EPYC 7302 vs Core i9-12900HX
EPYC 7302
Core i9-12900HX
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 EPYC 7302
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900HX
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7302 | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($109) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($606) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-HX (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7302 | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+464%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($109) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($606) |
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 EPYC 7302 and Core i9-12900HX
EPYC 7302
The EPYC 7302 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 155 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 33,499 points. Launch price was $978.
Core i9-12900HX
The Core i9-12900HX is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 May 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-HX (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 Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1964. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 33,018 points. Launch price was $499.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7302 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, matching the Core i9-12900HX's 16 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the EPYC 7302 versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-12900HX — a 41% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900HX (base: 3 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The EPYC 7302 uses the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture (7 nm, 14 nm), while the Core i9-12900HX uses Alder Lake-HX (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7302 scores 33,499 against the Core i9-12900HX's 33,018 — a 1.4% lead for the EPYC 7302. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 19,500 vs 23,150 (17.1% advantage for the Core i9-12900HX). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,192 vs 2,426, a 68.2% lead for the Core i9-12900HX that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,254 vs 14,620 (35.1% advantage for the Core i9-12900HX). L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 7302 vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900HX.
| Feature | EPYC 7302 | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 16 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz | 5 GHz+52% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz+30% | 2.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB (total)+7% | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% |
| Process | 7 nm, 14 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Zen 2 (2017−2020) | Alder Lake-HX (2022) |
| PassMark | 33,499+1% | 33,018 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 19,500 | 23,150+19% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,192 | 2,426+104% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 10,254 | 14,620+43% |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7302 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-12900HX uses FCBGA1964 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the EPYC 7302 versus DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-12900HX — the Core i9-12900HX supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7302 supports up to 4096 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7302) vs 2 (Core i9-12900HX). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7302) vs 48 (Core i9-12900HX) — the EPYC 7302 offers 80 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: WRX80,SP3 (EPYC 7302) and HM670,WM690 (Core i9-12900HX).
| Feature | EPYC 7302 | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | FCBGA1964 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 GB+3100% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+167% | 48 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-12900HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V, SEV (EPYC 7302) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-12900HX). The Core i9-12900HX includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while the EPYC 7302 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: EPYC 7302 targets Server / Multi-thread Workstation, Core i9-12900HX targets High-end Mobile Performance. Direct competitor: EPYC 7302 rivals Xeon Gold 6230; Core i9-12900HX rivals Ryzen 9 6900HX.
| Feature | EPYC 7302 | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V, SEV | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Server / Multi-thread Workstation | High-end Mobile Performance |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7302 launched at $978 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900HX debuted at $606.
| Feature | EPYC 7302 | Core i9-12900HX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $978 | $606-38% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $109 | — |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2022 |
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