Core i9-12900KS vs EPYC 9124
Core i9-12900KS
EPYC 9124
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 9124
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($385) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+181%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($385) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) |
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 9124
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 9124
The EPYC 9124 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 November 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 43,638 points. Launch price was $1,083.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900KS packs 16 cores / 24 threads, matching the EPYC 9124's 16 cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS versus 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9124 — a 35.6% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KS (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i9-12900KS uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the EPYC 9124 uses Genoa (2022−2023) (5 nm, 6 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900KS scores 43,528 against the EPYC 9124's 43,638 — a 0.3% lead for the EPYC 9124. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,082 vs 1,770, a 16.2% lead for the Core i9-12900KS that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 9124.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 16 / 32 |
| Boost Clock | 5.3 GHz+43% | 3.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+13% | 3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 64 MB (total)+113% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% | 1 MB (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 5 nm, 6 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Genoa (2022−2023) |
| PassMark | 43,528 | 43,638 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 27,796 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,082+18% | 1,770 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 18,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900KS uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the EPYC 9124 uses SP5 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The EPYC 9124 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-12900KS) vs 12 (EPYC 9124). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900KS) vs 128 (EPYC 9124) — the EPYC 9124 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS) and SP5 (EPYC 9124).
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | SP5 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 6144 GB+4700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 12+500% |
| 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 AMD-V (EPYC 9124). The Core i9-12900KS includes integrated graphics (UHD 770), while the EPYC 9124 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: EPYC 9124 targets Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 9124 rivals Xeon Gold 6426Y.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD 770 | None |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Server |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900KS launched at $739 MSRP, while the EPYC 9124 debuted at $1083. At current prices ($385 vs $1083), the Core i9-12900KS is $698 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900KS delivers 113.1 pts/$ vs 40.3 pts/$ for the EPYC 9124 — making the Core i9-12900KS the 94.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | EPYC 9124 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $739-32% | $1083 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $385-64% | $1083 |
| Performance per Dollar | 113.1+181% | 40.3 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2022 |
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