
Core i9-11900KB vs Core i9-12900TE

Core i9-11900KB

Core i9-12900TE
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 i9-11900KB
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900TE
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-11900KB | Core i9-12900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($350) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($664) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Tiger Lake-H (2021) / 10 nm SuperFin) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-11900KB | Core i9-12900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+88%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($350) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($664) |
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 i9-11900KB and Core i9-12900TE

Core i9-11900KB
The Core i9-11900KB is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Maio 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1787. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 22,693 points. Launch price was $539.

Core i9-12900TE
The Core i9-12900TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,887 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i9-11900KB packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-12900TE offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-12900TE has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i9-11900KB versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i9-12900TE — a 2.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-11900KB (base: 3.3 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i9-11900KB uses the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i9-12900TE uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-11900KB scores 22,693 against the Core i9-12900TE's 22,887 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i9-12900TE. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-11900KB vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900TE.
| Feature | Core i9-11900KB | Core i9-12900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 16 / 24+100% |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz+2% | 4.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz+200% | 1.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 24 MB (total) | 30 MB (total)+25% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm SuperFin | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Tiger Lake-H (2021) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 22,693 | 22,887 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 12,264 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,645 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-11900KB uses the FCBGA1787 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-12900TE uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i9-11900KB | Core i9-12900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1787 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-11900KB) / not specified (Core i9-12900TE). The Core i9-11900KB includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the Core i9-12900TE requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i9-11900KB | Core i9-12900TE |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | Yes | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-11900KB launched at $539 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900TE debuted at $494. At current prices ($350 vs $664), the Core i9-11900KB is $314 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-11900KB delivers 64.8 pts/$ vs 34.5 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900TE — making the Core i9-11900KB the 61.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-11900KB | Core i9-12900TE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $539 | $494-8% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $350-47% | $664 |
| Performance per Dollar | 64.8+88% | 34.5 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2022 |
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