Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 vs Core i9-12900KS
Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
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 AI Max PRO 390
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900KS
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($600) | ✅ More affordable ($385) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Strix Halo (2025) / 4 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-S (2022) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+57%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($600) | ✅ 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 Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 and Core i9-12900KS
Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
The Ryzen AI Max PRO 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: 43,174 points. Launch price was $499.
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 AI Max PRO 390 packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-12900KS offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-12900KS has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 versus 5.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900KS — a 5.8% clock advantage for the Core i9-12900KS (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 uses the Strix Halo (2025) architecture (4 nm), while the Core i9-12900KS uses Alder Lake-S (2022) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 scores 43,174 against the Core i9-12900KS's 43,528 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i9-12900KS. L3 cache: 64 MB (total) on the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 vs 30 MB (total) on the Core i9-12900KS.
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24 | 16 / 24+33% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | 5.3 GHz+6% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 64 MB (total)+113% | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% |
| Process | 4 nm-43% | Intel 7 nm |
| Architecture | Strix Halo (2025) | Alder Lake-S (2022) |
| PassMark | 43,174 | 43,528 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 27,796 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,082 |
Memory & Platform
The Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 uses the FP11 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 8000 on the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 versus DDR5-4800 on the Core i9-12900KS — the Ryzen AI Max PRO 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 PRO 390) vs 2 (Core i9-12900KS). PCIe lanes: 28 (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390) vs 20 (Core i9-12900KS) — the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Strix Halo (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390) and LGA1700 (Core i9-12900KS).
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-12900KS). Both include integrated graphics — AMD Radeon 8050S (Ryzen AI Max PRO 390) and UHD 770 (Core i9-12900KS) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 rivals Apple M4 Max.
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | AMD Radeon 8050S | UHD 770 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 launched at $600 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900KS debuted at $739. At current prices ($600 vs $385), the Core i9-12900KS is $215 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 delivers 72.0 pts/$ vs 113.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900KS — making the Core i9-12900KS the 44.4% better value option.
| Feature | Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $600-19% | $739 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $600 | $385-36% |
| Performance per Dollar | 72.0 | 113.1+57% |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2022 |
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