Intel Core i9-12900K vs Intel Xeon Processor E3-1270 v5

The Intel Core i9-12900K is the faster processor, scoring 78/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 76/100 for the Intel Xeon Processor E3-1270 v5 — roughly 3% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy.

Winner

Intel Core i9-12900K

78
Gaming score / 100
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Intel

Intel Xeon Processor E3-1270 v5

76
Gaming score / 100
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Specs compared

SpecIntel Core i9-12900KIntel Xeon Processor E3-1270 v5
Gaming score78/10076/100
Cores / Threads16 / 244 / 8
Boost clock5.20 GHz4.00 GHz
TDP125 W80 W
SocketLGA1700-
MSRP$399.00-

Intel Core i9-12900K vs Intel Xeon Processor E3-1270 v5: which should you buy?

The Intel Core i9-12900K is the faster processor, scoring 78/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 76/100 for the Intel Xeon Processor E3-1270 v5 — roughly 3% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy. For your specific games and resolution, run both through our comparison tool, check pairing with the bottleneck calculator, or see where each lands on the tier list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Intel Core i9-12900K better than the Intel Xeon Processor E3-1270 v5?
The Intel Core i9-12900K is faster for gaming, scoring 78/100 versus 76/100 for the Intel Xeon Processor E3-1270 v5 (about 3% faster).

Should I buy the Intel Core i9-12900K or the Intel Xeon Processor E3-1270 v5?
For raw gaming performance, choose the Intel Core i9-12900K. If it costs notably more for only a small gain, the Intel Xeon Processor E3-1270 v5 can be the better value. Check current prices before deciding.

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