Core i9-12900E vs Ryzen 9 5900X
Core i9-12900E
Ryzen 9 5900X
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 Ryzen 9 5900X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900E | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($500) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900E | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+98%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($500) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
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 Ryzen 9 5900X
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.
Ryzen 9 5900X
The Ryzen 9 5900X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 38,955 points. Launch price was $549.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900E packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-12900E has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900E versus 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900X — a 4.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900E (base: 2.3 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i9-12900E uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (10 nm), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900E scores 28,170 against the Ryzen 9 5900X's 38,955 — a 32.1% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 13,420 vs 21,000 (44% advantage for the Ryzen 9 5900X). Multi-core Geekbench: 13,107 vs 11,888 (9.8% advantage for the Core i9-12900E). L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900E vs 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900X.
| Feature | Core i9-12900E | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+33% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+4% | 4.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz+61% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 64 MB+113% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Vermeer (Zen3) (2020−2022) |
| PassMark | 28,170 | 38,955+38% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 13,420 | 21,000+56% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,174 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 13,107+10% | 11,888 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900E uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 9 5900X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900E versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900X — 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. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900E) vs 24 (Ryzen 9 5900X) — the Ryzen 9 5900X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1700 (Core i9-12900E) and A320,B350,X370,B450,X470,B550,X570 (Ryzen 9 5900X).
| Feature | Core i9-12900E | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Advanced Features
Only the Ryzen 9 5900X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i9-12900E supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-12900E) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900X). The Core i9-12900E includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen 9 5900X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 5900X rivals Core i9-12900K.
| Feature | Core i9-12900E | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900E launched at $500 MSRP, while the Ryzen 9 5900X debuted at $549. At current prices ($500 vs $350), the Ryzen 9 5900X is $150 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900E delivers 56.3 pts/$ vs 111.3 pts/$ for the Ryzen 9 5900X — making the Ryzen 9 5900X the 65.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900E | Ryzen 9 5900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $500-9% | $549 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $500 | $350-30% |
| Performance per Dollar | 56.3 | 111.3+98% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2020 |
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