Core i9-12900 vs Core i9-12900HX

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 i9-12900 vs Core i9-12900HX 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 i9-12900 vs Core i9-12900HX: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-12900

2022

Why buy it

✅Costs $87 less on MSRP ($519 MSRP vs $606 MSRP).
✅Delivers 19.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 64.9 vs 54.5 PassMark/$ ($519 MSRP vs $606 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌18.2% higher power demand at 65W vs 55W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i9-12900HX.

Core i9-12900HX

2022

Why buy it

✅Draws 55W instead of 65W, a 10W reduction.
✅140% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Laptop Integrated), unlike Core i9-12900.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (33,018 vs 33,695).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 54.5 vs 64.9 PassMark/$ ($606 MSRP vs $519 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-12900 better than Core i9-12900HX?

Yes. Core i9-12900 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 2.1% better 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 i9-12900 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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 i9-12900 is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.1% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads.

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

Core i9-12900 is the better buy right now. Core i9-12900 comes in $87 cheaper on MSRP at $519 MSRP versus $606 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 19.2% better value on MSRP (64.9 vs 54.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i9-12900 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 24 threads instead of 16/24. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-12900 vs Core i9-12900HX Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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

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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. Both support up to 4800 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB 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	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	20	48+140%

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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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-12900 was priced at $519, while the Core i9-12900HX came in at $606. On launch pricing ($519 vs $606), Core i9-12900 was $87 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900 delivers 64.9 pts/$ vs 54.5 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900HX — making the Core i9-12900 the 17.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-12900	Core i9-12900HX
MSRP	$519-14%	$606
Performance per Dollar	64.9+19%	54.5
Release Date	2022	2022

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