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.

Core i5-12500H vs Core i9-9820X FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-12500H vs Core i9-9820X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-12500H

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 165W, a 120W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU, while Core i9-9820X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i9-9820X

2018

Why buy it

✅120% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-12500H across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (9,361 vs 9,900).
❌Launch MSRP is still $889 MSRP, while Core i5-12500H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌266.7% higher power demand at 165W vs 45W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Core i5-12500H moves to FCBGA1744 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-12500H better than Core i9-9820X?

Yes. Core i5-12500H is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 5.8% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.0% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-12500H is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.0% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-12500H is the stronger fit. You are getting 5.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 12 cores and 16 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-12500H is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-12500H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $889 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i9-9820X only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (23.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA2066.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-12500H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2018), a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, and more multi-core headroom with 12 cores / 16 threads instead of 10/20. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-12500H vs Core i9-9820X Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-12500H

The Core i5-12500H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 20,462 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.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-12500H packs 12 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-9820X offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Core i5-12500H has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i5-12500H versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i9-9820X — a 6.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-12500H (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i5-12500H uses the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-9820X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12500H scores 20,462 against the Core i9-9820X's 20,456 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-12500H. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,260 vs 1,394, a 47.4% lead for the Core i5-12500H that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 9,900 vs 9,361 (5.6% advantage for the Core i5-12500H). L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12500H vs 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i9-9820X.

Feature	Core i5-12500H	Core i9-9820X
Cores / Threads	12 / 16+20%	10 / 20
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+7%	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.3 GHz+32%
L3 Cache	18 MB (total)+9%	16.5 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+25%	1 MB (per core)
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-H (2022)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	20,462	20,456
Geekbench 6 Single	2,260+62%	1,394
Geekbench 6 Multi	9,900+6%	9,361

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-12500H uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 4.0), 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 i5-12500H versus DDR4 2666 MHz on the Core i9-9820X — the Core i5-12500H supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-9820X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-12500H) vs 4 (Core i9-9820X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-12500H) vs 44 (Core i9-9820X) — the Core i9-9820X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Adler Lake-H PCH (Core i5-12500H) and Intel X299 (Core i9-9820X).

Feature	Core i5-12500H	Core i9-9820X
Socket	FCBGA1744	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800+80%	DDR4 2666 MHz
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	128 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	44+120%

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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 (Core i5-12500H) vs true (Core i9-9820X). The Core i5-12500H includes integrated graphics (Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU), while the Core i9-9820X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12500H targets Performance Laptop, Core i9-9820X targets Workstation.

Feature	Core i5-12500H	Core i9-9820X
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU	—
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	true
Target Use	Performance Laptop	Workstation