Intel Core i7-12700 Boxed Desktop Processor – 12th Generation “Alder Lake-S”, 12 Cores (8 Performance + 4 Efficient), 20 Threads, Up to 4.90 GHz Turbo, 25 MB Smart Cache, LGA 1700 Socket

The Intel Core i7-12700 boxed desktop processor brings a high-performance hybrid architecture to the mainstream workstation and gaming PC market, combining both performance and efficiency cores in a 12th Generation Alder Lake-S design. Built on Intel’s “Intel 7” process node and supporting the LGA 1700 socket, this processor is suited for builders who demand strong multitasking capabilities, high single-thread speeds, and compatibility with next-gen memory and I/O platforms.

With a total of 12 cores (8 performance + 4 efficient) and 20 threads, the i7-12700 is engineered to excel in scenarios that involve simultaneous workloads—gaming while streaming, rendering while editing, or multitasking across applications. The performance cores handle demanding, latency-sensitive tasks while the efficient cores take on background and multi-threaded loads, maintaining system responsiveness without compromising power draw.

At its peak, the i7-12700 can deliver up to 4.90 GHz Turbo Frequency, enabling smooth performance in high-frame-rate gaming, interactive editing workflows, and time-sensitive productivity tasks. The P-core base frequency of 2.10 GHz and E-core base of 1.60 GHz ensure that both core types have defined performance floors, helping with predictable performance across workloads.

Equipped with 25 MB of Intel® Smart Cache, the i7-12700 provides ample shared cache to feed multiple cores and threads with low latency, improving throughput in both sequential and random workloads. With a base power rating of 65 W and a maximum turbo power around 180 W, the thermal and power envelope is designed for modern PC builds that balance performance and efficiency.

The platform compatibility is future-oriented: the i7-12700 supports DDR5-4800 MT/s and DDR4-3200 MT/s memory configurations, giving system builders flexibility around budget and upgrade path. Additionally, with PCI Express 5.0 and 4.0 lane support, the processor aligns with next-generation graphics cards, NVMe storage drives, and fast I/O expansions.

Whether you’re building a high-refresh-rate gaming rig, a creator workstation, or a responsive multitasker for everyday use, the i7-12700 boxed processor offers strong value. It includes the Intel® Laminar RM1 cooler (in boxed variant), simplifying out-of-box setup. With the combination of hybrid core architecture, modern interface support, and trusted Intel branding, this CPU strikes a compelling balance of performance, scalability, and platform readiness for the PC builder in 2024–2025.