Core i9-12900E vs Core i9-9940X
Core i9-12900E
Core i9-9940X
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 i9-12900E
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9940X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900E | Core i9-9940X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($500) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($850) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900E | Core i9-9940X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+70%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($500) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($850) |
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 i9-12900E and Core i9-9940X
Core i9-12900E
The Core i9-12900E 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 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 28,170 points. Launch price was $299.
Core i9-9940X
The Core i9-9940X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 28,088 points. Launch price was $1,387.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900E packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-9940X offers 14 cores / 28 threads — the Core i9-12900E has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900E versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9940X — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900E (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i9-12900E uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i9-9940X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900E scores 28,170 against the Core i9-9940X's 28,088 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i9-12900E. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900E vs 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9940X.
| Feature | Core i9-12900E | Core i9-9940X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+14% | 14 / 28 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+11% | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.3 GHz | 3.3 GHz+43% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total)+56% | 19.25 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-29% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 28,170 | 28,088 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 13,420 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 13,107 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900E uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-9940X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900E versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9940X — the Core i9-12900E supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-12900E) vs 4 (Core i9-9940X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900E) vs 44 (Core i9-9940X) — the Core i9-9940X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i9-12900E | Core i9-9940X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+25% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 44+120% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-9940X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i9-12900E includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-9940X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-9940X targets Workstation.
| Feature | Core i9-12900E | Core i9-9940X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900E launched at $500 MSRP, while the Core i9-9940X debuted at $1387. At current prices ($500 vs $850), the Core i9-12900E is $350 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900E delivers 56.3 pts/$ vs 33.0 pts/$ for the Core i9-9940X — making the Core i9-12900E the 52.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900E | Core i9-9940X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $500-64% | $1387 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $500-41% | $850 |
| Performance per Dollar | 56.3+71% | 33.0 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2018 |
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