CPU
GPU
Ryzen 9 5900XT
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 Ryzen 9 5900XT
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900KS
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen 9 5900XT | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($311) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($385) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Vermeer (2020−2025) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen 9 5900XT | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+25%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($311) | ⚠️ 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 Ryzen 9 5900XT and Core i9-12900KS
Ryzen 9 5900XT
The Ryzen 9 5900XT is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 31 July 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 7 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 44,105 points. Launch price was $349.
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 Ryzen 9 5900XT packs 16 cores / 32 threads, matching the Core i9-12900KS's 16 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Ryzen 9 5900XT versus 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS — a 9.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KS (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Ryzen 9 5900XT uses the Vermeer (2020−2025) architecture (7 nm), while the Core i9-12900KS uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 5900XT scores 44,105 against the Core i9-12900KS's 43,528 — a 1.3% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900XT. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 22,000 vs 27,796 (23.3% advantage for the Core i9-12900KS). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,320 vs 2,082, a 10.8% lead for the Ryzen 9 5900XT that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 64 MB on the Ryzen 9 5900XT vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 5900XT | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 32 | 16 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 4.8 GHz | 5.3 GHz+10% |
| Base Clock | 3.3 GHz | 3.4 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB+113% | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% |
| Process | 7 nm | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Vermeer (2020−2025) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 44,105+1% | 43,528 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 22,000 | 27,796+26% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,320+11% | 2,082 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 14,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen 9 5900XT uses the AM4 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 DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 9 5900XT versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900KS — the Core i9-12900KS supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 24 (Ryzen 9 5900XT) vs 20 (Core i9-12900KS) — the Ryzen 9 5900XT offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X570,B550,A520,X470,B450 (Ryzen 9 5900XT) and LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS).
| Feature | Ryzen 9 5900XT | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 24+20% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i9-12900KS supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Ryzen 9 5900XT) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-12900KS). The Core i9-12900KS includes integrated graphics (UHD 770), while the Ryzen 9 5900XT requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 9 5900XT targets High End Desktop.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 5900XT | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | High End Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen 9 5900XT launched at $349 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900KS debuted at $739. At current prices ($311 vs $385), the Ryzen 9 5900XT is $74 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen 9 5900XT delivers 141.8 pts/$ vs 113.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900KS — making the Ryzen 9 5900XT the 22.6% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen 9 5900XT | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $349-53% | $739 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $311-19% | $385 |
| Performance per Dollar | 141.8+25% | 113.1 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2022 |
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