Intel Core i9-12900K vs AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Intel Core i9-12900KFCLGA1700

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XAM4

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · The socket alone doesn't guarantee support; check the motherboard's CPU-support list and BIOS.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Architecture

Intel Core i9-12900KAlder Lake

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XZen 3

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · AMD's CPU core architecture.

Different hardware. A chip name or generation does not quantify real-world performance.

Maximum single-core turbo

Intel Core i9-12900K5.2 GHz

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X4.9 GHz

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Peak frequency, not a sustained all-core speed; workload, cooling, power settings and the motherboard affect it.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · Peak boost clock, not a sustained all-core speed.

Published clock limits are not application speed. Boost depends on workload, cooling and firmware; it is not a sustained all-core frequency.

L3 cache

Intel Core i9-12900K30 MB

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X64 MB

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel Smart Cache (L3).

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · Total L3 cache across the processor.

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Tuning support

Intel XTU — exact supported models and version 7.14 platform requirements Intel unlocked processors — model example and tuning conditions

Intel Core i9-12900KUnlocked processor; Intel XTU 7.14 supported

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XUnlocked CPU overclocking; Ryzen Master support

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel's XTU page names this processor; use the 7.14 branch (7.14.2.93), as version 10.0 is for Core Ultra Series 2 and newer. Needs an overclocking-capable chipset, supported Windows and BIOS; results aren't guaranteed.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · AMD lists the CPU as unlocked for overclocking and supported by Ryzen Master. Results depend on the motherboard, cooling and the individual chip.

Memory profiles, automatic boost tuning and fully unlocked CPU overclocking are different capabilities. Read the supported controls and motherboard conditions for each processor.

Thread count

Intel Core i9-12900K24

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X32

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Show 9 more verified differences

Base / boost clocks and conditions

Intel Core i9-12900KP-cores: 3.20 GHz base, up to 5.10 GHz turbo; E-cores: 2.40 GHz base, up to 3.90 GHz turbo; maximum single-core turbo up to 5.20 GHz

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X3.4 GHz base; up to 4.9 GHz boost

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Maximum turbo applies to eligible cores, not all cores at once; clocks depend on workload, temperature, power settings and the motherboard.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · Maximum boost is not sustained all-core frequency. Workload, cooling and firmware affect clocks.

Published clock limits are not application speed. Boost depends on workload, cooling and firmware; it is not a sustained all-core frequency.

Core count and architecture

Intel Core i9-12900K16 total (8 Performance-cores + 8 Efficient-cores)

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X16 cores · Zen 3

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · Core count and architecture alone don't determine application performance.

Different hardware. A chip name or generation does not quantify real-world performance.

Total L2 cache

Intel Core i9-12900K14 MB

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X8 MB

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Total L2 cache, distinct from shared L3.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Integrated graphics available

Intel Core i9-12900KYes

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNo

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel UHD Graphics 770 built in; display outputs depend on the motherboard.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · AMD says a discrete graphics card is required.

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Integrated graphics or none

Intel Core i9-12900KIntel UHD Graphics 770

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNone; a discrete graphics card is required

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Display output needs a motherboard with video ports.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · AMD says a discrete graphics card is required; the motherboard's video ports won't work with this processor.

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

CPU PCI Express

Intel Core i9-12900KPCIe 5.0 and 4.0; up to 20 CPU lanes

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XPCIe 4.0

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel lists 1×16+4 or 2×8+4 lane configurations; board wiring and chipset lanes are separate.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · CPU PCIe version, not the number of motherboard slots or a guarantee of the board's bandwidth.

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Memory support

Intel Core i9-12900KUp to DDR5-4800 or DDR4-3200; 128 GB maximum; 2 channels

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XDDR4; up to 3200 MT/s

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Choose a motherboard for either DDR5 or DDR4; the processor supports both, but a board takes only one type. Rated speeds depend on the memory configuration and motherboard.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · Check the motherboard's CPU-support list, BIOS and memory support list. XMP speeds above this rating are not guaranteed.

