PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Core i9-12900T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 29,601 points. Launch price was $299.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900T

#533

Athlon II X2 250e

MSRP: $77|Avg: $15

102%

#534

Ryzen 7 1700

MSRP: $140|Avg: $185

102%

#535

Core i7-11700KF

MSRP: $374|Avg: $299

102%

#536

Core i5-10600K

MSRP: $262|Avg: $179

102%

#537

Core i5-3570S

MSRP: $213|Avg: $59

101%

#538

Pentium E5800

MSRP: $64|Avg: $15

101%

#539

Ryzen Embedded V2718

MSRP: $250|Avg: $200

101%

#540

Core i3-10325

MSRP: $154|Avg: $130

101%

#541

Core i3-2120

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

101%

#542

Core i7-8086K

MSRP: $425|Avg: $178

101%

#543

Core i3-10300T

MSRP: $157|Avg: $100

101%

#544

Core i9-10900TE

MSRP: $309|Avg: $180

100%

#545

Celeron G3920

MSRP: $40|Avg: $30

100%

#546

Athlon II X4 605e

MSRP: $143|Avg: $25

100%

#547

Athlon 64 2600+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $5

100%

#548

Core i9-12900T

MSRP: $489|Avg: $378

100%

#549

Core i5-7400

MSRP: $294|Avg: $70

100%

#550

Core i5-12600T

MSRP: $223|Avg: $223

100%

#551

Celeron G3950

MSRP: $52|Avg: $30

99%

#552

Ryzen 5 PRO 4655GE

MSRP: $200|Avg: $180

99%

#553

Core i5-4430

MSRP: $182|Avg: $60

99%

#554

Core i5-4570TE

MSRP: $202|Avg: $40

98%

#555

Ryzen 5 3500X

MSRP: $155|Avg: $171

98%

#556

Core i9-14900

MSRP: $524|Avg: $589

98%

#557

Core i5-8600

MSRP: $213|Avg: $130

98%

#558

Core i3-9100TE

MSRP: $122|Avg: $60

98%

#559

Celeron G3930TE

MSRP: $42|Avg: $29

98%

#560

Core i5-12500T

MSRP: $302|Avg: $214

97%

#561

Athlon II X2 245e

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

97%

#562

A8-7670K

MSRP: $118|Avg: $43

97%

#563

Phenom II X2 B53

MSRP: $150|Avg: $15

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i9-12900T across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i9-12900T specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-12900T is a 16-core / 24-thread processor based on the Alder Lake-S (2022) architecture, manufactured on a Intel 7 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.9 GHz from a base frequency of 1.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 30 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1.25 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 29,601, placing it in the High-End performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 2,331, while multi-core reaches 12,116. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 22,809.

Specification	Core i9-12900T
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	16C / 24T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.9 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Alder Lake-S (2022)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	Intel 7 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	30 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1.25 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	80K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	215 mm2
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	29,601
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	22,809
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	2,331
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	12,116

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-12900T fits into the LGA1700 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 20 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory at speeds up to DDR5-4800 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). It supports ECC memory, providing error-correcting capabilities — essential for mission-critical workloads and servers. Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics 770 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i9-12900T
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1700
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 5.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	20
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR5-4800
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	128 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	Yes
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	UHD Graphics 770
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	LGA1700
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i9-12900T
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	✅ Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i9-12900T has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Core i9-12900T
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $378 (MSRP: $489), the Core i9-12900T delivers 78 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #445 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i9-12900T
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$489
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$378
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$299
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#445
Release DateLaunch date	4 January 2022 (3 years ago)
Release Year	2022
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel