Core i9-12900T vs Core i9-13905H

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 i9-12900T vs Core i9-13905H 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 i9-12900T vs Core i9-13905H: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-12900T

2022

Why buy it

✅+1.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+25% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 24 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
✅66.7% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $489 MSRP, while Core i9-13905H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i9-13905H

2023

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (2,300 vs 2,331).
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (19,384 vs 22,809).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (24 MB vs 30 MB).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-12900T better than Core i9-13905H?

Yes. Core i9-12900T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 17.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-12900T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-12900T is the stronger fit. You are getting 17.7% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 24 MB).

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

Core i9-12900T is the better buy right now. Core i9-12900T comes in at an unclear MSRP at $489 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (60.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i9-13905H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2022). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-12900T vs Core i9-13905H Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-12900T

The Core i9-12900T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 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): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 29,601 points. Launch price was $299.

Core i9-13905H

The Core i9-13905H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1792. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200, DDR4-3200, LPDDR4x-4267. Passmark benchmark score: 29,807 points. Launch price was $697.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-12900T packs 16 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-13905H offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-12900T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i9-12900T versus 5.4 GHz on the Core i9-13905H — a 9.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-13905H (base: 1.4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i9-12900T uses the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i9-13905H uses Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-12900T scores 29,601 against the Core i9-13905H's 29,807 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i9-13905H. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 22,809 vs 19,384 (16.2% advantage for the Core i9-12900T). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,331 vs 2,300, a 1.3% lead for the Core i9-12900T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 12,116 vs 14,000 (14.4% advantage for the Core i9-13905H). L3 cache: 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900T vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-13905H.

Feature	Core i9-12900T	Core i9-13905H
Cores / Threads	16 / 24+14%	14 / 20
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz	5.4 GHz+10%
Base Clock	1.4 GHz	2.6 GHz+86%
L3 Cache	30 MB (total)+25%	24 MB (total)
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-H (2023−2024)
PassMark	29,601	29,807
Cinebench R23 Multi	22,809+18%	19,384
Geekbench 6 Single	2,331+1%	2,300
Geekbench 6 Multi	12,116	14,000+16%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-12900T uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-13905H uses FCBGA1792 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900T versus DDR5-5200 on the Core i9-13905H — the Core i9-13905H supports 8.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-12900T supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i9-12900T) vs 12 (Core i9-13905H) — the Core i9-12900T offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1700 (Core i9-12900T) and WM790,HM770 (Core i9-13905H).

Feature	Core i9-12900T	Core i9-13905H
Socket	LGA1700	FCBGA1792
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+25%	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	DDR5-5200+8%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	20+67%	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i9-12900T supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-12900T) and Iris Xe 96EU (Core i9-13905H) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-13905H targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i9-13905H rivals Ryzen 9 7940HS.