Core i9-12900KS vs Core i9-13900T

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 i9-12900KS vs Core i9-13900T 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 i9-12900KS vs Core i9-13900T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i9-12900KS

2022

Why buy it

✅+1.9% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (30 MB vs 36 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 58.9 vs 77.8 PassMark/$ ($739 MSRP vs $549 MSRP).
❌328.6% higher power demand at 150W vs 35W.

Core i9-13900T

2023

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 30 MB).
✅Costs $190 less on MSRP ($549 MSRP vs $739 MSRP).
✅Delivers 32.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 77.8 vs 58.9 PassMark/$ ($549 MSRP vs $739 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 150W, a 115W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (42,735 vs 43,528).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-12900KS better than Core i9-13900T?

Yes. Core i9-12900KS is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-12900KS is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.9% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads.

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

Core i9-12900KS is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i9-13900T is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i9-12900KS comes in 34.6% more expensive on MSRP at $739 MSRP versus $549 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i9-13900T is also 32.2% better value on MSRP (77.8 vs 58.9 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i9-13900T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022) and 20% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 30 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-12900KS vs Core i9-13900T Technical Specifications

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

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 i9-13900T

The Core i9-13900T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5600, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 42,735 points. Launch price was $549.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-12900KS packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-13900T offers 24 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13900T has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS versus 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-13900T — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.4 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i9-12900KS uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-13900T uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900KS scores 43,528 against the Core i9-13900T's 42,735 — a 1.8% lead for the Core i9-12900KS. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS vs 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900T.

Feature	Core i9-12900KS	Core i9-13900T
Cores / Threads	16 / 24	24 / 32+50%
Boost Clock	5.3 GHz	5.3 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+209%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)	36 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	2 MB (per core)+60%
Process	Intel 7 nm	Intel 7 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-S (2022)	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark	43,528+2%	42,735
Cinebench R23 Multi	27,796	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,082	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900KS versus 5600 on the Core i9-13900T — the Core i9-13900T supports 16.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-13900T supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS) and Raptor Lake-HX (Core i9-13900T).

Feature	Core i9-12900KS	Core i9-13900T
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	5600+17%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	192 GB+50%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	Yes
PCIe Lanes	20	20

🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD 770 (Core i9-12900KS) and Intel UHD Graphics (Core i9-13900T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i9-13900T rivals Ryzen 9 7945HX.

Feature	Core i9-12900KS	Core i9-13900T
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD 770	Intel UHD Graphics
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-12900KS was priced at $739, while the Core i9-13900T came in at $549. On launch pricing ($739 vs $549), Core i9-13900T was $190 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900KS delivers 58.9 pts/$ vs 77.8 pts/$ for the Core i9-13900T — making the Core i9-13900T the 27.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-12900KS	Core i9-13900T
MSRP	$739	$549-26%
Performance per Dollar	58.9	77.8+32%
Release Date	2022	2023

Search Core i9-12900KS on Amazon

Search Core i9-13900T on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.