Core i7-12700K
Alder Lake · 12C/20T · 125 W · LGA1700
Core Ultra 5 245K
Arrow Lake · 14C/14T · 125 W · LGA1851
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Core i7-12700K lands at 81 and Core Ultra 5 245K at 81. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Core i7-12700K if…
- ✓Strong per-core performance
- ✓Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- ✓Wide platform availability
Pick Core Ultra 5 245K if…
- ✓Strong per-core performance
- ✓Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- ✓Wide platform availability
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testGaming
TieFrame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Creators & productivity
TieRendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Power efficiency
Core Ultra 5 245KPerformance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost
Core Ultra 5 245K leads on efficiency (83 vs 78).
Value for money
Core Ultra 5 245KSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Core Ultra 5 245K more score per dollar ($309 vs $409).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Core i7-12700K | Core Ultra 5 245K |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Alder Lake | Arrow Lake |
| Cores | 12 | ▲ 14 |
| Threads | ▲ 20 | 14 |
| TDP | 125 W | 125 W |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| Release year | 2021 | 2024 |
Core i7-12700K
- +Strong per-core performance
- +Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- +Wide platform availability
- −Power draw on top SKUs
- −Frequent socket changes
- −Arrow Lake gaming regressions
Core Ultra 5 245K
- +Strong per-core performance
- +Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- +Wide platform availability
- −Power draw on top SKUs
- −Frequent socket changes
- −Arrow Lake gaming regressions
FAQ: Core i7-12700K vs Core Ultra 5 245K
Which is better, Core i7-12700K or Core Ultra 5 245K? +
Both score 81 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Core i7-12700K worth the price? +
At $409, Core i7-12700K delivers a Specdex score of 81 — strongest in single.
Is Core Ultra 5 245K worth the price? +
At $309, Core Ultra 5 245K delivers a Specdex score of 81 — strongest in single.
Does Core i7-12700K or Core Ultra 5 245K last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for power efficiency, Core i7-12700K or Core Ultra 5 245K? +
Core Ultra 5 245K — leads on efficiency (83 vs 78). Performance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost.
Which is the better value, Core i7-12700K or Core Ultra 5 245K? +
Core Ultra 5 245K — more score per dollar ($309 vs $409). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.