Core i9-12900KS vs Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
Core i9-12900KS
Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
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 Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900KS | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($385) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($600) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Strix Halo (2025) / 4 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900KS | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+57%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($385) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($600) |
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 Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
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.
Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
The Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Strix Halo (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP11. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 43,174 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900KS packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-12900KS has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS versus 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 — a 5.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KS (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i9-12900KS uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 uses Strix Halo (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900KS scores 43,528 against the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390's 43,174 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i9-12900KS. L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS vs 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24+33% | 12 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5.3 GHz+6% | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.4 GHz+6% | 3.2 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 | 4 nm-43% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-S (2022) | Strix Halo (2025) |
| PassMark | 43,528 | 43,174 |
| 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 Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 uses FP11 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900KS versus 8000 on the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 — the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-12900KS) vs 4 (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900KS) vs 28 (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390) — the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS) and Strix Halo (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390).
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | FP11 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | 8000+159900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB+104857500% | 128 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 28+40% |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. 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 (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390). Both include integrated graphics — UHD 770 (Core i9-12900KS) and AMD Radeon 8050S (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 rivals Apple M4 Max.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD 770 | AMD Radeon 8050S |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| 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 Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 debuted at $600. At current prices ($385 vs $600), the Core i9-12900KS is $215 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900KS delivers 113.1 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 — making the Core i9-12900KS the 44.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900KS | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $739 | $600-19% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $385-36% | $600 |
| Performance per Dollar | 113.1+57% | 72.0 |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2025 |
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 Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
