[Custom PC] Features, Specifications, and Performance Summary of 12th Gen Intel Core Desktop CPUs

We will compare the features and specifications of 12th Gen Intel Core desktop CPUs, changes from the previous generation, benchmark scores, cost performance, and power efficiency.

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Features of 12th Gen Intel Core Processors

This section explains the features of 12th Gen Intel Core processors.

Key points, including performance improvements and differences from the 11th generation, are summarized in an easy-to-understand way.

Hybrid Architecture with P-cores and E-cores

Starting from the 12th generation, a hybrid architecture combining high-performance “P-cores (Performance Cores)” and power-efficient “E-cores (Efficient Cores)” has been adopted.

The features of P-cores and E-cores are as follows:

• P-cores: High processing performance / Handles heavy tasks
• E-cores: Efficient processing performance / Handles light tasks and background tasks

By using these two types of cores together, both high performance and power saving are achieved.

≫ Related article: About Intel CPU P-cores and E-cores

Up to the 11th generation, only one type of core, equivalent to P-cores, was used, but from the 12th generation, two types of cores are used. Heavy tasks are handled by P-cores, while light tasks and background processing are handled by E-cores, achieving both high performance and power efficiency.

With task assignments separated, P-cores can focus on heavy tasks without being interrupted by light tasks, leading to even better performance.

Increased Number of Cores and Threads

The number of cores and threads has increased for Core i9, i7, and some high-end Core i5 models (“12600K” and “12600KF”).

The number of P-cores remains the same, but the addition of E-cores has increased the total number of cores.

Also, the increase in E-cores has led to more threads.

P-cores support Hyper-Threading Technology, so 1 core = 2 threads, but E-cores do not support this, so 1 core = 1 thread.

Therefore, the total number of threads is (P-cores × 2) + E-cores.

For example, the Intel Core i5-12600K has 6 P-cores and 4 E-cores for a total of 10 cores, but 16 threads.

Supports DDR5 Memory

From the 12th generation, DDR5 memory is supported.

DDR4 memory is also supported, so when building a custom PC, it is good to decide based on current prices and availability.

However, the memory slots on the motherboard are physically different, so they do not support both types at the same time.

Therefore, be sure to check the specifications to see if it supports DDR4 or DDR5.

DDR5 supports higher data transfer speeds.

For DDR4, it is up to 3200 MT/s (50.0 GB/s), but DDR5 supports up to 4800 MT/s (76.8 GB/s).

Depending on the memory chosen, the maximum supported standard is 26.8 GB/s faster.

Upgraded Integrated GPU (UHD Graphics)

From the 12th generation, the integrated GPU has been upgraded from Intel UHD Graphics 750 to Intel UHD Graphics 770.

This allows for smoother rendering in light gaming, video playback, and 4K output.

The clock frequencies are as follows:

Although the base clock frequency is lower, the maximum clock frequency is higher, so overall graphics performance has improved slightly.

Also, the maximum clock frequency of UHD Graphics 770 varies slightly depending on the grade (Core i5, i7, i9).

Maximum Display Output Increased to 4 Screens

With the introduction of Intel UHD Graphics 770, the maximum number of simultaneous display outputs has increased from 3 to 4.

This is the maximum number of screens supported by the CPU’s integrated GPU, so up to 4 screens can be connected using only the motherboard’s video output ports.

If a graphics card is installed, even more screens can be connected.

Honestly, users who use 3 or 4 displays usually also install a graphics card, so there may not be many opportunities to use 4 screens with just the CPU.

However, even if not using the maximum, using multiple displays (2 or 3 screens) can dramatically improve work efficiency, so those using only one screen should consider it.

Supports PCI Express 5.0

From the 12th generation, PCI Express 5.0 is supported.

It has twice the bandwidth of the previous generation (PCIe 4.0) and is ready for future faster GPUs and SSDs, but in practice, it will mainly be used for NVMe SSDs.

For reference, here is a summary of data transfer speeds for storage including PCI Express:

Maximum TDP Added to Specifications

From the 12th generation, the TDP (Thermal Design Power) specification has been revised, and “Maximum TDP (Maximum Turbo Power)” is now clearly listed on the official specification page.

This maximum TDP is the TDP when the clock frequency is increased by Turbo Boost Technology.

Previously, only the base clock TDP was listed, but with the addition of maximum TDP, it is now easier to accurately understand peak power consumption and heat generation, making it easier to choose the right power supply unit and CPU cooler.

No Core i3 Grade Released

The Intel Core i series generally comes in four grades: i3, i5, i7, and i9, each with multiple models.

However, for the 12th generation, Core i3 is not available, so only i5, i7, and i9 grades are offered.

