Core i9-12900KS vs Core i7-9700K
Core i9-12900KS
Core i7-9700K
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 i9-12900KS
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900KS | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900KS | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+57%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
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 i9-12900KS and Core i7-9700K
Core i9-12900KS
The Core i9-12900KS is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 April 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 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): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 43,528 points. Launch price was $499.
Core i7-9700K
The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900KS packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i9-12900KS has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 7.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KS (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i9-12900KS uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900KS scores 43,528 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 100.6% lead for the Core i9-12900KS. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+100% | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 5.3 GHz+8% | 4.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.6 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total)+150% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 43,528+202% | 14,397 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 27,796 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,082 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900KS uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900KS versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i9-12900KS 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 i9-12900KS) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i9-12900KS offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1151 |
| 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 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i9-12900KS supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD 770 (Core i9-12900KS) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD 770 | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900KS launched at $739 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700K debuted at $385. At current prices ($385 vs $200), the Core i7-9700K is $185 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900KS delivers 113.1 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i9-12900KS the 44.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $739 | $385-48% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $385 | $200-48% |
| Performance per Dollar | 113.1+57% | 72.0 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2018 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-12900KS and Core i7-9700K
