EPYC 9124 vs Core i9-12900KS
EPYC 9124
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 9124
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900KS
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 9124 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) | ✅ More affordable ($385) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Genoa (2022−2023) / 5 nm, 6 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 9124 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+181%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($1,083) | ✅ More affordable ($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 9124 and Core i9-12900KS
EPYC 9124
The EPYC 9124 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 10 November 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm, 6 nm process technology. Socket: SP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 200 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800. Passmark benchmark score: 43,638 points. Launch price was $1,083.
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 9124 packs 16 cores / 32 threads, matching the Core i9-12900KS's 16 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the EPYC 9124 versus 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS — a 35.6% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KS (base: 3 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The EPYC 9124 uses the Genoa (2022−2023) architecture (5 nm, 6 nm), while the Core i9-12900KS uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 9124 scores 43,638 against the Core i9-12900KS's 43,528 — a 0.3% lead for the EPYC 9124. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,770 vs 2,082, a 16.2% lead for the Core i9-12900KS that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 9124 vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS.
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 16 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 5.3 GHz+43% |
| Base Clock | 3 GHz | 3.4 GHz+13% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+113% | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% |
| Process | 5 nm, 6 nm-29% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Genoa (2022−2023) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 43,638 | 43,528 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 27,796 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,770 | 2,082+18% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 18,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 9124 uses the SP5 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-12900KS uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. The EPYC 9124 supports up to 6144 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 191.8% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 12 (EPYC 9124) vs 2 (Core i9-12900KS). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 9124) vs 20 (Core i9-12900KS) — the EPYC 9124 offers 108 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP5 (EPYC 9124) and LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS).
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | SP5 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 6144 GB+4700% | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 12+500% | 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: AMD-V (EPYC 9124) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-12900KS). The Core i9-12900KS includes integrated graphics (UHD 770), while the EPYC 9124 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: EPYC 9124 targets Server. Direct competitor: EPYC 9124 rivals Xeon Gold 6426Y.
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | UHD 770 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Server | — |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 9124 launched at $1083 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900KS debuted at $739. At current prices ($1083 vs $385), the Core i9-12900KS is $698 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 9124 delivers 40.3 pts/$ vs 113.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900KS — making the Core i9-12900KS the 94.9% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 9124 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1083 | $739-32% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $1083 | $385-64% |
| Performance per Dollar | 40.3 | 113.1+181% |
| Release Date | 2022 | 2022 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on EPYC 9124 and Core i9-12900KS
