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 i9-9940X vs Core i9-12900E 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 i9-9940X vs Core i9-12900E: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-9940X

2018

Why buy it

✅120% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-12900E across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (28,088 vs 28,170).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 30 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.3 vs 56.3 PassMark/$ ($1,387 MSRP vs $500 MSRP).
❌153.8% higher power demand at 165W vs 65W.

Core i9-12900E

2022

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +19.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+55.8% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 19 MB).
✅Costs $887 less on MSRP ($500 MSRP vs $1,387 MSRP).
✅Delivers 178.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 56.3 vs 20.3 PassMark/$ ($500 MSRP vs $1,387 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 165W, a 100W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-12900E better than Core i9-9940X?

Yes. Core i9-12900E is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 19.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-12900E is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 19.4% 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 i9-12900E is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 55.8% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 19 MB).

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

Core i9-12900E is the better buy right now. Core i9-12900E comes in $887 cheaper on MSRP at $500 MSRP versus $1,387 MSRP, and it still gives you a 19.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 178.2% better value on MSRP (56.3 vs 20.3 PassMark/$), 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 i9-12900E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2018), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, 55.8% larger total L3 cache (30 MB vs 19 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 24 threads instead of 14/28. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-9940X vs Core i9-12900E Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-9940X

The Core i9-9940X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 28,088 points. Launch price was $1,387.

Core i9-12900E

The Core i9-12900E 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 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 28,170 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-9940X packs 14 cores / 28 threads, while the Core i9-12900E offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-12900E has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9940X versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900E — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900E (base: 3.3 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i9-9940X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-12900E uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9940X scores 28,088 against the Core i9-12900E's 28,170 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i9-12900E. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9940X vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900E.

Feature	Core i9-9940X	Core i9-12900E
Cores / Threads	14 / 28	16 / 24+14%
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz	5 GHz+11%
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+43%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	19.25 MB (total)	30 MB (total)+56%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)+25%
Process	14 nm	10 nm-29%
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Alder Lake-S (2022)
PassMark	28,088	28,170
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	13,420
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	13,107

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9940X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-12900E uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9940X versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900E — the Core i9-12900E supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9940X) vs 2 (Core i9-12900E). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9940X) vs 20 (Core i9-12900E) — the Core i9-9940X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i9-9940X	Core i9-12900E
Socket	LGA2066	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR5-4800+80%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	44+120%	20

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9940X 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. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i9-12900E includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-9940X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-9940X targets Workstation.

Feature	Core i9-9940X	Core i9-12900E
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD Graphics 770
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Workstation	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9940X was priced at $1387, while the Core i9-12900E came in at $500. On launch pricing ($1387 vs $500), Core i9-12900E was $887 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9940X delivers 20.3 pts/$ vs 56.3 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900E — making the Core i9-12900E the 94.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-9940X	Core i9-12900E
MSRP	$1387	$500-64%
Performance per Dollar	20.3	56.3+177%
Release Date	2018	2022

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