Core i9-12900 vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX

CPU

GPU

Core i9-12900

16 Cores24 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.1 GHz2022

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Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX

12 Cores24 Thrd280 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2020

Threadripper Pro family

··

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Core i9-12900 vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX Performance Spectrum

Core i9-12900

16 / 24

33,695

+0.7%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX

12 / 24

33,455

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX

Ryzen 9 9950X

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

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.

Core i9-12900 vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX 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 Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX: 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 $630 less on MSRP ($519 MSRP vs $1,149 MSRP).
✅Delivers 123.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 64.9 vs 29.1 PassMark/$ ($519 MSRP vs $1,149 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 280W, a 215W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of sWRX8 and DDR4.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 770, while Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 64 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX, which brings 12 cores / 24 threads and 128 PCIe lanes.

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX

2020

Why buy it

✅+113.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 30 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 12 cores / 24 threads, plus 128 PCIe lanes vs 20.
✅540% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (33,455 vs 33,695).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 29.1 vs 64.9 PassMark/$ ($1,149 MSRP vs $519 MSRP).
❌330.8% higher power demand at 280W vs 65W.
❌Older platform position on sWRX8 with DDR4, while Core i9-12900 moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-12900 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-12900 better than Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i9-12900 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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 0.7% 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 $630 cheaper on MSRP at $519 MSRP versus $1,149 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 123.0% better value on MSRP (64.9 vs 29.1 PassMark/$), 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 a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2020), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of sWRX8, and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 24 threads instead of 12/24. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-12900 vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX 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.

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 50% 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 GB — 1500% 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+50%	DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	2048 GB+1500%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
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

At launch, the Core i9-12900 was priced at $519, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX came in at $1149. On launch pricing ($519 vs $1149), Core i9-12900 was $630 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900 delivers 64.9 pts/$ vs 29.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX — making the Core i9-12900 the 76.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-12900	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
MSRP	$519-55%	$1149
Performance per Dollar	64.9+123%	29.1
Release Date	2022	2020

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