Core i9-12900HX vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX

CPU

GPU

Core i9-12900HX

16 Cores24 Thrd55 WWMax: 5 GHz2022

Core family

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Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX

12 Cores24 Thrd280 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2020

Threadripper Pro family

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

Core i9-12900HX

16 / 24

33,018

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX

12 / 24

33,455

+1.3%

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 i9-12900HX 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 i9-12900HX 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 i9-12900HX

2022

Why buy it

✅+46.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $543 less on MSRP ($606 MSRP vs $1,149 MSRP).
✅Delivers 87.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 54.5 vs 29.1 PassMark/$ ($606 MSRP vs $1,149 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 280W, a 225W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1964 with DDR5 support instead of sWRX8 and DDR4.

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 48.
✅166.7% more PCIe lanes (128 vs 48) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (1,652 vs 2,426).
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (18,500 vs 23,150).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 29.1 vs 54.5 PassMark/$ ($1,149 MSRP vs $606 MSRP).
❌409.1% higher power demand at 280W vs 55W.
❌Older platform position on sWRX8 with DDR4, while Core i9-12900HX moves to FCBGA1964 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-12900HX 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 i9-12900HX 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 i9-12900HX is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 i9-12900HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 25.1% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i9-12900HX is the better buy right now. Core i9-12900HX comes in $543 cheaper on MSRP at $606 MSRP versus $1,149 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 87.1% better value on MSRP (54.5 vs 29.1 PassMark/$), 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 i9-12900HX makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2020), a healthier platform with FCBGA1964 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 i9-12900HX vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-12900HX packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-12900HX has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900HX versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX — a 15.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900HX (base: 2.3 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i9-12900HX uses the Alder Lake-HX (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX uses Castle Peak (2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900HX scores 33,018 against the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX's 33,455 — a 1.3% lead for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 23,150 vs 18,500 (22.3% advantage for the Core i9-12900HX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,426 vs 1,652, a 38% lead for the Core i9-12900HX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 14,620 vs 11,500 (23.9% advantage for the Core i9-12900HX). L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900HX vs 64 MB on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX.

Feature	Core i9-12900HX	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
Cores / Threads	16 / 24+33%	12 / 24
Boost Clock	5 GHz+16%	4.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	4 GHz+74%
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-HX (2022)	Castle Peak (2020)
PassMark	33,018	33,455+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	23,150+25%	18,500
Geekbench 6 Single	2,426+47%	1,652
Geekbench 6 Multi	14,620+27%	11,500

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-12900HX uses the FCBGA1964 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 DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-12900HX versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX — the Core i9-12900HX 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 i9-12900HX) vs 8 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX). PCIe lanes: 48 (Core i9-12900HX) vs 128 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX) — the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX offers 80 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM670,WM690 (Core i9-12900HX) and WRX80 (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX).

Feature	Core i9-12900HX	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
Socket	FCBGA1964	sWRX8
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+50%	DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	2048 GB+1500%
RAM Channels	2	8+300%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	48	128+167%

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-12900HX) vs AMD-V (Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX). The Core i9-12900HX includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-12900HX targets High-end Mobile Performance, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX targets Professional Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900HX rivals Ryzen 9 6900HX; Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX rivals Xeon w5-2455X.

Feature	Core i9-12900HX	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 770	—
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	AMD-V
Target Use	High-end Mobile Performance	Professional Workstation

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-12900HX was priced at $606, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX came in at $1149. On launch pricing ($606 vs $1149), Core i9-12900HX was $543 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900HX delivers 54.5 pts/$ vs 29.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX — making the Core i9-12900HX the 60.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-12900HX	Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
MSRP	$606-47%	$1149
Performance per Dollar	54.5+87%	29.1
Release Date	2022	2020

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