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Maximum junction temperature

Intel Core i9-12900K100 °C

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X90 °C

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel's maximum junction temperature, not a typical running temperature.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · AMD's maximum operating temperature (Tjmax), not a typical running temperature.

This is the specified junction-temperature limit, not a measured operating temperature or a cooling-efficiency score.

Processor power definitions

Intel Core i9-12900K125 W Processor Base Power; 241 W Maximum Turbo Power

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X105 W default TDP

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel's base and maximum turbo power ratings, not measured system power. Check the motherboard's power settings and cooling.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · AMD's thermal design rating, not the power the whole system will draw.

Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.

Missing or non-comparable evidence (59)

Performance-cores

Intel Core i9-12900K8

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Efficient-cores

Intel Core i9-12900K8

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Efficient-cores are separate from Performance-cores.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Maximum supported memory

Intel Core i9-12900K128 GB

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

AMD's 5950X page doesn't list a maximum memory capacity; check the motherboard's specifications for supported kit sizes. · Manufacturer specification

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

CPU ECC memory capability

Intel Core i9-12900KYes

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Needs a motherboard chipset, BIOS and memory that enable ECC.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

AMD's 5950X page doesn't say whether ECC memory is supported; check the motherboard and CPU listing if you need ECC. · Manufacturer specification

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Cooling

Intel Core i9-12900KNot verified

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XCooler required separately

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

No source recorded for this side.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · Liquid cooler recommended for optimal performance

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Default TDP

Intel Core i9-12900KNot verified

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X105 W

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

No source recorded for this side.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · Default TDP, not measured system power.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Intel Adaptive Boost

Intel Core i9-12900KNot verified

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Intel's 12900K specification page doesn't list Adaptive Boost Technology. · Manufacturer specification

Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications Intel Application Optimization — verified models and limited Advanced Mode support

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Intel Application Optimization

Intel Core i9-12900KLimited (Advanced Mode only)

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Needs Windows 11, a compatible BIOS and Intel DTT/IPF (DTT 11405 or newer). The 12900K falls under Intel's 12th-generation Advanced Mode policy; limited support can cause slowdowns, and only selected applications benefit.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Base clock

Intel Core i9-12900KNot verified

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X3.4 GHz

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

No source recorded for this side.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · Base frequency; boost clocks are listed separately.

Intel employee statement — 12th-generation products outside the Vmin Shift issue

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

BIOS and stability guidance

Intel Core i9-12900KNot affected by the 13th/14th-generation Vmin Shift issue

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel's statement of 30 August 2024 covers the 13th/14th-generation Vmin Shift issue only.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Boxed ordering code

Intel Core i9-12900KBX8071512900K

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel's order code for the boxed version; tray and China-market BXC versions have different codes.

Intel i9-12900K — exact BOX ordering and specification codes

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Intel Clear Video HD

Intel Core i9-12900KYes

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers, operating system and software.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Multi-format codec engines

Intel Core i9-12900K2

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Number of media engines.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Platform checks

Intel Core i9-12900KNot verified

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XSupported AM4 motherboard and DDR4 memory required. Check the motherboard's CPU-support list and BIOS. A separate graphics card is required.

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

No source recorded for this side.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Maximum CPU configuration

Intel Core i9-12900K1

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Single-processor platforms.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

CPU manufacturing process

Intel Core i9-12900KNot verified

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XTSMC 7nm FinFET

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

No source recorded for this side.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · Manufacturing process for the CPU cores.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Rated DDR4 transfer ceiling

Intel Core i9-12900K3200 MT/s

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Rated DDR5 transfer ceiling

Intel Core i9-12900K4800 MT/s

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

CPU Deep Learning Boost

Intel Core i9-12900KYes

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · CPU instructions for AI workloads.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Processor graphics interfaces

Intel Core i9-12900KeDP 1.4b; DisplayPort 1.4a; HDMI 2.1

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Interfaces the processor supports; the motherboard decides which ports are fitted.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Published display mode limits

