Best 12-Core CPUs of 2025

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For those who require high-performance computing power, 12-core CPUs provide a solution that is both powerful and efficient. These processors are designed to handle complex tasks with ease, making them ideal for professionals in industries such as video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific research. With a 12-core CPU, users can expect faster processing times and increased multitasking capabilities. While these CPUs may come at a higher price point, the benefits they offer in terms of speed and efficiency are well worth the investment.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 12-Core CPUs
Intel Core i7-12700K Desktop Processor with 12 Cores
The Intel Core i7-12700K is an exceptional desktop processor designed for high performance. With 8 performance cores, it ensures you can run demanding applications smoothly, enhancing your overall computing experience. The capability to reach speeds of up to 5.0 GHz means you can enjoy fast and responsive performance, whether for gaming or multitasking. Additionally, its unlocked feature allows you to overclock the processor, giving you more control over its performance to suit your needs. This makes the Intel Core i7-12700K a great choice for anyone looking to build a powerful PC.
Intel Core i7-12700KF Desktop Processor
The Intel i7-12700KF Processor delivers impressive performance with its 3.60 GHz base frequency, allowing you to handle demanding tasks smoothly. With Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology, the frequency can reach up to 5.00 GHz, ensuring you have the power needed for intensive applications and gaming. The maximum turbo frequency of 5.00 GHz means you can enjoy faster processing speeds when the workload increases. This processor features a combination of performance cores, which enhances multitasking capabilities, providing you with a seamless computing experience.
Intel Core i7 12700K 12-Core CPU
The Intel i7 12700K is a powerful 12th Gen Alder Lake CPU, featuring 12 cores and 20 threads. With speeds of up to 5.0GHz, you can enjoy enhanced processing power for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking. The LGA1700 socket makes it compatible with the latest motherboards, ensuring you stay updated with current technology. This combination of features allows you to experience smoother performance and faster load times, making it an ideal choice for both work and play.
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K Desktop Processor
The Intel Core Ultra 7 is a powerful desktop processor designed for gamers and productivity enthusiasts. It features support for PCIe 5.0 and 4.0, ensuring you can take advantage of the latest graphics cards and storage devices for optimal performance. With DDR5 support, you can enjoy faster memory speeds, which enhances overall system responsiveness. This unlocked processor allows for overclocking, giving you the flexibility to push performance further. Additionally, it is compatible with Intel 800 Series Chipset motherboards, making it a versatile choice for your setup.
Intel Core i7-14700K Desktop Processor with 20 Cores
The Intel i7-14700K Processor is designed for gamers and productivity enthusiasts, boasting a powerful 125W base power and 20 cores, consisting of 8 performance cores and 12 efficiency cores. This means you can enjoy seamless multitasking and high performance in demanding applications. With Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, your processor can reach speeds of up to 5.6 GHz, ensuring that you have the speed needed for intense gaming sessions. Additionally, it supports the latest PCIe 5.0 and 4.0, allowing for faster data transfer rates and improved graphics performance.
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF Desktop Processor
The Intel Core Ultra 7 is a powerful desktop processor designed to enhance your gaming and productivity experience. With 20 cores, including 8 performance cores and 12 efficiency cores, it delivers impressive speed, reaching up to 5.5 GHz. This processor supports the latest PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 technologies, ensuring faster data transfer and improved performance for high-demand applications. Additionally, it features DDR5 support, allowing you to take advantage of rapid memory speeds for smoother multitasking. Please note, discrete graphics are required for optimal performance.
AMD Ryzen 5 8400F Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler
The AMD Ryzen 5 8400F is a powerful processor that offers versatile functionality for your computing needs. With a max boost frequency of 4.7 GHz, you can enjoy smooth performance during demanding tasks like gaming and content creation. It is unlocked for overclocking, allowing you to enhance performance even further, making it ideal for enthusiasts. Additionally, it supports DDR5 memory, ensuring you are ready for the latest technology. The state-of-the-art Socket AM5 platform means your system can be upgraded for years to come.
Intel Core i7-12700 12-Core Processor
The Intel Core i7-12700 is a powerful dodeca-core processor that operates at 2.10 GHz, making it ideal for demanding applications. With its hyper-threading architecture, you can expect high performance, especially when multitasking or running resource-intensive software. The 25 MB of L3 cache ensures supreme performance for computation-heavy tasks, providing you with quicker processing times. Additionally, the built-in Intel UHD Graphics 770 enhances visual quality and allows you to connect up to four monitors, making it perfect for both work and entertainment.
Intel Core i7-14700KF 20-Core Processor
The Intel i7-14700KF is a powerful desktop processor featuring 20 cores, which include 8 performance cores and 12 efficiency cores. With a base power of 125W, it efficiently manages your computing tasks. You can take advantage of Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, allowing for speed boosts up to 5.6 GHz, which enhances your gaming and productivity experiences. Additionally, this processor supports both PCIe 5.0 and 4.0, as well as DDR5 and DDR4 memory, providing flexibility and excellent performance for your system.
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X 12-Core Processor
The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X is designed for ultra-premium desktop systems, ensuring you have the power and performance needed for demanding tasks. It is compatible with x399 motherboards, providing flexibility for your setup. With AMD SenseMI technology, you can expect enhanced performance and efficiency, while the new AMD StoreMI storage technology offers improved data management and access speed. This processor supports up to 128GB of DDR4 ECC memory, allowing you to run multiple applications smoothly without lag.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a 12-core processor?
Intel Core i9-7920X X-Series Processor 12 Cores up to 4.3 GHz Turbo Unlocked LGA2066 X299 Series 140W.
2. What is a 12-core processor called?
A dodeca-core microprocessor refers to an integrated circuit that implements twelve independent physical execution units (referred to as cores) on a single die.
3. What was the first 12-core CPU?
Intel released the first desktop processor with 12 cores, the Core i9-7920X, in August 2017. It runs at 2.9 GHz and features a 16.50 MB L3 cache. AMD released their first processor with 16 cores, the Ryzen Threadripper 1950X, on August 10, 2017. It runs at 3.4 GHz and features a 32 MB L3 cache.
4. Is there a 10-core CPU?
Intel Core i9-10900K Desktop Processor 10 Cores up to 5.3 GHz Unlocked LGA1200 (Intel 400 Series Chipset) 125W.
During our 12-core cpu research, we found 83 12-core cpu products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 30,377 customer reviews through our big data system to write the 12-core cpus list. We found that most customers choose 12-core cpus with an average price of £314.04.
The 12-core cpus are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of 12-core cpus, including Intel, AMD.

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