Intel Core i9 12900KS 16-core LGA 1700
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
What Buyers Say
Intel Core i9 12900KS 16-core LGA 1700
The Intel Core i9-12900KS is widely praised for its exceptional speed and performance, often described as the fastest desktop chip available. Users highlight its ability to handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking with ease. However, several reviewers note that it runs hot and requires adequate cooling, with some mentioning the need for undervolting or liquid cooling. A few complaints include the lack of a stock cooler and the high price, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Fastest desktop chip
- Excellent performance
- Handles demanding tasks
- Great for gaming
- Stable and reliable
Cons
- Runs hot
- No stock cooler included
- High price
- Requires good cooling
- May need undervolting
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is widely celebrated as the best gaming CPU on the market, delivering massive frame rate boosts, improved 1% lows, and excellent thermal efficiency. Users upgrading from older Intel or AMD chips report transformative gains in CPU-intensive games and smoother multitasking. The main caution is to avoid paying above MSRP due to scalper pricing, and to ensure a compatible AM5 motherboard with a BIOS update. Overall, it is a top-tier choice for gamers seeking peak performance.
Pros
- Best gaming performance on the market
- Massive frame rate boosts in CPU-heavy games
- Excellent thermal efficiency and cool operation
- Improved 1% lows for smoother gameplay
- Great upgrade from older Intel and AMD chips
Cons
- Scalper pricing above MSRP
- No included cooler in the box
- Requires BIOS update on older AM5 motherboards
- Limited availability and stock issues
- OEM version lacks original box and accessories
Scores
Specifications
| Intel Core i9 12900KS | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| Brand | Intel | AMD |
| Series | Core i9 | Ryzen 7 |
| Model | 12900KS | 9800X3D |
| Codename | Alder Lake | Granite Ridge |
| Class | desktop | desktop |
| Process | 7 | 4★ |
| Cores & Clocks | ||
| Cores | 16★ | 8 |
| P-cores | 8 | 8 |
| E-cores | 8★ | — |
| Threads | 24★ | 16 |
| Base Clock | ||
| Boost Clock | ||
| Cache | ||
| L2 Cache | 14★ | 8 |
| L3 Cache | 30 | 96★ |
| Performance | ||
| PassMark Multi | ||
| PassMark Single | ||
| Memory | ||
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR5 |
| Max Speed | ||
| Channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | ||
| ECC | ✓ | ✓ |
| Platform & Power | ||
| Socket | LGA 1700 | AM5 |
| PCIe | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 28★ |
| TDP | 150 | 120★ |
| Max Turbo Power | 241 | 200★ |
| Unlocked | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graphics & AI | ||
| Integrated Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | AMD Radeon Graphics |
Pros & Cons
Intel Core i9 12900KS 16-core LGA 1700
- Strong single thread (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong platform (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong multi thread (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong ai (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average affordability (15th percentile)15th %ile
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5
- Strong feature (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong platform (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong single thread (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Below average affordability (23rd percentile)
Pricing
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core AM5 offers 1.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 6 of 6 usage categories and 9 of 28 specs.