Intel Core i9-12900KHDMI: 4096 × 2160 at 60 Hz; DP: 7680 × 4320 at 60 Hz; eDP: 5120 × 3200 at 120 Hz

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Separate limits for each interface; they don't all apply at once, and the board, cable and display must support them.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

CPU-to-chipset interface

Intel Core i9-12900KDMI 4.0; up to 8 lanes

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · DMI links the processor to the chipset; these lanes aren't extra slots.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Efficient-core base clock

Intel Core i9-12900K2.4 GHz

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Efficient-core base frequency.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Efficient-core maximum turbo

Intel Core i9-12900K3.9 GHz

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Peak frequency, not a sustained all-core speed; workload, cooling, power settings and the motherboard affect it.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Gaussian and Neural Accelerator

Intel Core i9-12900KIntel GNA 3.0

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel's Gaussian & Neural Accelerator; not comparable with NPU TOPS ratings.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Integrated graphics base frequency

Intel Core i9-12900K300 MHz

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Graphics base frequency.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Integrated GPU device ID

Intel Core i9-12900K0x4680

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Graphics device ID.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Graphics execution units

Intel Core i9-12900K32

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel execution units; not directly comparable with other GPU designs.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Integrated graphics dynamic ceiling

Intel Core i9-12900K1.55 GHz

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Maximum graphics clock.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Graphics API support

Intel Core i9-12900KDirectX 12; OpenGL 4.5; OpenCL 3.0

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · API versions supported by the built-in graphics; drivers and the operating system also matter.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Intel Hyper-Threading

Intel Core i9-12900KYes

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Only the Performance-cores run two threads each; 24 threads in total.

Intel desktop boxed processor contents

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Included boxed cooler

Intel Core i9-12900KNo included cooler

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel doesn't include a cooler with this boxed processor; tray and OEM bundles may differ.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Instruction set and extensions

Intel Core i9-12900KIntel 64; 64-bit; SSE4.1; SSE4.2; AVX2

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Instruction sets Intel lists; AVX-512 is not listed.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Manufacturer launch quarter

Intel Core i9-12900KQ4 2021

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel's launch quarter, not a sign of current stock.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Listed management capabilities

Intel Core i9-12900KAMT; Standard Manageability; One-Click Recovery; Hardware Shield eligibility; Stable IT Platform Program

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers and operating system.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Maximum supported displays

Intel Core i9-12900K4

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Up to four displays, depending on the motherboard, drivers and operating system; not all at each interface's maximum mode.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Maximum Turbo Power

Intel Core i9-12900K241 W

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel's base and maximum turbo power ratings, not measured system power. Check the motherboard's power settings and cooling.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Published maximum memory bandwidth

Intel Core i9-12900K76.8 GB/s

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel's maximum memory bandwidth; actual bandwidth depends on the memory configuration.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Memory channels

Intel Core i9-12900K2

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

AMD's 5950X page doesn't list the number of memory channels. · Manufacturer specification

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Listed memory transfer-rate ceiling

Intel Core i9-12900KNot verified

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X3200 MT/s

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

No source recorded for this side.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Manufacturer specification · AMD lists up to DDR4-3200 without separate ratings for different numbers of DIMMs.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Maximum CPU PCIe lanes

Intel Core i9-12900K20

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Lanes provided by the processor; chipset lanes and board slots are separate.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Intel Optane Memory support

Intel Core i9-12900KYes

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Needs a compatible chipset, drive, software and operating system.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Performance-core base clock

Intel Core i9-12900K3.2 GHz

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Performance-core base frequency.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Performance-core regular turbo

Intel Core i9-12900K5.1 GHz

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Peak Performance-core turbo, not a sustained all-core speed; separate from Turbo Boost Max 3.0 and Thermal Velocity Boost.

