AMD Ryzen 9 9900X vs Intel Core i9-12900K
90.1Single-core72.2
83.6Multi-core70.4
84.6Gamingspec-based63.8
14 spec wins — AMD Ryzen 9 9900X4 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K
InnoReviews verdict
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X wins this desktop processor face-off, 85.8 to 69.3, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+18) and multi-core (+13). 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 9900X
- Stronger single-core score: 90 vs 72
- Stronger multi-core score: 84 vs 70
- 113% higher L3 cache: 64 MB vs 30 MB
- 60% lower process: 4 nm vs 10 nm
- 50% higher Performance cores: 12 vs 8
- Lower launch price: $499 vs $648
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- 49% higher Max turbo power: 241 W vs 162 W
- 33% higher cores: 16 vs 12
- 17% higher L2 cache: 14 MB vs 12 MB
General
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 9900X | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024 | 2021 |
| Socket | AM5 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 4 nm+60% | 10 nm |
| Base TDP | 120 W+4% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 162 W | 241 W+49% |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 9900X | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 12 | 16+33% |
| Performance cores | 12+50% | 8 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 8 |
| Threads | 24 | 24 |
| Base clock | 4.4 GHz+38% | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.6 GHz+8% | 5.2 GHz |
| L2 cache | 12 MB | 14 MB+17% |
| L3 cache | 64 MB+113% | 30 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 9900X | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | AMD Radeon Graphics (2 CU RDNA 2) | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 2,200 MHz | 1,550 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 9900X | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| 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 i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 28+40% | 20 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 9 9900X | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 3,300+22%Top 6% | 2,715Top 32% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 19,800+13%Top 15% | 17,450Top 24% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 2,230+17%Top 11% | 1,903Top 30% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 32,000+22%Top 14% | 26,229Top 19% |
| PassMark | 55,500+35%Top 13% | 41,103Top 24% |
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