Core i9-12900 vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
Core i9-12900
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
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 Threadripper PRO 3945WX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($420) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Castle Peak (2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+317%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($420) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
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 Threadripper PRO 3945WX
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 Threadripper PRO 3945WX
The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 July 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Castle Peak (2020) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: sWRX8. Thermal design power (TDP): 280 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 33,455 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900 packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX 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 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX — a 17% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i9-12900 uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses Castle Peak (2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900 scores 33,695 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX's 33,455 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i9-12900. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900 vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+33% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+19% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 4 GHz+67% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 64 MB+113% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Castle Peak (2020) |
| PassMark | 33,695 | 33,455 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 18,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,652 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 11,500 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses sWRX8 (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 Threadripper PRO 3945WX — the Core i9-12900 supports 199.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-12900) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900) vs 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i9-12900) and WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX).
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | sWRX8 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+119900% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 2048 GB+1677721500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 128+540% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX 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 Threadripper PRO 3945WX). The Core i9-12900 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX targets Professional Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900 rivals Ryzen 9 5900; Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX rivals Xeon w5-2455X.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | Professional Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900 launched at $519 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX debuted at $1149. At current prices ($420 vs $100), the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX is $320 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900 delivers 80.2 pts/$ vs 334.6 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX — making the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX the 122.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $519-55% | $1149 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $420 | $100-76% |
| Performance per Dollar | 80.2 | 334.6+317% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2020 |
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