EPYC 7D12 vs Core i9-12900KS
EPYC 7D12
Core i9-12900KS
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 7D12
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900KS
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7D12 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($100) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rome (2020) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7D12 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+274%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($100) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) |
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 7D12 and Core i9-12900KS
EPYC 7D12
The EPYC 7D12 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Rome (2020) architecture. It features 32 cores and 64 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: SP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 42,285 points. Launch price was $800.
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.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7D12 packs 32 cores / 64 threads, while the Core i9-12900KS offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the EPYC 7D12 has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the EPYC 7D12 versus 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS — a 55.4% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KS (base: 1.1 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The EPYC 7D12 uses the Rome (2020) architecture (7 nm), while the Core i9-12900KS uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7D12 scores 42,285 against the Core i9-12900KS's 43,528 — a 2.9% lead for the Core i9-12900KS. L3 cache: 32 MB (total) on the EPYC 7D12 vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS.
| Feature | EPYC 7D12 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 32 / 64+100% | 16 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 5.3 GHz+77% |
| Base Clock | 1.1 GHz | 3.4 GHz+209% |
| L3 Cache | 32 MB (total)+7% | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% |
| Process | 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Rome (2020) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 42,285 | 43,528+3% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 27,796 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,082 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7D12 uses the SP3 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-12900KS uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the EPYC 7D12 versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900KS — the EPYC 7D12 supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7D12 supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7D12) vs 2 (Core i9-12900KS). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7D12) vs 20 (Core i9-12900KS) — the EPYC 7D12 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7D12) and LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS).
| Feature | EPYC 7D12 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP3 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200+63900% | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 128 GB+3276700% |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+540% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-12900KS 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. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 7D12) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-12900KS). The Core i9-12900KS includes integrated graphics (UHD 770), while the EPYC 7D12 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: EPYC 7D12 rivals Xeon Gold 6248.
| Feature | EPYC 7D12 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | UHD 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7D12 launched at $1000 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900KS debuted at $739. At current prices ($100 vs $385), the EPYC 7D12 is $285 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7D12 delivers 422.9 pts/$ vs 113.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900KS — making the EPYC 7D12 the 115.6% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7D12 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1000 | $739-26% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $100-74% | $385 |
| Performance per Dollar | 422.9+274% | 113.1 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2022 |
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