Core i9-12900HX vs Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
Core i9-12900HX
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
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 i9-12900HX
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900HX | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($606) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-HX (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Castle Peak (2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900HX | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+514%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($606) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
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 i9-12900HX and Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX
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.
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 22.2% 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 — 176.5% 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+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 2048 GB+1500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 48 | 128+167% |
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
The Core i9-12900HX launched at $606 MSRP, while the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX debuted at $1149.
| Feature | Core i9-12900HX | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3945WX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $606-47% | $1149 |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $100 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2020 |
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