Specifications of 12th Gen Intel Core Processors

This section explains the specifications of 12th Gen Intel Core processors by grade.

Intel Core i9 Processors

The changes in Core i9 processor specifications from the previous generation are as follows.

• Increased from 8 cores to a total of 16 cores: P-cores: 8, E-cores: 8
• Increased from 16 threads to 24 threads (E-cores are 1 thread)
• Clock frequency change of -0.3 to -0.1 GHz
• L2 cache added to the specifications, L3 cache increased by 14 MB
• Support for DDR5 memory
• When using DDR4 memory, supported speed is up to 3200 MT/s (50.0 GB/s), while DDR5 supports up to 4800 MT/s (76.8 GB/s)
• Changed from UHD Graphics 750 to 770 (maximum clock frequency increased from 1.3 GHz to 1.55 GHz)
• DisplayPort resolution changed from 5,120×3,200 to 7,680×4,320
• Maximum number of display outputs changed from 3 to 4
• Support for PCI Express 5.0
• Maximum TDP added to the specifications

Intel Core i7 Processors

The changes in Core i7 processor specifications from the previous generation are as follows.

• Increased from 8 cores to a total of 12 cores: P-cores: 8, E-cores: 4
• Increased from 16 threads to 20 threads (E-cores are 1 thread)
• Clock frequency change of -0.4 to +0.1 GHz
• L2 cache added to the specifications, L3 cache increased by 9 MB
• Support for DDR5 memory
• When using DDR4 memory, supported speed is up to 3200 MT/s (50.0 GB/s), while DDR5 supports up to 4800 MT/s (76.8 GB/s)
• Changed from UHD Graphics 750 to 770 (maximum clock frequency increased from 1.3 GHz to 1.5 GHz)
• DisplayPort resolution changed from 5,120×3,200 to 7,680×4,320
• Maximum number of display outputs changed from 3 to 4
• Support for PCI Express 5.0
• Maximum TDP added to the specifications

Intel Core i5 Processors

The changes in Core i5 processor specifications from the previous generation are as follows.

• Only the higher models “12600K” and “12600KF” increase from 6 cores to a total of 10 cores: P-cores: 6, E-cores: 4
• Only the higher models “12600K” and “12600KF” increase from 12 threads to 16 threads
• Clock frequency change of -0.2 to +0.5 GHz
• L2 cache added to the specifications, L3 cache increased by 6 MB
• Support for DDR5 memory
• When using DDR4 memory, supported speed is up to 3200 MT/s (50.0 GB/s), while DDR5 supports up to 4800 MT/s (76.8 GB/s)
• Changed from UHD Graphics 750 to 770 (maximum clock frequency increased from 1.3 GHz to 1.45 GHz)
• DisplayPort resolution changed from 5,120×3,200 to 7,680×4,320
• Maximum number of display outputs changed from 3 to 4
• Support for PCI Express 5.0
• Maximum TDP added to the specifications

Intel Core i3 Processors

For Core i3 processor specifications, the 11th generation had no Core i3 launch, so changes are omitted.

Benchmark Comparison of 12th Gen Intel Core Processors

This section compares various data for 12th Gen Intel Core processors.

Benchmark Scores

The table is sorted in descending order of benchmark scores, and basically, the grades are in the order of i9, i7, i5, and i3.

However, the “T” models are power-saving versions, so their performance is lower in exchange for lower power consumption, placing them among the lower grades.

Cost Performance

Cost performance is calculated as the score per 100 yen, sorted in descending order of cost performance.

For cost performance, Core i5 and i7 stand out.

When building a custom PC, these are popular choices due to their affordable prices and versatility.

*Note: For “T” models, cost performance could not be calculated as there were no sites selling them at the time of research.*

Power Efficiency (Watt Performance)

Power efficiency is calculated as the score per maximum TDP, sorted in descending order of power efficiency.

Those who want to build a power-saving custom PC may find this helpful.

The power-saving “T” models dominate the top spots.

Next are Core i5 and i9, so if choosing based on price, Core i5 is recommended for its affordability.

Summary: The Highlights of 12th Gen Are P-cores/E-cores and Support for New Standards!

This article has explained in detail the features, specifications, and benchmark results of 12th Gen Intel Core processors.

Here is a summary of the key points:

The main highlights of the 12th generation are the hybrid architecture with two types of cores and support for new standards like DDR5 and PCI Express 5.0.

With the adoption of E-cores, background and light tasks can be handled by E-cores, allowing P-cores to process heavy tasks without interference, improving efficiency.

Also, with faster data communication for memory, GPU, and NVMe SSD, the possibilities for custom PCs expand.

Especially for users handling large amounts of data, NVMe SSDs supporting PCI Express 5.0 may become an option.

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