CPU
GPU
Core i9-12900
Xeon w3-2535
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 Xeon w3-2535
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900 | Xeon w3-2535 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($420) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900 | Xeon w3-2535 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+92%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($420) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) |
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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i9-12900 and Xeon w3-2535
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.
Xeon w3-2535
The Xeon w3-2535 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 August 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 26.25 MB. L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA4677. Thermal design power (TDP): 185 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4400. Passmark benchmark score: 33,367 points. Launch price was $739.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900 packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Xeon w3-2535 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-12900 has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-12900 versus 4.6 GHz on the Xeon w3-2535 — a 10.3% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i9-12900 uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Xeon w3-2535 uses Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900 scores 33,695 against the Xeon w3-2535's 33,367 — a 1% lead for the Core i9-12900. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900 vs 26.25 MB on the Xeon w3-2535.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Xeon w3-2535 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+60% | 10 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+11% | 4.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.5 GHz+46% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total)+14% | 26.25 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core)+60% |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Sapphire Rapids (2023−2024) |
| PassMark | 33,695 | 33,367 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 17,500 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,254 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 12,400 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900 uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Xeon w3-2535 uses LGA4677 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 4800 on the Core i9-12900 versus DDR5-4400 on the Xeon w3-2535 — the Core i9-12900 supports 199.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon w3-2535 supports up to 2048 GB of RAM compared to 128 — 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-12900) vs 4 (Xeon w3-2535). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900) vs 64 (Xeon w3-2535) — the Xeon w3-2535 offers 44 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Z690,B660 (Core i9-12900) and W790 (Xeon w3-2535).
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Xeon w3-2535 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA4677 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 4800+95900% | DDR5-4400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 2048 GB+1677721500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 64+220% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Xeon w3-2535 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-12900) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Xeon w3-2535). The Core i9-12900 includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Xeon w3-2535 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon w3-2535 targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900 rivals Ryzen 9 5900; Xeon w3-2535 rivals EPYC 7313.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Xeon w3-2535 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900 launched at $519 MSRP, while the Xeon w3-2535 debuted at $739. At current prices ($420 vs $800), the Core i9-12900 is $380 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900 delivers 80.2 pts/$ vs 41.7 pts/$ for the Xeon w3-2535 — making the Core i9-12900 the 63.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900 | Xeon w3-2535 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $519-30% | $739 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $420-48% | $800 |
| Performance per Dollar | 80.2+92% | 41.7 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2024 |
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