open Core i7-12700K Open Ryzen AI Max PRO 380

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-12700K and Ryzen AI Max PRO 380

Core i7-12700K

The Core i7-12700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 34,347 points. Launch price was $409.

Ryzen AI Max PRO 380

The Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Strix Halo (2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP11. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 24,613 points. Launch price was $299.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-12700K packs 12 cores / 20 threads, while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K versus 4.9 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i7-12700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-12700K uses the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 uses Strix Halo (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-12700K scores 34,347 against the Ryzen AI Max PRO 380's 24,613 — a 33% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K vs 16 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max PRO 380.

Feature	Core i7-12700K	Ryzen AI Max PRO 380
Cores / Threads	12 / 20+100%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	5 GHz+2%	4.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
L3 Cache	25 MB (total)+56%	16 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+25%	1 MB (per core)
Process	10 nm	4 nm-60%
Architecture	Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021)	Strix Halo (2025)
PassMark	34,347+40%	24,613

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-12700K uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 uses FP11 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-12700K	Ryzen AI Max PRO 380
Socket	LGA1700	FP11
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	4800	—
Max RAM Capacity	128	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K) / not specified (Ryzen AI Max PRO 380). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.

Feature	Core i7-12700K	Ryzen AI Max PRO 380
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—

💰

Value Analysis

The Core i7-12700K launched at $409 MSRP, while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 debuted at $400. On MSRP ($409 vs $400), the Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 is $9 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-12700K delivers 84.0 pts/$ vs 61.5 pts/$ for the Ryzen AI Max PRO 380 — making the Core i7-12700K the 30.9% better value option.