GuidesComparisonsCore i9-12900KS vs Ryzen 7 5800X3D: We Tested Both

Core i9-12900KS vs Ryzen 7 5800X3D: We Tested Both

Read our Core i9-12900KS vs Ryzen 7 5800X3D comparison to find out if AMD's fastest Zen 3 CPU can beat Intel's fastest 12th generation chip.

Expert Verified By

Intel Core i9-12900KS

Rated:  8/10

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D

Rated: 7.5/10


Pros & Cons

CPUProsCons
Intel Core i9-12900KSāœ… High count of cores & threads
āœ… High Performance Results
āŒ High priced
āŒ Consumes more power
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3Dāœ… Intelligent workload management
āœ… Energy-efficient
āŒ Limited overclocking
āŒ No support for DDR5.

Key Takeaways
  • Regarding the performance, we found out that the Core i9-12900KS is just 1.8% faster than the Ryzen 7 5800X3D in our 1080P gaming benchmarks.
  • Moreover, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D proved to be 25.6% more power efficient than the i9-12900KS. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is 8.3% more thermally efficient than its Alder Lake rival. 
  • Looking at the costs, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is at least 27% cheaper than the i9-12900KS and will also save you money in the long term as it’s more power efficient.
  • We recommend users consider the Core i9 12900KS as it offers a stretch over the competitor with a slightly higher price tag.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
  • Manaf is our comparison expert who has been benchmarking graphics cards, and processors.
  • 100+ components tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
  • 100+ hours spent testing different components for our comparisons.
  • Objective testing criteria (See how we compare PC hardware).

At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.

Core i9-12900KS vs Ryzen 7 5800X3D: Specifications Comparison

CPUCore i9-12900KSRyzen 7 5800X3D
ArchitectureHybrid CoreZen 4
CodenameAlder LakeVermeer
Supporting ChipsetsIntel 600 Series
Intel 700 Series
AMD 300 Series
AMD 400 Series
AMD 500 Series
Base Clock3.40 GHz (P cores)
2.50 GHz (E cores)
3.4 GHz
Boost Clock5.20 GHz (P cores)
4.0 GHz (E cores)
4.5 GHz
Memory SupportDDR4 (up to 3200 MT/s)
DDR5 (up to 4800 MT/s)
DDR4 (up to 3200 MT/s)
Integrated GraphicsYesNo
Max Operating Temperature90Ā°C90Ā°C
Launch MSRP (Current MSRP)$819-$829 ($419)$449 ($329)
Launch Date (Approximate)Q1'2022Q2'2022
Best CPU CoolersBest CPU Coolers for Core i9-12900KSBest CPU Coolers for Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Best MotherboardBest Motherboards for Core i9-12900KSBest Motherboards for Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Best RAM-Best RAM for Ryzen 7 5800X3D

Architectural Differences

  1. Processing Node: The Core i9-12900KS uses Intel’s 10nm node. Conversely, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D uses TSMC’s node 7nm mentioned above, but the transistor density is similar. So both processors have no advantage over each other regarding the processing node.
  2. Socket: The Ryzen 7 5800X3D uses the AM4, a PGA socket (the pins are located on the motherboard). It’s the last AMD CPU to be based on the AM4 socket. Conversely, the Core i9-12900KS uses the LGA1700 socket (the pins are located on the CPU itself).
  3. Cores & Thread Count: Both the CPUs are similar in terms of the number of full-power cores, which is 8. However, the Core i9-12900KS employs 8 extra E-cores. Thus, the i9-12900KS features 16 cores with 24 threads, while AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X3D is limited to 8 cores and 16 threads.
  4. Cache: Another major difference between the two CPUs is their L2 and L3 cache counts. Regarding the L2 cache, the Core i9-12900KS has 16MB of it, while the Ryzen 7 5800X3D only has 4MB. However, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D bests the i9-12900KS with its massive 96MB of L3 cache – the Core i9 CPU only has 30MB.
  5.  TDP: The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is rated at a modest 105 watts of TDP at base clocks. Its Intel rival, i9-12900KS, is rated at 150 watts, nearly 43% higher. The i9-12900KS also has a boost TDP rating, which can take the i9-12900KS to a massive 251 watts of power consumption. 

Core i9-12900KS vs Ryzen 7 5800X3D: Gaming Benchmarks

Let’s compare the gaming performance of the two graphics cards. We’ll look at their performance across 7 games, all tested at 1080P resolution and ultra (or equivalent preset). A look at the test benches:  

Test Bench

Now, without any further due, let us dive into Core i9-12900KS vs Ryzen 7 5800X3D gaming benchmarks. 

Cyberpunk 2077

 Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080P.
Cyberpunk 2077 – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • The i9-12900KS starts with an average of 147 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D trails with 130 FPS – a 13% difference.
  • Looking at the %1 low, we observed the i9-12900KS recording 124 FPS, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D following with a framerate of 110 FPS

Hitman 3

Hitman 3 at 1080P.
Hitman 3 – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • In our Hitman 3 benchmarks, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D takes the lead here with 208 FPS on average, compared to i9-12900KS’s score of 205 FPS
  • Things take a turn in the %1 low figure. The i9-12900KS scores 170 FPS, while the Ryzen 7 5800X3D trails by 11.8%

God of War

 God of War at 1080P
God of War – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • In God of War, we notice that the two CPUs are neck and neck again. The Core i9-12900KS averages 195 FPS, while AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X3D averages 193 FPS
  • In terms of our recorded %1 lows, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D betters its Intel rival by just 1 FPS

Far Cry 6

 Far Cry 6 at 1080P
Far Cry 6 – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • Our next benchmark test was the Far Cry 6, where the Ryzen 7 5800X3D averages 161 FPS compared to the Core i9-12900KS, which scores 154 FPS
  • Again, the i9-12900KS turns the tables in terms of the %1 low figures, recording 141 FPS. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D scores 122 FPS.

Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla at 1080P
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, yet again, the two CPUs show similar performance. The i9-12900KS averages 208 FPS compared to the 206 FPS of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D.
  • The i9-12900KS scores 147 FPS when it comes to the %1 low. We also saw that the Ryzen 7 5800X3D trails just behind with 145 FPS.

Horizon Zero Dawn 

Horizon Zero Dawn at 1080P
Horizon Zero Dawn – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • The Core i9-12900KS averages 191 FPS in our Horizon Zero Dawn benchmark. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D fights back with 186 FPS, much to our surprise. 
  • In terms of the %1 low, we witnessed the usual scenario where the i9-12900KS is 14.4% faster than its AMD Ryzen competitor.
Forza Horizon 5 at 1080P
Forza Horizon 5 – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
  • The last benchmark we ran was Forza Horizon 5, in which the i9-12900KS took another marginal lead, with 196 FPS on average. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D scores 189 FPS in reply.
  • The Ryzen 7 5800X3D manages 145 FPS as far as the %1 low score is concerned. The i9-12900KS scores 153 FPS

Overall Gaming Performance

ProcessorAverage FPS1% Lows
Core i9-12900KSšŸ“ˆ 185.1šŸ“‰ 181.8
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DšŸ“ˆ 151.7šŸ“‰ 140.1
Winner: Intel Core i9-12900KS

Observing the gaming performance in our benchmarks, we saw that the Core i9-12900KS is, therefore, 1.8% faster than the Ryzen 7 5800X3D in 1080P gaming. Moreover, in terms of the %1 low, the i9-12900KS scores 151.7 FPS, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D recorded 140.1 FPS. Thus, the i9-12900KS has a bigger lead here at 8.2%

Average Power Consumption

ProcessorIntel Core i9-12900KSAMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Average Power Consumption113.3 āš”ļø90.2 āš”ļø
Winner: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D

Next, we noticed that the i9-12900KS had a TDP rating of 150 watts, and the Ryzen 7 5800X3D rated at 105 watts. (42.8% higher). Consequently, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is 25.6% more power efficient than the Core i9-12900KS in 1080P gaming. Both the CPUs were fairly underutilized in 1080P gaming, drawing much less than their TDP ratings. 

Average Thermal Performance

ProcessorIntel Core i9-12900KSAMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Average Power Consumption65 šŸŒ”ļø60 šŸŒ”ļø
Winner: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D

Regarding the thermal efficiencies of the processors across our benchmarks, Intel’s Core i9-12900KS ran at 65Ā°C on average. As for the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, it ran much cooler at 60Ā°C. Thus, the benchmarks have shown us that the Ryzen 7 5800X3D is 8.3% more thermally efficient in 1080P gaming. 

CPU, Power, And Platform Costs

ProcessorLaunch MSRPCurrent Price
Intel Core i9-12900KSšŸ’² 829šŸ’² 405
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DšŸ’² 449šŸ’² 315
Price Difference84.63%31.74%

Looking at the current market prices, we analyzed that the Ryzen 7 5800X3D was about 31.74% more economical than the Intel Core i9 12900KS. This puts the Ryzen processor forward for users looking to incorporate good results, coupled with better power and thermal efficiencies in an economical budget.


Core i9-12900KS vs Ryzen 7 5800X3D: Final Thoughts

Intel Core i9 12900KS: The Core i9-12900KS has a 42.8% higher base TDP rating than the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and drew 25.6% more power during the 1080P benchmarks. However, it had a brilliant output in our benchmarks, which tilts the scales in its favor for users looking for premium performance.

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D: Conversely, we noticed promising results from the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, despite being far behind the Core i9 12900KS. However, what lagged in its framerates was made up by the lower power and thermal levels, ensuring an economical choice for budget-conscious users.

As we’ve discussed, there are plenty of differences between them, and you should take note of all of them before making a choice. However, we recommend the Intel Core i9 12900KS for users looking to get all the framerates they can get. Although they have to pay higher for it


Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Core i9-12900KS support DDR4 memory?

Yes. The Core i9-12900KS has support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. You only need to make sure you get a DDR4-supporting motherboard. 

Does the Ryzen 7 5800X3D have integrated graphics?

No. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D does not have integrated graphics and requires a dedicated graphics card.


More From Ryzen 7 5800X3D:

More From Core i9-12900KS:

Was our article helpful? šŸ‘Øā€šŸ’»

Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. šŸ”‹

How could we improve this post? Please Help us. šŸ˜”

Related articles

Red Switches Are Amazing But I Don’t Recommend Them For Fast Typists

Red switches are amazing, but I don't recommend them for fast typists with heavy hands due to their lower actuation force and creamier noise.

I Cleaned My PC After Six Months ā€” Here’s The Thermal Difference

PC dust control shouldn't be taken lightly if you live in a dusty area. I cleaned my PC after six months and my temp drops were phenomenal.

Why Liquid Metal Isn’t For Everyone To Cool PCs

Liquid metal isn't for everyone to cool their PCs with because it's highly conductive, corrosive, and is only good for overclocking.

NVIDIA Is Once Again Misleading Customers With The New RTX 4070

NVIDIA is once again misleading customers by launching a new RTX 4070 GPU without even making a proper announcement and keeping the same name.

We Built A PC That Outperforms The PS5 Pro For AroundĀ TheĀ SameĀ Price

The PS5 Pro's pricing didn't sit right, so we built a PC that outperforms the PS5 Pro for around the same price and got decent results.

Similar Guides