Core i5-12500T vs Core i9-9900
Core i5-12500T
Core i9-9900
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 i5-12500T
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9900
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-12500T | Core i9-9900 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($214) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($330) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-12500T | Core i9-9900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+55%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($214) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($330) |
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 i5-12500T and Core i9-9900
Core i5-12500T
The Core i5-12500T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 16,339 points. Launch price was $299.
Core i9-9900
The Core i9-9900 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 16,238 points. Launch price was $439.
Processing Power
The Core i5-12500T packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i9-9900 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-9900 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i5-12500T versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-9900 — a 12.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-9900 (base: 2 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i5-12500T uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-9900 uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-12500T scores 16,339 against the Core i9-9900's 16,238 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-12500T. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 6,625 vs 7,619 (14% advantage for the Core i9-9900). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,300 vs 1,637, a 33.7% lead for the Core i5-12500T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 8,900 vs 7,619 (15.5% advantage for the Core i5-12500T). L3 cache: 18 MB (total) on the Core i5-12500T vs 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-9900.
| Feature | Core i5-12500T | Core i9-9900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 8 / 16+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.4 GHz | 5 GHz+14% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3.1 GHz+55% |
| L3 Cache | 18 MB (total)+13% | 16 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 16,339 | 16,238 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 6,625 | 7,619+15% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,300+41% | 1,637 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 8,900+17% | 7,619 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-12500T uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-9900 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i5-12500T versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9900 — the Core i5-12500T supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-12500T) vs 16 (Core i9-9900) — the Core i5-12500T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B660,H610 (Core i5-12500T) and Z390,B365 (Core i9-9900).
| Feature | Core i5-12500T | Core i9-9900 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+25% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i5-12500T) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i9-9900) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-12500T targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-12500T rivals Ryzen 5 5600GE.
| Feature | Core i5-12500T | Core i9-9900 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Low Power Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-12500T launched at $302 MSRP, while the Core i9-9900 debuted at $423. At current prices ($214 vs $330), the Core i5-12500T is $116 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-12500T delivers 76.4 pts/$ vs 49.2 pts/$ for the Core i9-9900 — making the Core i5-12500T the 43.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-12500T | Core i9-9900 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $302-29% | $423 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $214-35% | $330 |
| Performance per Dollar | 76.4+55% | 49.2 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2019 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i5-12500T and Core i9-9900
