Intel
Core i7-12700K
Alder Lake · 12C/20T · 125 W · LGA1700
81
/ 100
From $409
VS
Intel
Core Ultra 5 245K
Arrow Lake · 14C/14T · 125 W · LGA1851
81
/ 100
From $309
Specdex verdict
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
Core i7-12700K 81
vs 81 Core Ultra 5 245K
Score breakdown
Core i7-12700K
81 single 83
multi 81
gaming 80
efficiency 78
Core Ultra 5 245K
81 single 83
multi 81
gaming 80
efficiency 83
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
Pros
- +Strong per-core performance
- +Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- +Wide platform availability
Cons
- −Power draw on top SKUs
- −Frequent socket changes
- −Arrow Lake gaming regressions
Core Ultra 5 245K
Pros
- +Strong per-core performance
- +Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- +Wide platform availability
Cons
- −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.