Intel i9-12900K and i9-12900KS — original and replacement packaging

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Boxed packaging

Intel Core i9-12900KStandard box; premium gold-wafer box discontinued

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel moved the i9-12900K to a standard box design. The earlier premium box, with the processor in a golden plastic wafer holder, is discontinued but may still be on sale; check which box the seller supplies.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Clock and thermal management

Intel Core i9-12900KSpeed Shift; Turbo Boost 2.0; Turbo Boost Max 3.0; Enhanced SpeedStep; idle states; thermal monitoring

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel power-management technologies.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Process technology

Intel Core i9-12900KIntel 7

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel's process name.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Processor Base Power

Intel Core i9-12900K125 W

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel's base and maximum turbo power ratings, not measured system power. Check the motherboard's power settings and cooling.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Intel Quick Sync Video

Intel Core i9-12900KYes

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Hardware video encoding and decoding; check that your software supports it.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Specification region

Intel Core i9-12900KNot verified

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

No source recorded for this side.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

AMD's 5950X page doesn't state a regional specification. · Manufacturer specification

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Listed security capabilities

Intel Core i9-12900KThreat Detection; Secure Key; Control-Flow Enforcement; Total Memory Encryption - Multi Key; AES New Instructions; OS Guard; Trusted Execution; Execute Disable Bit; Boot Guard; Mode-based Execute Control; Total Memory Encryption

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers and operating system; no system is secure against every threat.

Intel i9-12900K — exact BOX ordering and specification codes

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Specification codes and steppings

Intel Core i9-12900KSRL4H (C0)

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Intel lists this specification code and stepping for the boxed order code.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Thermal Velocity Boost frequency

Intel Core i9-12900KNot verified

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Intel's 12900K specification page doesn't list a Thermal Velocity Boost frequency. · Manufacturer specification

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Intel Thread Director

Intel Core i9-12900KYes

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Helps the operating system schedule work across Performance-cores and Efficient-cores.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Turbo Boost Max 3.0 frequency

Intel Core i9-12900K5.2 GHz

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Peak frequency, not a sustained all-core speed; workload, cooling, power settings and the motherboard affect it.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Virtualization capabilities

Intel Core i9-12900KVT-rp; VT-x; VT-d; Extended Page Tables

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers, operating system and software.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Intel Volume Management Device

Intel Core i9-12900KYes

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers, operating system and software.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

Intel vPro eligibility

Intel Core i9-12900KEnterprise

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers and operating system; vPro eligibility isn't certification of a built PC.

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

CPU package dimensions

Intel Core i9-12900K45.0 × 37.5 mm

AMD Ryzen 9 5950XNot verified

Sources

Intel Core i9-12900K

Manufacturer specification · Size of the processor package, not the retail box.

First product manufacturer source Second product manufacturer source

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

No source recorded for this side.

Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.

2 shared fields have the same recorded value.

WHAT EACH CHOICE ASKS OF YOU

What it brings and what to check

Intel Core i9-12900K

What it brings

8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores (24 threads) with up to 5.2 GHz turbo and 30 MB of L3 cache, plus UHD Graphics 770 with Quick Sync Video.
Manufacturer source
Unlocked for overclocking with Intel XTU 7.14, works with DDR4-3200 or DDR5-4800 memory, supports ECC on compatible platforms and has lower power limits (125 W base, 241 W maximum turbo) than the 14900KS.
Manufacturer source Manufacturer source Manufacturer source Manufacturer source Manufacturer source Manufacturer source Manufacturer source Manufacturer source

What to check

Fewer Efficient-cores (8) and a lower 128 GB memory ceiling than the 14900KS (16 and 192 GB). No cooler is included, and Intel Application Optimization (APO) is limited to Advanced Mode on enabled platforms.
Manufacturer source Manufacturer source Manufacturer source Manufacturer source Manufacturer source Manufacturer source Manufacturer source
Memory is rated only up to DDR5-4800 or DDR4-3200, so faster kits run beyond Intel's specification.
Manufacturer source

AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

What it brings

16 Zen 3 cores and 32 threads with up to 4.9 GHz boost and 64 MB of L3 cache, unlocked for overclocking with Ryzen Master support.
Manufacturer source

What to check

AMD's 5950X page doesn't list maximum memory capacity or ECC support; check the motherboard's specifications if you need large memory kits or ECC.
Manufacturer source
No cooler or integrated graphics, so budget for both a cooler and a graphics card. It needs an AM4 motherboard with a compatible BIOS and DDR4 memory (rated up to 3200 MT/s).
Manufacturer source

COMPARE THE DETAILS

Full specifications

How we verify

Differences only

76 of 76 specifications Sources in each row

Source-backed specifications for Intel Core i9-12900K and AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
Specification	Intel Core i9-12900K	AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Core count and architectureDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · Core count and architecture alone don't determine application performance. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	16 total (8 Performance-cores + 8 Efficient-cores)	16 cores · Zen 3
Thread countDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	24	32
Base / boost clocks and conditionsDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Maximum turbo applies to eligible cores, not all cores at once; clocks depend on workload, temperature, power settings and the motherboard. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · Maximum boost is not sustained all-core frequency. Workload, cooling and firmware affect clocks. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	P-cores: 3.20 GHz base, up to 5.10 GHz turbo; E-cores: 2.40 GHz base, up to 3.90 GHz turbo; maximum single-core turbo up to 5.20 GHz	3.4 GHz base; up to 4.9 GHz boost
CPU cores Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Total of Performance-cores and Efficient-cores, which run at different speeds. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	16	16
Performance-cores Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	8	Not provided
Efficient-cores Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Efficient-cores are separate from Performance-cores. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	8	Not provided
ArchitectureDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · AMD's CPU core architecture. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	Alder Lake	Zen 3
Maximum single-core turboDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Peak frequency, not a sustained all-core speed; workload, cooling, power settings and the motherboard affect it. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · Peak boost clock, not a sustained all-core speed. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	5.2 GHz	4.9 GHz
Performance-core base clock Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Performance-core base frequency. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	3.2 GHz	Not provided
Performance-core regular turbo Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Peak Performance-core turbo, not a sustained all-core speed; separate from Turbo Boost Max 3.0 and Thermal Velocity Boost. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	5.1 GHz	Not provided
Efficient-core base clock Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Efficient-core base frequency. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	2.4 GHz	Not provided
Efficient-core maximum turbo Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Peak frequency, not a sustained all-core speed; workload, cooling, power settings and the motherboard affect it. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	3.9 GHz	Not provided
Turbo Boost Max 3.0 frequency Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Peak frequency, not a sustained all-core speed; workload, cooling, power settings and the motherboard affect it. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	5.2 GHz	Not provided
Tuning supportDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel's XTU page names this processor; use the 7.14 branch (7.14.2.93), as version 10.0 is for Core Ultra Series 2 and newer. Needs an overclocking-capable chipset, supported Windows and BIOS; results aren't guaranteed. Intel XTU — exact supported models and version 7.14 platform requirements Intel unlocked processors — model example and tuning conditions AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · AMD lists the CPU as unlocked for overclocking and supported by Ryzen Master. Results depend on the motherboard, cooling and the individual chip. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	Unlocked processor; Intel XTU 7.14 supported	Unlocked CPU overclocking; Ryzen Master support
CPU unlocked for overclocking Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel lists the processor as unlocked; the motherboard and firmware must support it, and overclocking can affect stability and warranty. Intel XTU — exact supported models and version 7.14 platform requirements Intel unlocked processors — model example and tuning conditions AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · AMD lists the CPU as unlocked for overclocking; the motherboard and firmware must support it, and results aren't guaranteed. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	Yes	Yes
Maximum CPU configuration Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Single-processor platforms. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	1	Not provided
Intel Thread Director Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Helps the operating system schedule work across Performance-cores and Efficient-cores. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Yes	Not provided
Intel Hyper-Threading Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Only the Performance-cores run two threads each; 24 threads in total. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Yes	Not provided
Base clock Sources Intel Core i9-12900K No source recorded. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · Base frequency; boost clocks are listed separately. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	Not provided	3.4 GHz

