Core i9-12900 vs Core i9-12900HX
Core i9-12900
Core i9-12900HX
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 i9-12900
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900HX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900 | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($420) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($606) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-HX (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900 | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+47%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($420) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($606) |
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.
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i9-12900 and Core i9-12900HX
Core i9-12900
The Core i9-12900 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 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 33,695 points. Launch price was $489.
Core i9-12900HX
The Core i9-12900HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 May 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 33,018 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
Both the Core i9-12900 and Core i9-12900HX share an identical 16-core/24-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-12900 versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900HX — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i9-12900 uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-12900HX uses Alder Lake-HX (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900 scores 33,695 against the Core i9-12900HX's 33,018 — a 2% lead for the Core i9-12900. Both processors carry 30 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 16 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+2% | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz+4% | 2.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Alder Lake-HX (2022) |
| PassMark | 33,695+2% | 33,018 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 23,150 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,426 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 14,620 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-12900HX uses FCBGA1964 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i9-12900 versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-12900HX — the Core i9-12900 supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900) vs 48 (Core i9-12900HX) — the Core i9-12900HX offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i9-12900) and HM670,WM690 (Core i9-12900HX).
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FCBGA1964 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+95900% | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 128 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 48+140% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-12900HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-12900) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-12900HX). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-12900) and UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-12900HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-12900HX targets High-end Mobile Performance. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900 rivals Ryzen 9 5900; Core i9-12900HX rivals Ryzen 9 6900HX.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | High-end Mobile Performance |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900 launched at $519 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900HX debuted at $606.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $519-14% | $606 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $420 | — |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2022 |
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