Core i9-12900KS vs EPYC 7402P
Core i9-12900KS
EPYC 7402P
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 EPYC 7402P
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 7402P |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($385) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,090) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 7402P |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+182%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($385) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,090) |
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 EPYC 7402P
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.
EPYC 7402P
The EPYC 7402P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.35 GHz. L3 cache: 128 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 180 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 43,759 points. Launch price was $1,250.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900KS packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the EPYC 7402P offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the EPYC 7402P has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS versus 3.35 GHz on the EPYC 7402P — a 45.1% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KS (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i9-12900KS uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7402P uses Zen 2 (2017−2020) (7 nm, 14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900KS scores 43,528 against the EPYC 7402P's 43,759 — a 0.5% lead for the EPYC 7402P. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS vs 128 MB (total) on the EPYC 7402P.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 7402P |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 24 / 48+50% |
| Boost Clock | 5.3 GHz+58% | 3.35 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+21% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 128 MB (total)+327% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 14 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Zen 2 (2017−2020) |
| PassMark | 43,528 | 43,759 |
| 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 EPYC 7402P uses SP3 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900KS versus 3200 on the EPYC 7402P — the EPYC 7402P supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7402P supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-12900KS) vs 8 (EPYC 7402P). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900KS) vs 128 (EPYC 7402P) — the EPYC 7402P offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS) and SP3 (EPYC 7402P).
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 7402P |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | SP3 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 3200+63900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+3276700% | 4096 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 8+300% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 128+540% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-12900KS has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-12900KS) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 7402P). The Core i9-12900KS includes integrated graphics (UHD 770), while the EPYC 7402P requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: EPYC 7402P rivals Xeon Gold 6248.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 7402P |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900KS launched at $739 MSRP, while the EPYC 7402P debuted at $1280. At current prices ($385 vs $1090), the Core i9-12900KS is $705 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900KS delivers 113.1 pts/$ vs 40.1 pts/$ for the EPYC 7402P — making the Core i9-12900KS the 95.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 7402P |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $739-42% | $1280 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $385-65% | $1090 |
| Performance per Dollar | 113.1+182% | 40.1 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2019 |
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