Core i5-12490F vs Core i9-9820X
Core i5-12490F
Core i9-9820X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-12490F
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9820X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12490F | Core i9-9820X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($280) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12490F | Core i9-9820X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+86%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($280) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-12490F and Core i9-9820X
Core i5-12490F
The Core i5-12490F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 20,366 points. Launch price was $299.
Core i9-9820X
The Core i9-9820X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 20,456 points. Launch price was $898.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12490F packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i9-9820X offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-9820X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-12490F versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i9-9820X — a 9.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-12490F (base: 3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-12490F uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i9-9820X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12490F scores 20,366 against the Core i9-9820X's 20,456 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i9-9820X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,800 vs 1,394, a 25.4% lead for the Core i5-12490F that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,800 vs 9,361 (6.2% advantage for the Core i9-9820X). L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-12490F vs 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i9-9820X.
| Feature | Core i5-12490F | Core i9-9820X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 10 / 20+67% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+10% | 4.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.3 GHz+10% |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total)+21% | 16.5 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-29% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 20,366 | 20,456 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 12,500 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,800+29% | 1,394 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 8,800 | 9,361+6% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-12490F uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-9820X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-12490F versus DDR4 2666 MHz on the Core i9-9820X — the Core i9-9820X supports 200% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-12490F) vs 4 (Core i9-9820X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-12490F) vs 44 (Core i9-9820X) — the Core i9-9820X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B660,H610,H670,Z690,B760 (Core i5-12490F) and Intel X299 (Core i9-9820X).
| Feature | Core i5-12490F | Core i9-9820X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+25% | DDR4 2666 MHz |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 44+120% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-9820X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-9820X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-12490F) vs true (Core i9-9820X). Primary use case: Core i5-12490F targets Gaming Desktop, Core i9-9820X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i5-12490F rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Core i5-12490F | Core i9-9820X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | true |
| Target Use | Gaming Desktop | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12490F launched at $250 MSRP, while the Core i9-9820X debuted at $889. At current prices ($150 vs $280), the Core i5-12490F is $130 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12490F delivers 135.8 pts/$ vs 73.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-9820X — making the Core i5-12490F the 60.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12490F | Core i9-9820X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $250-72% | $889 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150-46% | $280 |
| Performance per Dollar | 135.8+86% | 73.1 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2018 |
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