If you’re not a tech-savvy person then you probably won’t know the answer on which is better, AMD or Intel? Well, last year we were able to pit the Intel Core i7 11800H against the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H head-to-head in productivity and gaming with Intel rounding up the most wins. This year, we’re back with the 12th Gen Intel Core i7 12700H and the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H CPUs. Will AMD retake the gaming crown, or will Intel have a more decisive victory? Let’s find out as we put these CPUs against a set of productivity benchmarks and have them run the latest triple-A titles in a head-to-head battle.
12th Gen Intel Core Processors
Before we go to the exciting numbers, Let’s first discuss what’s new with the Intel 12th Gen Architecture. Intel’s 12th Gen CPU performance hybrid architecture is a remarkable improvement over last-gen thanks to the debut of the P-cores and E-cores. P-Core is Intel’s high-performance core that focuses on single-threaded performance, while the E-Core is a high-efficiency core that prioritizes power efficiency over raw performance. These cores work together to optimize performance for specific workloads. For example, the P-Cores can handle demanding applications like gaming and video editing, while the E-Cores can handle mundane and light tasks like web browsing, virus scans, or Windows updates. Another key addition to the architecture is the Intel Thread Director, which manages the P-Core and E-Core performance based on the workload. The Thread Director acts as a traffic controller, directing workloads to the most efficient core for that task. It optimizes core utilization, making sure that each core is being used to its fullest potential. Of course, apart from the new core design, the 12th Gen Intel CPU also brings the latest industry technologies such as DDR5 and PCIE Gen 5 support.
Intel Core i7 12700H vs AMD Ryzen 7 6800H
So, how does the Intel Core i7 12700H compare against the Ryzen 7 6800H? Well, the Intel Core i7 12700H has 12 cores and 20 threads, with a base clock speed of 2.4GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.7GHz. On the other hand, the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H has 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock speed of 2.9GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.4GHz. Both CPUs have a 45-watt TDP and support DDR5 memory, although Intel Core 12th Gen mobile processors also support last gen DDR4 memory allowing for cheaper options for consumers who don’t require the extra speed. In terms of core count and clock speeds, the Intel Core i7 12700H has a clear advantage over the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H. But how does that translate to better FPS?
DISCLAIMER + Benchmark and Testing Methodology
In our Intel Core i7 11800H vs AMD Ryzen 7 5800H comparo last year, we were able to do a perfect 1:1 apples-to-apples comparison due to the laptops housing the CPUs being Identical — The ASUS TUF A15 and F15. Both laptops had the exact same build, specs, and cooling. Unfortunately, the current generation of laptops has a much more versatile TDP configuration for both CPUs and GPUs. That said, we were still able to procure laptops with the same core specs albeit from different brands. The Legion 5 sports an Intel Core i7 12700H, 16GB DDR5 4800MHz RAM, 1TB SSD, and a 140W RTX 3060 GPU. The ASUS TUF A15 2022 has the same specs but with an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H. Both CPUs have a 45W TDP which is the maximum TDP configuration of these models.
Gadget Pilipinas’ testing philosophy is to provide detail-oriented results as accurately as possible so that our readers can replicate our tests given that these conditions are met. Both laptops were tested with the same version of Windows including the same Graphics Driver for a more controlled testing environment. Both laptops have their respective firmware, and BIOS updated to the latest version. There were no other apps installed aside from the necessary benchmarking software, games, and monitoring software. Lastly, both laptops’ performance profiles were set to the highest profile available. We tested the laptops at 1080p resolution to focus more on CPU performance.
Intel Core i7 12700H vs AMD Ryzen 7 6800H Benchmarks
CINEBENCH R23
Cinebench R23 shows close single-core performance with the Intel Core i7 12700H taking a 20% percent lead over AMD. Moving to the multicore benchmark grants Intel a 30% higher score.
3DMark Firestrike and Timespy
3DMark’s Firestrike and Timespy show conflicting results with AMD taking the lead in FireStrike which is a DirectX 11 benchmark sequence. However, Intel shows a much more promising win when we switch to TimeSpy DX12 showing a much more efficient core utilization.
CROSSMARK
Intel commands a solid lead in Crossmark with a score gap of as much as 50% over AMD in system responsiveness.
UL Procyon
Rounding up our synthetic benchmark suite is Procyon’s Video Editing Benchmark. The Intel Core i7 12700H’s higher score shows dominance in both H.264 and H.265 video encoding making it an ideal CPU for video editing and productivity.
DOTA 2
DOTA’s latest 7.33 patch expanded the game’s map by 40% resulting in the game requiring a lot more resources with the game being more CPU heavy. Despite the more taxing load, the Intel Core i7 12700H was able to output 180 FPS at the highest setting which is more than enough especially for laptops sporting 144Hz or 165Hz displays. The 102.6 1% FPS shows a much more stable gameplay experience as it still hits the three-digit FPS mark.
CS:GO
CS:GO is a popular game not only because of its Esports and F2P nature but because of its sensitivity to CPUs making it the go-to FPS game benchmark among reviewers. The old Source Engine game shows a drastic performance gap between Intel and AMD with the former getting twice as much average framerate. While you won’t necessarily “see” the FPS difference, the perceived smoothness, and latency is noticeably better on the Intel Core i7 12700H thanks to the higher framerate.
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the demanding triple-A games that make even the flagship components barely able to run 4K over 60FPS. Unlike the previous free-to-play titles, the performance gap between the two CPUs is almost negligible but it’s worth noting that the Core i7 12700H has a higher 1% low at 56.6 FPS meaning it provides a much more stable gaming experience with less noticeable stutters and frame drops.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare II
Going back to a more CPU-bound title, CODMWII is one the most popular, if not the most popular Battle Royale title since it came out last year. While both CPUs fail to cross the three-digit FPS mark, the Intel Core i7 12700H provides a much more stable gameplay experience as its 1% low is at 58.2 FPS.
Conclusion
Both CPUs provide a decent leap in performance compared to their last-gen counterparts but what sets Intel 12th Generation Processors apart are the feature set that not only improves performance but also in efficiency, compatibility, and stability as seen in our benchmarks. The Intel Thread Director technology optimizes the workload allocation between these cores, resulting in a more efficient and responsive system combing P-core’s high-performance computing power and E-core’s excellent power efficiency. What makes the Intel 12th Gen Core H-series processors stand out is its backward compatibility with DDR4 memory allowing consumers to have cheaper options, especially those whose workload doesn’t heavily rely on RAM speed. So, if you’re looking for a high-performance laptop whether it be for content creation, work, or play, then Intel 12th Gen Core powered laptops would greatly fit your needs thanks to the improvements in performance, features, and value brought upon by the Intel CPU architecture.
Grant is a Financial Management graduate from UST. His passion for gadgets and tech crossed him over in the industry where he could apply his knowledge as an enthusiast and in-depth analytic skills as a Finance Major. His passion allows him to earn at the same time help Gadget Pilipinas' readers in making smart, value-based decisions and purchases with his reviews and guides.
