Intel Core i9-12900K vs AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Choosing between Intel Core i9-12900K and AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D can be tricky. Both are excellent, but they serve different priorities. This guide highlights what matters for US shoppers.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Intel Core i9-12900K
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Comparison: Intel Core i9-12900K vs AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Intel Core i9-12900K
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
| Criterion | Intel Core i9-12900K | AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(2,331)Amazon | ★4.8(6,921)Amazon |
Architecture Gen | Alder Lake (12th Gen Intel Core) | Zen 4 (Ryzen 7000 Series with 3D V-Cache) |
Socket Platform | LGA1700 | Socket AM5 (LGA 1718) |
Cores Threads | 16 Cores (8 Performance + 8 Efficient) / 24 Threads | 8 Cores / 16 Threads |
Base Boost Clock | P-core: 3.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 2.4–3.9 GHz | 4.2 GHz Base / Up to 5.0 GHz Boost |
Cache L2 L3 | 30 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 14 MB L2 (44 MB Total) | 8 MB L2 + 96 MB L3 (104 MB Total) |
TDP Power | 125 W (Processor Base Power) | 120 W |
Max Turbo Power | 241 W (Maximum Turbo Power) | 162 W (PPT) |
Process Node | Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin) | TSMC 5nm FinFET (Core Complex) / 6nm (I/O Die) |
Memory Support | DDR5-4800 MT/s / DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Up to 128 GB | DDR5-5200 MT/s (Official); Dual-Channel; Up to 192 GB; ECC Support |
Memory Bandwidth Max | 76.8 GB/s | N/A (Dependent on RAM config, theoretical max ~83.2 GB/s @ 5200 MT/s) |
Pcie Version | PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
Pcie Lanes | 20 (16 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0) | 28 Total (24 Usable for Graphics/Storage) |
Igpu | Intel UHD Graphics 770 (32 EUs, 1.55 GHz Dyn Max) | AMD Radeon Graphics (2 Cores, 2200 MHz) |
Instruction Features | SSE4.1/4.2, AVX2, Intel 64, VT-x/VT-d, AES-NI, Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0 | AMD-V, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES-NI, SHA, SSE4.1/4.2 |
Cooler Included | No (Heatsink not included) | No (Liquid cooler recommended) |
Max Temp | 100°C (212°F) Tjunction | 89°C (192°F) TjMax |
Notes Limits | Requires a robust liquid cooler (AIO) due to 241W turbo power. Unlocked for overclocking. | Features AMD 3D V-Cache technology for elite gaming performance. Overclocking limited (Precision Boost Overdrive/Curve Optimizer supported). No stock cooler. |
Chipset Support | Intel 600 and 700 Series (Z690, Z790, etc.) | A620, B650, B650E, X670, X670E, B840, B850, X870, X870E |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Intel Core i9-12900K
✓ Pros:
- • Elite multi-core performance for rendering, editing, and streaming
- • Supports both cost-effective DDR4 and high-performance DDR5 motherboards
- • High clock speeds (up to 5.2 GHz) ensure top-tier gaming performance
- • Integrated graphics useful for troubleshooting or Quick Sync workloads
✗ Cons:
- • Very high power consumption (241W) requires premium cooling solutions
- • Runs hotter than competitors under full load
- • LGA1700 platform reaches end-of-life after 14th Gen
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading gaming performance via 3D V-Cache
- • Excellent power efficiency in gaming workloads
- • Future-proof AM5 platform with PCIe 5.0 support
✗ Cons:
- • Lower productivity performance compared to non-X3D high-core counts
- • Lower thermal limit (89°C) requires decent cooling
- • No cooler included in the box
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which one is better?
Looking at user satisfaction (AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D: 4.5★ vs Intel Core i9-12900K: 4.8★), AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D pulls ahead. The gap is small—choose based on the priorities below.
Who should buy each?
For performance and polish: Intel Core i9-12900K (Elite multi-core performance for rendering, editing, and streaming, Supports both cost-effective DDR4 and high-performance DDR5 motherboards)
For value or versatility: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (Market-leading gaming performance via 3D V-Cache, Excellent power efficiency in gaming workloads)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Intel Core i9-12900K excels if you value elite multi-core performance for rendering, editing, and streaming. AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is better if you prioritize market-leading gaming performance via 3d v-cache. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.