Core i9-12900HX
VS
Core i9-12900

Core i9-12900HX vs Core i9-12900

Intel

Core i9-12900HX

16 Cores24 Thrd55 WWMax: 5 GHz2022
VS
Intel

Core i9-12900

16 Cores24 Thrd65 WWMax: 5.1 GHz2022

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900HX

#36
Core i5-11500B
MSRP: $185|Avg: $185
112%
#42
Ryzen 9 9955HX3D
MSRP: $749|Avg: N/A
106%
#49
Core i9-12900HX
MSRP: $606|Avg: N/A
100%
#57
Ryzen AI 9 365
MSRP: $400|Avg: $400
91%
#64
Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
MSRP: $600|Avg: $600
87%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900

#229
Core i5-10600
MSRP: $244|Avg: $159
106%
#230
Ryzen 5 PRO 2400G
MSRP: $193|Avg: $100
106%
#231
Core i7-8700B
MSRP: $303|Avg: $139
106%
#232
Ryzen 3 2200G
MSRP: $99|Avg: $80
105%
#233
Core i3-9100F
MSRP: $97|Avg: $80
104%
#234
Ryzen 7 9800X3D
MSRP: $479|Avg: $479
104%
#235
Ryzen 9 3900XT
MSRP: $499|Avg: $390
104%
#236
Ryzen 3 PRO 8300G
MSRP: $176|Avg: $176
103%
#237
Core i7-14700T
MSRP: $384|Avg: $384
103%
#238
Core i3-13100TE
MSRP: $137|Avg: $137
102%
#239
Core i5-9600T
MSRP: $213|Avg: $118
101%
#240
Core i5-12400T
MSRP: $192|Avg: $192
101%
#241
Core i9-14900F
MSRP: $524|Avg: $579
101%
#242
Celeron G6900E
MSRP: $53|Avg: $53
100%
#243
Core i3-12300T
MSRP: $209|Avg: $164
100%
#244
Core i9-12900
MSRP: $519|Avg: $420
100%
#245
Ryzen 3 8300G
MSRP: $176|Avg: $176
100%
#246
Core i7-11700KF
MSRP: $374|Avg: $299
99%
#247
Core i5-10600K
MSRP: $262|Avg: $179
99%
#248
Core i3-10325
MSRP: $154|Avg: $130
99%
#249
Ryzen Embedded V2718
MSRP: $250|Avg: $200
99%
#250
Core i7-8086K
MSRP: $425|Avg: $178
99%
#251
Core i3-10300T
MSRP: $157|Avg: $100
98%
#252
Core i9-10900TE
MSRP: $309|Avg: $180
98%
#253
Core i9-12900T
MSRP: $489|Avg: $378
98%
#254
Core i5-12600T
MSRP: $223|Avg: $223
97%
#255
Ryzen 5 PRO 4655GE
MSRP: $200|Avg: $180
97%
#256
Ryzen 7 1700X
MSRP: $399|Avg: $60
49%
#256
Ryzen 5 3500X
MSRP: $155|Avg: $171
96%
#257
Core i9-14900
MSRP: $524|Avg: $589
96%
#258
Core i5-8600
MSRP: $213|Avg: $130
96%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Leadership: The Core i9-12900 delivers superior performance across the board. It outperforms the Core i9-12900HX in both compute-intensive tasks (2% faster) and gaming workloads.
InsightCore i9-12900HXCore i9-12900
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Better multi-core power
Price
⚠️ Higher cost ($606)
More affordable ($420)
Longevity
✨ Modern (Alder Lake-HX (2022) / Intel 7 nm)
✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

Efficiency: The Core i9-12900 leads not only in performance but also in value. It is effectively 31% cheaper ($420 vs $606) while identifying as the stronger performer.
InsightCore i9-12900HXCore i9-12900
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Better overall value (+47%)
Upfront Cost
⚠️ Higher cost ($606)
More affordable ($420)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 i9-12900HX and Core i9-12900

Intel

Core i9-12900HX

The Core i9-12900HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 May 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-HX (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 Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 33,018 points. Launch price was $499.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

Both the Core i9-12900HX and Core i9-12900 share an identical 16-core/24-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900HX versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-12900 — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900 (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i9-12900HX uses the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-12900 uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900HX scores 33,018 against the Core i9-12900's 33,695 — a 2% lead for the Core i9-12900. Both processors carry 30 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i9-12900HXCore i9-12900
Cores / Threads
16 / 24
16 / 24
Boost Clock
5 GHz
5.1 GHz+2%
Base Clock
2.3 GHz
2.4 GHz+4%
L3 Cache
30 MB (total)
30 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
1.25 MB (per core)
Process
Intel 7 nm
Intel 7 nm
Architecture
Alder Lake-HX (2022)
Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark
33,018
33,695+2%
Cinebench R23 Multi
23,150
Geekbench 6 Single
2,426
Geekbench 6 Multi
14,620
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-12900HX uses the FCBGA1964 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-12900 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-12900HX versus 4800 on the Core i9-12900 — the Core i9-12900 supports 199.6% 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: 48 (Core i9-12900HX) vs 20 (Core i9-12900) — the Core i9-12900HX offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM670,WM690 (Core i9-12900HX) and Z690,B660 (Core i9-12900).

FeatureCore i9-12900HXCore i9-12900
Socket
FCBGA1964
LGA1700
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0
PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
4800+95900%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+104857500%
128
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
48+140%
20
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-12900HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-12900HX) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-12900). Both include integrated graphics UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-12900HX) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-12900) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-12900HX targets High-end Mobile Performance. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900HX rivals Ryzen 9 6900HX; Core i9-12900 rivals Ryzen 9 5900.

FeatureCore i9-12900HXCore i9-12900
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 770
Intel UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
High-end Mobile Performance
💰

Value Analysis

The Core i9-12900HX launched at $606 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900 debuted at $519.

FeatureCore i9-12900HXCore i9-12900
MSRP
$606
$519-14%
Avg Price (30d)
$420
Release Date
2022
2022