Intel Core i9-12900K vs AMD Ryzen 5 2600X

VS
Performance
Core i9-12900K117% better
26,22371% of 36,991
Ryzen 5 2600X
12,07433% of 36,991

The Core i9-12900K has 117% better performance than the Ryzen 5 2600X for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Performance per dollar
Core i9-12900K
43.7836% of 121.53
Ryzen 5 2600X20% better
52.7243% of 121.53

The Ryzen 5 2600X has 20% better value for the money than the Core i9-12900K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

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Summary

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About the Intel Core i9-12900K CPU

The Intel Core i9-12900K is a 16-core (24-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q4 2021 with a suggested retail price of $599. It is part of Intel's Core i9 lineup, which is based on the Alder Lake-S microarchitecture. The i9-12900K is compatible with Intel Socket 1700 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 10 nm manufacturing process. It features the UHD Graphics 770 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i9-12900K supports DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i9-12900K has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 80 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 1.25 MB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 30 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i9-12900K features 16 total cores which can process 24 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The 16 cores consist of 8 P-Cores and 8 E-Cores. P-Cores are designed for high-performance tasks and E-Cores are intended for efficiency and lighter tasks. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.2 GHz, and it can boost up to 5.2 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i9-12900K includes an integrated graphics solution called UHD Graphics 770. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Core i9-12900K has the 20th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 70.89% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 26,223 score and $599 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 43.78. This is the 63rd best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

About the AMD Ryzen 5 2600X CPU

The AMD Ryzen 5 2600X is a 6-core (12-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q2 2018 with a suggested retail price of $229. It is part of AMD's Ryzen 5 lineup, which is based on the Zen+ microarchitecture. The 2600X is compatible with AMD Socket AM4 motherboards and is fabricated on GlobalFoundries's 12 nm manufacturing process.

Memory and Cache

The Ryzen 5 2600X supports DDR4 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Ryzen 5 2600X has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 96 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 512 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 16 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Ryzen 5 2600X features 6 total cores which can process 12 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.6 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.3 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Ryzen 5 2600X does not include an integrated graphics solution. A dedicated graphics card will be required if you require a monitor with your computer.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Ryzen 5 2600X has the 196th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 32.64% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 12,074 score and $229 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 52.72. This is the 41st best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

General Info

General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.

InfoCore i9-12900KRyzen 5 2600X
ManufacturerIntelAMD
SeriesCore i9Ryzen 5
Market SegmentDesktopDesktop
Release DateQ4 2021Q2 2018
Launch Price (MSRP)$599$229
Production StatusActiveActive
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Core i9-12900K117% better
26,22371% of 36,991
Ryzen 5 2600X
12,07433% of 36,991

The Core i9-12900K has 117% better performance than the Ryzen 5 2600X for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i9-12900K is ranked 20th with a score of 26,223, and the Ryzen 5 2600X is ranked 196th with a score of 12,074.

Performance per dollar
Core i9-12900K
43.7836% of 121.53
Ryzen 5 2600X20% better
52.7243% of 121.53

The Ryzen 5 2600X has 20% better value for the money than the Core i9-12900K for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i9-12900K is ranked 63rd with a performance per dollar of 43.78, and the Ryzen 5 2600X is ranked 41st with a performance per dollar of 52.72.

Relative Performance

The average score in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i9-12900K or
CPUBenchmark Performance
Core i7-1370026,874+2%
Ryzen 9 790026,325+0%
Core i9-12900K26,223
Ryzen 5 7600X25,731-2%
Ryzen 5 9600X25,717-2%
Ryzen 7 170012,723-51%
Ryzen 5 260012,405-53%
Ryzen 5 2600X12,074-54%
Core i7-8086K11,554-56%
Core i7-6700K11,228-57%

Relative Value For Money

The average performance per dollar in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score implies a better value for your money.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i9-12900K or
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Ryzen 7 3700X55.57+27%
Ryzen 3 120054.82+25%
Ryzen 5 2600X52.72+20%
Core i5-840051.94+19%
Ryzen 5 160050.98+16%
Ryzen 9 7950X50.42+15%
Core i9-1290046.85+7%
Core i9-12900K43.78
Core i9-10900K40.1-8%
Core i9-11900K38.33-12%

Benchmark Scores

This table showcases the average performance scores achieved by both CPUs across industry-standard benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

  • Popular
BenchmarkCore i9-12900KRyzen 5 2600X
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
26,223
(+117.19%)
12,074
3DMark Time Spy CPU
18,555.5
(+184.16%)
6,530
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
4,057
(+202.54%)
1,341
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
289
(+77.3%)
163
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
15,574
(+194.74%)
5,284
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
2,655
(+112.74%)
1,248
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
41,415
(+197.69%)
13,912
CPU Mark Single-Thread
4,166
(+74.75%)
2,384
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

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Manufacturing Details

Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.

SpecCore i9-12900KRyzen 5 2600X
ManufacturerIntelAMD
FoundryIntelGlobalFoundries
Process Size10 nm12 nm
Transistors--4,800 million

Architecture

CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.

SpecCore i9-12900KRyzen 5 2600X
SeriesCore i9Ryzen 5
MicroarchitectureAlder Lake-SZen+
CodenameAlder Lake-SZen
Memory SupportDDR4-3200, DDR5-4800DDR4
Memory ChannelsDual-channelDual-channel
ECC MemoryNoNo

Cores & Clock Speeds

Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.

SpecCore i9-12900KRyzen 5 2600X
Cores166
Threads2412
Performance Cores (P-cores)8--
Efficient Cores (E-cores)8--
Clock Speed3.2 GHz3.6 GHz
Turbo Clock5.2 GHz4.3 GHz
P-core Clock3.2 GHz--
P-core Turbo Clock5.2 GHz--
E-core Clock Speed2.4 GHz--
E-core Turbo Clock3.9 GHz--
Base Clock100 MHz100 MHz
Multiplier32.0x36.0x
Multiplier UnlockedYesYes

Cache

CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.

SpecCore i9-12900KRyzen 5 2600X
L1 Cache80 KB96 KB
L2 Cache1.25 MB512 KB
L3 Cache30 MB16 MB

Compatibility & Power Consumption

Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.

SpecCore i9-12900KRyzen 5 2600X
SocketIntel Socket 1700AMD Socket AM4
PCI ExpressPCIe 5.0 x20PCIe 3.0 x16
Thermal Design Power (TDP)125 W95 W
Power Limit 1 (PL1)241 W--
Power Limit 2 (PL2)241 W--
Tcase Max72 °C--
TJ Max100 °C95 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.

SpecCore i9-12900KRyzen 5 2600X
Integrated GraphicsUHD Graphics 770--
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, SHA, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, CLMUL, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, ABM, ADX, RdRand, TBT 2.0, TBT 3.0MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AES, AVX, AVX2, BMI1, BMI2, SHA, F16C, FMA3, AMD64, EVP, AMD-V, SMAP, SMEP, SMT, Precision Boost 2, XFR 2

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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.