Ryzen Threadripper 7970X vs i9-12900K

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Aggregate performance score

Core i9-12900K
2021
16 cores / 24 threads, 125 Watt
26.09
Ryzen Threadripper 7970X
2023
32 cores / 64 threads, 350 Watt
62.18
+138%

Ryzen Threadripper 7970X outperforms Core i9-12900K by a whopping 138% based on our aggregate benchmark results.

Primary details

Comparing Core i9-12900K and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X processor market type (desktop or notebook), architecture, sales start time and price.

Place in the ranking19114
Place by popularitynot in top-100not in top-100
Cost-effectiveness evaluation37.3021.88
Market segmentDesktop processorDesktop processor
SeriesIntel Core i9no data
Power efficiency19.7516.81
Architecture codenameAlder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021)Storm Peak (2023)
Release date27 October 2021 (3 years ago)19 October 2023 (1 year ago)
Launch price (MSRP)$589$2,499

Cost-effectiveness evaluation

Performance per price, higher is better.

i9-12900K has 70% better value for money than Ryzen Threadripper 7970X.

Detailed specifications

Core i9-12900K and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X basic parameters such as number of cores, number of threads, base frequency and turbo boost clock, lithography, cache size and multiplier lock state. These parameters indirectly say of CPU speed, though for more precise assessment you have to consider their test results.

Physical cores16 (Hexadeca-Core)32 (Dotriaconta-Core)
Threads2464
Base clock speed3.2 GHz4 GHz
Boost clock speed5.2 GHz5.3 GHz
Bus typeDMI 4.0no data
Bus rate8 × 16 GT/sno data
Multiplier32no data
L1 cache768 KB64 KB (per core)
L2 cache4 MB1 MB (per core)
L3 cache6 MB128 MB (shared)
Chip lithography10 nm5 nm
Die size215.25 mm2"4x 71 mm2
Maximum core temperature100 °Cno data
Maximum case temperature (TCase)72 °Cno data
Number of transistorsno data26,280 million
64 bit support++
Windows 11 compatibility+no data
Unlocked multiplier++

Compatibility

Information on Core i9-12900K and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X compatibility with other computer components: motherboard (look for socket type), power supply unit (look for power consumption) etc. Useful when planning a future computer configuration or upgrading an existing one. Note that power consumption of some processors can well exceed their nominal TDP, even without overclocking. Some can even double their declared thermals given that the motherboard allows to tune the CPU power parameters.

Number of CPUs in a configuration11
SocketFCLGA1700sTR5
Power consumption (TDP)125 Watt350 Watt

Technologies and extensions

Technological solutions and additional instructions supported by Core i9-12900K and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X. You'll probably need this information if you require some particular technology.

Instruction set extensionsIntel® SSE4.1, Intel® SSE4.2, Intel® AVX2no data
AES-NI++
AVX++
vPro+no data
Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST)+no data
Speed Shift+no data
Turbo Boost Technology2.0no data
Hyper-Threading Technology+no data
Idle States+no data
Thermal Monitoring+-
SIPP+-
Turbo Boost Max 3.0+no data
Precision Boost 2no data+
Deep Learning Boost+-

Security technologies

Core i9-12900K and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X technologies aimed at improving security, for example, by protecting against hacks.

TXT+no data
EDB+no data
Secure Key+no data
OS Guard+no data

Virtualization technologies

Virtual machine speed-up technologies supported by Core i9-12900K and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X are enumerated here.

AMD-V-+
VT-d+no data
VT-x+no data
EPT+no data

Memory specs

Types, maximum amount and channel quantity of RAM supported by Core i9-12900K and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X. Depending on the motherboard, higher memory frequencies may be supported.

Supported memory typesDDR4, DDR5DDR5
Maximum memory size128 GBno data
Max memory channels2no data
Maximum memory bandwidth76.805 GB/sno data
ECC memory support+-

Graphics specifications

General parameters of integrated GPUs, if any.

Integrated graphics cardIntel UHD Graphics 770N/A
Quick Sync Video+-
Clear Video HD+no data
Graphics max frequency1.55 GHzno data
Execution Units32no data

Graphics interfaces

Available interfaces and connections of Core i9-12900K and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X integrated GPUs.

Number of displays supported4no data

Graphics image quality

Maximum display resolutions supported by Core i9-12900K and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X integrated GPUs, including resolutions over different interfaces.

Max resolution over HDMI 1.44096 x 2160 @ 60Hzno data
Max resolution over eDP5120 x 3200 @ 120Hzno data
Max resolution over DisplayPort7680 x 4320 @ 60Hzno data

Graphics API support

APIs supported by Core i9-12900K and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X integrated GPUs, sometimes API versions are included.

DirectX12no data
OpenGL4.5no data

Peripherals

Specifications and connection of peripherals supported by Core i9-12900K and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X.

PCIe version5.0 and 4.05.0
PCI Express lanes2048

Synthetic benchmark performance

Various benchmark results of the processors in comparison. Overall score is measured in points in 0-100 range, higher is better.


Combined synthetic benchmark score

This is our combined benchmark performance rating. We are regularly improving our combining algorithms, but if you find some perceived inconsistencies, feel free to speak up in comments section, we usually fix problems quickly.

i9-12900K 26.09
Ryzen Threadripper 7970X 62.18
+138%

Passmark

Passmark CPU Mark is a widespread benchmark, consisting of 8 different types of workload, including integer and floating point math, extended instructions, compression, encryption and physics calculation. There is also one separate single-threaded scenario measuring single-core performance.

i9-12900K 41435
Ryzen Threadripper 7970X 98775
+138%

Gaming performance

Pros & cons summary


Performance score 26.09 62.18
Recency 27 October 2021 19 October 2023
Physical cores 16 32
Threads 24 64
Chip lithography 10 nm 5 nm
Power consumption (TDP) 125 Watt 350 Watt

i9-12900K has 180% lower power consumption.

Ryzen Threadripper 7970X, on the other hand, has a 138.3% higher aggregate performance score, an age advantage of 1 year, 100% more physical cores and 166.7% more threads, and a 100% more advanced lithography process.

The Ryzen Threadripper 7970X is our recommended choice as it beats the Core i9-12900K in performance tests.


Should you still have questions on choice between Core i9-12900K and Ryzen Threadripper 7970X, ask them in Comments section, and we shall answer.

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Do you think we are right or mistaken in our choice? Vote by clicking "Like" button near your favorite CPU.


Intel Core i9-12900K
Core i9-12900K
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7970X
Ryzen Threadripper 7970X

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Community ratings

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Questions & comments

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