AMD Ryzen 9 7900 vs Intel Core i9-12900K
78.6Single-core72.2
70.5Multi-core70.4
83.3Gamingspec-based63.8
11 spec wins — AMD Ryzen 9 79005 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K
InnoReviews verdict
AMD Ryzen 9 7900 wins this desktop processor face-off, 76.1 to 69.3, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+6) and multi-core (+0). Intel Core i9-12900K still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the AMD Ryzen 9 7900
- Stronger single-core score: 79 vs 72
- 113% higher L3 cache: 64 MB vs 30 MB
- 50% lower process: 5 nm vs 10 nm
- 50% higher Performance cores: 12 vs 8
- 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
- Lower launch price: $429 vs $648
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- 33% higher cores: 16 vs 12
- 17% higher L2 cache: 14 MB vs 12 MB
- 11% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 17,450 vs 15,725
General
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 7900 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2021 |
| Socket | AM5 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 5 nm+50% | 10 nm |
| Base TDP | 65 W+48% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | — | 241 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 7900 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 12 | 16+33% |
| Performance cores | 12+50% | 8 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 8 |
| Threads | 24 | 24 |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz+16% | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.4 GHz+4% | 5.2 GHz |
| L2 cache | 12 MB | 14 MB+17% |
| L3 cache | 64 MB+113% | 30 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 7900 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | AMD Radeon Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 2,200 MHz | 1,550 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 7900 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-5200 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 7900 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 28+40% | 20 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 7900 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,990+10%Top 19% | 2,715Top 32% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 15,725Top 28% | 17,450+11%Top 24% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,966+3%Top 26% | 1,903Top 30% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 24,776Top 21% | 26,229+6%Top 19% |
| PassMark | 48,013+17%Top 20% | 41,103Top 24% |
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