L3 cacheDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel Smart Cache (L3). Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · Total L3 cache across the processor. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	30 MB	64 MB
Total L2 cacheDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Total L2 cache, distinct from shared L3. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	14 MB	8 MB

Memory supportDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Choose a motherboard for either DDR5 or DDR4; the processor supports both, but a board takes only one type. Rated speeds depend on the memory configuration and motherboard. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · Check the motherboard's CPU-support list, BIOS and memory support list. XMP speeds above this rating are not guaranteed. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	Up to DDR5-4800 or DDR4-3200; 128 GB maximum; 2 channels	DDR4; up to 3200 MT/s
Memory channels Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X AMD's 5950X page doesn't list the number of memory channels. · Manufacturer specification AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	2	Not listed by the manufacturer
Maximum supported memory Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Choose a motherboard for either DDR5 or DDR4; the processor supports both, but a board takes only one type. Rated speeds depend on the memory configuration and motherboard. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X AMD's 5950X page doesn't list a maximum memory capacity; check the motherboard's specifications for supported kit sizes. · Manufacturer specification AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	128 GB	Not listed by the manufacturer
Rated DDR5 transfer ceiling Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Choose a motherboard for either DDR5 or DDR4; the processor supports both, but a board takes only one type. Rated speeds depend on the memory configuration and motherboard. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	4800 MT/s	Not provided
Rated DDR4 transfer ceiling Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Choose a motherboard for either DDR5 or DDR4; the processor supports both, but a board takes only one type. Rated speeds depend on the memory configuration and motherboard. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	3200 MT/s	Not provided
Published maximum memory bandwidth Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel's maximum memory bandwidth; actual bandwidth depends on the memory configuration. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	76.8 GB/s	Not provided
CPU ECC memory capability Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Needs a motherboard chipset, BIOS and memory that enable ECC. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X AMD's 5950X page doesn't say whether ECC memory is supported; check the motherboard and CPU listing if you need ECC. · Manufacturer specification AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	Yes	Not listed by the manufacturer
Listed memory transfer-rate ceiling Sources Intel Core i9-12900K No source recorded. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · AMD lists up to DDR4-3200 without separate ratings for different numbers of DIMMs. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	Not provided	3200 MT/s

SocketDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · The socket alone doesn't guarantee support; check the motherboard's CPU-support list and BIOS. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	FCLGA1700	AM4
CPU PCI ExpressDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel lists 1×16+4 or 2×8+4 lane configurations; board wiring and chipset lanes are separate. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · CPU PCIe version, not the number of motherboard slots or a guarantee of the board's bandwidth. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	PCIe 5.0 and 4.0; up to 20 CPU lanes	PCIe 4.0
Maximum CPU PCIe lanes Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Lanes provided by the processor; chipset lanes and board slots are separate. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	20	Not provided
CPU-to-chipset interface Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · DMI links the processor to the chipset; these lanes aren't extra slots. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	DMI 4.0; up to 8 lanes	Not provided
BIOS and stability guidance Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel's statement of 30 August 2024 covers the 13th/14th-generation Vmin Shift issue only. Intel employee statement — 12th-generation products outside the Vmin Shift issue AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Not affected by the 13th/14th-generation Vmin Shift issue	Not provided
Platform checks Sources Intel Core i9-12900K No source recorded. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	Not provided	Supported AM4 motherboard and DDR4 memory required. Check the motherboard's CPU-support list and BIOS. A separate graphics card is required.

