Core i9-12900KS vs EPYC 7D12
Core i9-12900KS
EPYC 7D12
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 7D12
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 7D12 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) | ✅ More affordable ($100) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Rome (2020) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 7D12 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+274%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) | ✅ 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 i9-12900KS and EPYC 7D12
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 7D12
The EPYC 7D12 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Rome (2020) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 42,285 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900KS packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the EPYC 7D12 offers 32 cores / 64 threads — the EPYC 7D12 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS versus 3 GHz on the EPYC 7D12 — a 55.4% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KS (base: 3.4 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i9-12900KS uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 7D12 uses Rome (2020) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900KS scores 43,528 against the EPYC 7D12's 42,285 — a 2.9% lead for the Core i9-12900KS. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS vs 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 7D12.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 7D12 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 32 / 64+100% |
| Boost Clock | 5.3 GHz+77% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+209% | 1.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+7% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Rome (2020) |
| PassMark | 43,528+3% | 42,285 |
| 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 7D12 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 7D12 — the EPYC 7D12 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7D12 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 7D12). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900KS) vs 128 (EPYC 7D12) — the EPYC 7D12 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS) and SP3 (EPYC 7D12).
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 7D12 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 7D12). The Core i9-12900KS includes integrated graphics (UHD 770), while the EPYC 7D12 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: EPYC 7D12 rivals Xeon Gold 6248.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 7D12 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 7D12 debuted at $1000. At current prices ($385 vs $100), the EPYC 7D12 is $285 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900KS delivers 113.1 pts/$ vs 422.9 pts/$ for the EPYC 7D12 — making the EPYC 7D12 the 115.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 7D12 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $739-26% | $1000 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $385 | $100-74% |
| Performance per Dollar | 113.1 | 422.9+274% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2020 |
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