CPU
GPU
Core i9-9900KS
Core i7-12700K
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 i9-9900KS
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-12700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9900KS | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) | ✅ More affordable ($285) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9900KS | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+117%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) | ✅ More affordable ($285) |
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 i9-9900KS and Core i7-12700K
Core i9-9900KS
The Core i9-9900KS is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 127 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 19,397 points. Launch price was $513.
Core i7-12700K
The Core i7-12700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 12 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 34,347 points. Launch price was $409.
Processing Power
The Core i9-9900KS packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i7-12700K offers 12 cores / 20 threads — the Core i7-12700K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i9-9900KS versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-12700K — identical boost frequencies (base: 4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i9-9900KS uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-12700K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9900KS scores 19,397 against the Core i7-12700K's 34,347 — a 55.6% lead for the Core i7-12700K. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-9900KS vs 25 MB (total) on the Core i7-12700K.
| Feature | Core i9-9900KS | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 12 / 20+50% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+11% | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total) | 25 MB (total)+56% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 19,397 | 34,347+77% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9900KS uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-12700K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i9-9900KS | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | — | 4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i9-9900KS) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-12700K). The Core i7-12700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-9900KS requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-12700K rivals Ryzen 7 5800X.
| Feature | Core i9-9900KS | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9900KS launched at $513 MSRP, while the Core i7-12700K debuted at $409. At current prices ($350 vs $285), the Core i7-12700K is $65 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9900KS delivers 55.4 pts/$ vs 120.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-12700K — making the Core i7-12700K the 74% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9900KS | Core i7-12700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $513 | $409-20% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $350 | $285-19% |
| Performance per Dollar | 55.4 | 120.5+118% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2021 |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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