Intel Core i7-12700F vs Intel Core Ultra 7 265F

The Intel Core i7-12700F, based on the Alder Lake S architecture and manufactured using the 10 nm process, was introduced in early 2022.

It is aimed at mainstream to high-end users. It features 8 performance and 4 efficiency cores (12 cores, 20 threads), complemented by 12 MB L2 cache and 25 MB L3 cache. Connectivity includes PCIe 5.0 and a maximum memory bandwidth of 77 GB/s. The Intel Core Ultra 7 265F represents the newer Arrow Lake architecture, manufactured using the advanced 3 nm process.

This processor targets high-end enthusiasts. It also uses a hybrid architecture of performance and efficiency cores and benefits from significantly enlarged caches with 36 MB L2 cache and 33 MB L3 cache. It also offers PCIe 5.0 with a higher maximum memory bandwidth of 102 GB/s. In single-core performance, the Intel Core Ultra 7 265F shows a clear advantage of over 20 percent.

In multi-core performance, the picture is mixed: while the Intel Core Ultra 7 265F performs significantly better in Geekbench 6 and Cinebench 2024 (over 40 percent lead), the Intel Core i7-12700F is clearly ahead in a specific Cinebench R23 multi-core test. For gaming scenarios, the Intel Core Ultra 7 265F is likely to offer better performance thanks to superior single-core performance and larger caches.

The 3 nm manufacturing of the Intel Core Ultra 7 265F also implies higher energy efficiency. The Intel Core i7-12700F, as an older model, is expected to be more affordably priced, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 265F, as a high-end chip, represents a higher investment.