Intel Core i9-12900K vs AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
These two processors score identically for gaming. Core count, power draw and platform cost decide it.
| Specification | Intel Core i9-12900K | AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 84/100 | 84/100 |
| Tier | A | A |
| Manufacturer | Intel | AMD |
| Cores | 16 | 8 |
| Threads | 24 | 16 |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.2 GHz | 4.5 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 125 W | 105 W |
| Release year | 2021 | 2022 |
Which should you buy?
Gaming performance is a tie between these two, so the decision comes down to the factors below. The Intel Core i9-12900K has more cores (16 vs 8), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D runs 20W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.