AMD Ryzen 7 5800X vs Intel Core i7-12700K: Which is the best CPU for gaming?

Which is a better gaming chipset AMD Ryzen 7 5800X or Intel Core i7-12700K
Which is a better gaming chipset AMD Ryzen 7 5800X or Intel Core i7-12700K? (Image via Amazon || AMD || Intel)

In the battle of AMD Ryzen 7 5800X vs Intel Core i7-12700K, most gamers might find that the option from Team Blue provides a slight edge in certain titles. This is because of its newer architecture and higher clock speeds. No, I don't mean that will be the “best” choice for everyone, or that the AMD processor is bad. The Ryzen chip just caters to different needs, and it's all about personal preference.

Overall, both CPUs are capable of delivering a smooth gaming performance. However, multiple aspects make them distinct. In this AMD Ryzen 7 5800X vs Intel Core i7-12700K comparison, we will analyze what both bring to the table and help you in deciding the ideal pick for you.

NOTE: Some aspects of this article are subjective and reflect the author's opinions.


AMD Ryzen 7 5800X vs Intel Core i7-12700K: Specs

Specifications comparison of two mid-range SoCs (Image via YouTube/Ton Time Tech)
Specifications comparison of two mid-range SoCs (Image via YouTube/Ton Time Tech)

Let’s look at their configurations before we dig into the core of the comparison:

SpecificationsAMD Ryzen 7 5800XIntel Core i7-12700K
ArchitectureZen 3 (Vermeer)Alder Lake
Cores88+4
Threads1616
Base frequency3.8Ghz3.6Ghz
Turbo clock4.7Ghz4.9Ghz
CacheL2: 512KB(per core), L3:34MB(
shared)
L2: 12MB(shared), L3:25MB(
shared)
TDP105W125W
Fabrication process7nm10nm
iGPUN/AIntel UHD Graphics 770
PCIe version45
Memory supportDDR4-3200DDR5-4800/DDR4-3200
PriceAvailable at $202Available at $249

There are a lot of major differences in both chipsets. Or I would say there is nothing similar except the number of cores(performance) and threads. TDP, L3 cache, and price are the advantages of the Team Red processor.

Conversely, the Intel processor demonstrates a distinct advantage when it comes to superior clock speeds and enhanced memory support, which positions it favorably in scenarios demanding high-performance computing


AMD Ryzen 7 5800X vs Intel Core i7-12700K: Performance

Team Blue and Team Red processors analysis (Image via IndiaMart/Intel)
Team Blue and Team Red processors analysis (Image via IndiaMart/Intel)

Judging from the paper specs, both CPUs look fantastic. However, my choice will lean more toward the Intel Core chipset, because of several reasons. First of all, it is newer compared to its counterpart, which means it utilizes a better architecture and advanced technologies like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support. So it is a good choice for unforeseen future.

On the contrary, AMD Ryzen 7 5800X has only 105W, and it is fabricated on a 7nm process, which makes it highly efficient. Moreover, it has more cache and is available at a lower price. Also, it lacks any integrated GPU.

In the context of these CPUs, "K" and "X" signify that the processors are unlocked for overclocking. This means you can manually increase the clock speed of a CPU beyond its factory settings, potentially leading to higher performance. But it has its risks like crashes or system instability and overheating. Moreover, the gains from overclocking are often minimal and not worth the risks, for normal users.


AMD Ryzen 7 5800X vs Intel Core i7-12700K: Benchmarks

Head-to-head test of Ryzen 7 and Intel Core i7 (Image via AMD)
Head-to-head test of Ryzen 7 and Intel Core i7 (Image via AMD)

Above was all the theory. Here is the real AMD Ryzen 7 5800X vs Intel Core i7-12700K battle. Below you can check a full suite of synthetic benchmark tests of both CPUs, sourced from NanoReview.

Tests

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

Intel Core i7-12700K

Cinebench R23 (Single-Core)

1614

1936

Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core)

15494

22999

Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)

2232

2627

Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)

10270

14714

Passmark CPU (Single-Core)

3446

4035

Passmark CPU (Multi-Core)

27909

34636

The i7-12700K chip from Intel outperforms the AMD offering in every test performed. Based on these outcomes, it is safe to assume that the processor from Team Blue is slightly better. But these numbers are only good for general review. The actual performance might vary based on the other accessories you are using.

We also have the average FPS count of both chipsets, sourced from the Testing Game- YouTube channel.

Games

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

Intel Core i7-12700K

Battlefield 2042

110

148

Forza Horizon 5

187

202

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

199

194

CYBERPUNK 2077

149

162

PUBG

317

306

Horizon Zero Dawn

162

176

Hitman 3

184

203

Red Dead Redemption 2

153

159

Mafia Definitive Edition

167

182

The Witcher 3

201

208

Except for Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the Intel Core i7-12700K delivers superior performance (all games are played at 1080p). Overall, both chipsets handle games at respectable FPS.


AMD Ryzen 7 5800X vs Intel Core i7-12700K: Final verdict

Is AMD Ryzen 7 5800X better than its competitor? (Image via Flipkart/AMD)
Is AMD Ryzen 7 5800X better than its competitor? (Image via Flipkart/AMD)

It is time to decide the winner of the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X vs Intel Core i7-12700K battle. Both SoCs are good, however, for me, the Intel processor is slightly better compared to its counterpart. It performs well in all the tests, is new, and uses improved technologies. So, if you don’t want to compromise on raw performance, this would be the ideal pick.

However, if you have a limited budget, go with AMD Ryzen 7 5800X. It also delivers a great performance, plus it is more efficient.


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