Integrated graphics or noneDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Display output needs a motherboard with video ports. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · AMD says a discrete graphics card is required; the motherboard's video ports won't work with this processor. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	Intel UHD Graphics 770	None; a discrete graphics card is required
Integrated graphics availableDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel UHD Graphics 770 built in; display outputs depend on the motherboard. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · AMD says a discrete graphics card is required. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	Yes	No
Integrated graphics base frequency Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Graphics base frequency. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	300 MHz	Not provided
Integrated graphics dynamic ceiling Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Maximum graphics clock. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	1.55 GHz	Not provided
Graphics execution units Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel execution units; not directly comparable with other GPU designs. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	32	Not provided
Processor graphics interfaces Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Interfaces the processor supports; the motherboard decides which ports are fitted. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	eDP 1.4b; DisplayPort 1.4a; HDMI 2.1	Not provided
Published display mode limits Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Separate limits for each interface; they don't all apply at once, and the board, cable and display must support them. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	HDMI: 4096 × 2160 at 60 Hz; DP: 7680 × 4320 at 60 Hz; eDP: 5120 × 3200 at 120 Hz	Not provided
Maximum supported displays Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Up to four displays, depending on the motherboard, drivers and operating system; not all at each interface's maximum mode. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	4	Not provided
Graphics API support Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · API versions supported by the built-in graphics; drivers and the operating system also matter. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	DirectX 12; OpenGL 4.5; OpenCL 3.0	Not provided
Multi-format codec engines Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Number of media engines. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	2	Not provided
Intel Quick Sync Video Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Hardware video encoding and decoding; check that your software supports it. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Yes	Not provided
Intel Clear Video HD Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers, operating system and software. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Yes	Not provided
Integrated GPU device ID Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Graphics device ID. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	0x4680	Not provided
Gaussian and Neural Accelerator Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel's Gaussian & Neural Accelerator; not comparable with NPU TOPS ratings. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Intel GNA 3.0	Not provided
CPU Deep Learning Boost Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · CPU instructions for AI workloads. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Yes	Not provided

Processor power definitionsDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel's base and maximum turbo power ratings, not measured system power. Check the motherboard's power settings and cooling. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · AMD's thermal design rating, not the power the whole system will draw. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	125 W Processor Base Power; 241 W Maximum Turbo Power	105 W default TDP
Processor Base Power Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel's base and maximum turbo power ratings, not measured system power. Check the motherboard's power settings and cooling. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	125 W	Not provided
Maximum Turbo Power Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel's base and maximum turbo power ratings, not measured system power. Check the motherboard's power settings and cooling. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	241 W	Not provided
Maximum junction temperatureDifferent Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel's maximum junction temperature, not a typical running temperature. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · AMD's maximum operating temperature (Tjmax), not a typical running temperature. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	100 °C	90 °C
Included boxed cooler Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel doesn't include a cooler with this boxed processor; tray and OEM bundles may differ. Intel desktop boxed processor contents AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	No included cooler	Not provided
Clock and thermal management Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel power-management technologies. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Speed Shift; Turbo Boost 2.0; Turbo Boost Max 3.0; Enhanced SpeedStep; idle states; thermal monitoring	Not provided
Default TDP Sources Intel Core i9-12900K No source recorded. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · Default TDP, not measured system power. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	Not provided	105 W
Cooling Sources Intel Core i9-12900K No source recorded. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · Liquid cooler recommended for optimal performance AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	Not provided	Cooler required separately

Process technology Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel's process name. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Intel 7	Not provided
CPU package dimensions Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Size of the processor package, not the retail box. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	45.0 × 37.5 mm	Not provided
Boxed ordering code Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel's order code for the boxed version; tray and China-market BXC versions have different codes. Intel i9-12900K — exact BOX ordering and specification codes AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	BX8071512900K	Not provided
Specification codes and steppings Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel lists this specification code and stepping for the boxed order code. Intel i9-12900K — exact BOX ordering and specification codes AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	SRL4H (C0)	Not provided
Boxed packaging Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel moved the i9-12900K to a standard box design. The earlier premium box, with the processor in a golden plastic wafer holder, is discontinued but may still be on sale; check which box the seller supplies. Intel i9-12900K and i9-12900KS — original and replacement packaging AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Standard box; premium gold-wafer box discontinued	Not provided
CPU manufacturing process Sources Intel Core i9-12900K No source recorded. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X Manufacturer specification · Manufacturing process for the CPU cores. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	Not provided	TSMC 7nm FinFET

