Ryzen AI Max 390 vs Core i9-12900K
Ryzen AI Max 390
Core i9-12900K
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
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($322) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Strix Halo (2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($322) |
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 AI Max 390 and Core i9-12900K
Ryzen AI Max 390
The Ryzen AI Max 390 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Strix Halo (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FP11. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 41,834 points. Launch price was $499.
Core i9-12900K
The Core i9-12900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 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): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 41,180 points. Launch price was $589.
Processing Power
The Ryzen AI Max 390 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-12900K offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-12900K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max 390 versus 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-12900K — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Ryzen AI Max 390 uses the Strix Halo (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Core i9-12900K uses Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen AI Max 390 scores 41,834 against the Core i9-12900K's 41,180 — a 1.6% lead for the Ryzen AI Max 390. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max 390 vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900K.
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 16 / 24+33% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | 5.2 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+113% | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% |
| Process | 4 nm-60% | 10 nm |
| Architecture | Strix Halo (2025) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 41,834+2% | 41,180 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen AI Max 390 uses the FP11 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-12900K uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 8000 on the Ryzen AI Max 390 versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900K — the Ryzen AI Max 390 supports 199.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Ryzen AI Max 390) vs 2 (Core i9-12900K). PCIe lanes: 28 (Ryzen AI Max 390) vs 20 (Core i9-12900K) — the Ryzen AI Max 390 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Strix Halo (Ryzen AI Max 390) and Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i9-12900K).
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FP11 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0+25% |
| Max RAM Speed | 8000+159900% | DDR5-4800 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 128 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 28+40% | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen AI Max 390) / not specified (Core i9-12900K). Both include integrated graphics — AMD Radeon 8050S (Ryzen AI Max 390) and Intel UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-12900K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen AI Max 390 rivals Apple M4 Max.
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | AMD Radeon 8050S | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | Yes | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V | — |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen AI Max 390 launched at $0 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900K debuted at $589. At current prices ($0 vs $322), the Ryzen AI Max 390 is $322 cheaper.
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max 390 | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $0-100% | $589 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $0-100% | $322 |
| Performance per Dollar | — | 127.9 |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2021 |
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