AMD Ryzen 9 9900X vs Intel Core i5-12400
90.1Single-core56.4
83.6Multi-core41.7
84.6Gamingspec-based46.5
18 spec wins — AMD Ryzen 9 9900X2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-12400
InnoReviews verdict
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X wins this desktop processor face-off, 85.8 to 47.3, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+42) and single-core (+34). Intel Core i5-12400 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 9900X
- Stronger single-core score: 90 vs 56
- Stronger multi-core score: 84 vs 42
- 256% higher L3 cache: 64 MB vs 18 MB
- 182% higher PassMark: 55,500 vs 19,700
- 169% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 32,000 vs 11,900
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-12400
- 46% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 120 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $192 vs $499
General
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 9900X | Intel Core i5-12400 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024 | 2022 |
| Socket | AM5 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 4 nm+60% | 10 nm |
| Base TDP | 120 W | 65 W+46% |
| Max turbo power | 162 W+38% | 117 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | No |
| Cooler included | No | Yes |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 9900X | Intel Core i5-12400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 12+100% | 6 |
| Performance cores | 12+100% | 6 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 24+100% | 12 |
| Base clock | 4.4 GHz+76% | 2.5 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.6 GHz+27% | 4.4 GHz |
| L2 cache | 12 MB+60% | 8 MB |
| L3 cache | 64 MB+256% | 18 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 9900X | Intel Core i5-12400 |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | AMD Radeon Graphics (2 CU RDNA 2) | Intel UHD Graphics 730 |
| iGPU clock | 2,200 MHz | 1,450 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 9900X | Intel Core i5-12400 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 192 GB+50% | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 9900X | Intel Core i5-12400 |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 28+40% | 20 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 9900X | Intel Core i5-12400 |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 3,300+57%Top 7% | 2,100Top 46% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 19,800+111%Top 15% | 9,400Bottom 47% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 2,230+32%Top 11% | 1,690Top 45% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 32,000+169%Top 14% | 11,900Bottom 44% |
| PassMark | 55,500+182%Top 13% | 19,700Bottom 35% |
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