Instruction set and extensions Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Instruction sets Intel lists; AVX-512 is not listed. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Intel 64; 64-bit; SSE4.1; SSE4.2; AVX2	Not provided
Intel Volume Management Device Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers, operating system and software. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Yes	Not provided
Intel Optane Memory support Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Needs a compatible chipset, drive, software and operating system. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Yes	Not provided
Intel vPro eligibility Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers and operating system; vPro eligibility isn't certification of a built PC. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Enterprise	Not provided
Listed management capabilities Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers and operating system. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	AMT; Standard Manageability; One-Click Recovery; Hardware Shield eligibility; Stable IT Platform Program	Not provided
Listed security capabilities Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers and operating system; no system is secure against every threat. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Threat Detection; Secure Key; Control-Flow Enforcement; Total Memory Encryption - Multi Key; AES New Instructions; OS Guard; Trusted Execution; Execute Disable Bit; Boot Guard; Mode-based Execute Control; Total Memory Encryption	Not provided
Virtualization capabilities Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers, operating system and software. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	VT-rp; VT-x; VT-d; Extended Page Tables	Not provided
Manufacturer launch quarter Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Intel's launch quarter, not a sign of current stock. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Q4 2021	Not provided
Intel Application Optimization Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Manufacturer specification · Needs Windows 11, a compatible BIOS and Intel DTT/IPF (DTT 11405 or newer). The 12900K falls under Intel's 12th-generation Advanced Mode policy; limited support can cause slowdowns, and only selected applications benefit. Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications Intel Application Optimization — verified models and limited Advanced Mode support AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Limited (Advanced Mode only)	Not provided

Show unverified (3)Not verified, not provided or conflicting for both products. Kept for completeness; never counted as a difference.

Specifications without verified values for either product
Thermal Velocity Boost frequency Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Intel's 12900K specification page doesn't list a Thermal Velocity Boost frequency. · Manufacturer specification Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Not listed by the manufacturer	Not provided
Intel Adaptive Boost Sources Intel Core i9-12900K Intel's 12900K specification page doesn't list Adaptive Boost Technology. · Manufacturer specification Intel Core i9-12900K — manufacturer specifications AMD Ryzen 9 5950X No source recorded.	Not listed by the manufacturer	Not provided
Specification region Sources Intel Core i9-12900K No source recorded. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X AMD's 5950X page doesn't state a regional specification. · Manufacturer specification AMD Ryzen 9 5950X — manufacturer specifications	Not provided	Not listed by the manufacturer

FIND YOUR CONTENDERS

More products

Closest processors to this pair by shared key specifications. Not a popularity ranking.

See all 28 processors

AMD's official Ryzen 9 5900XT model-associated Ryzen 5000-series retail-box artwork; exact model association is established by the cited manufacturer page.

AMD Ryzen 9 5900XT

CPU cores: 16 cores
Maximum boost clock: 4.8 GHz
L3 cache: 64 MB

AMD's official Ryzen 9 5900X model-associated Ryzen 5000-series retail-box artwork; exact model association is established by the cited manufacturer page.

AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

CPU cores: 12 cores
Maximum boost clock: 4.8 GHz
L3 cache: 64 MB

AMD's official Ryzen 7 5800XT model-associated Ryzen 5000-series retail-box artwork; exact model association is established by the cited manufacturer page.

AMD Ryzen 7 5800XT

CPU cores: 8 cores
Maximum boost clock: 4.8 GHz
L3 cache: 32 MB

AMD's official Ryzen 7 5800X model-associated Ryzen 5000-series retail-box artwork; exact model association is established by the cited manufacturer page.

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

CPU cores: 8 cores
Maximum boost clock: 4.7 GHz
L3 cache: 32 MB