Core i9-12900 vs Ryzen 9 5900
Core i9-12900
Ryzen 9 5900
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 Ryzen 9 5900
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900 | Ryzen 9 5900 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($420) | ✅ More affordable ($395) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (2020−2025) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900 | Ryzen 9 5900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+7%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($420) | ✅ More affordable ($395) |
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 Ryzen 9 5900
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.
Ryzen 9 5900
The Ryzen 9 5900 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 January 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 33,912 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900 packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5900 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-12900 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-12900 versus 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900 — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i9-12900 uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 9 5900 uses Vermeer (2020−2025) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900 scores 33,695 against the Ryzen 9 5900's 33,912 — a 0.6% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900 vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Ryzen 9 5900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+33% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+9% | 4.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3 GHz+25% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 64 MB+113% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Vermeer (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 33,695 | 33,912 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 9 5900 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i9-12900 versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900 — the Core i9-12900 supports 199.7% 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 24 (Ryzen 9 5900) — the Ryzen 9 5900 offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Ryzen 9 5900 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+119900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 128 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 5900 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-12900) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900). The Core i9-12900 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen 9 5900 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900 targets OEM Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900 rivals Ryzen 9 5900.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Ryzen 9 5900 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | OEM Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900 launched at $519 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 5900 debuted at $549. At current prices ($420 vs $395), the Ryzen 9 5900 is $25 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900 delivers 80.2 pts/$ vs 85.9 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900 — making the Ryzen 9 5900 the 6.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Ryzen 9 5900 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $519-5% | $549 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $420 | $395-6% |
| Performance per Dollar | 80.2 | 85.9+7% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2021 |
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