Processor comparison
Intel Core i9-12900KF vs Intel Core i9-9960X
Intel
Intel Core i9-12900KF
Intel Socket 1700
3200 MHz
16 cores
Nov 2021
DESKTOP
VS
Intel
Intel Core i9-9960X
Intel Socket 2066
3100 MHz
16 cores
Oct 2018
DESKTOP
Summary
Synthetic performance index
- Intel Core i9-12900KF149%
- Intel Core i9-9960X100%
Relative performance
Single thread performance index
- Intel Core i9-12900KF149%
- Intel Core i9-9960X100%
Relative performance
Reasons to consider the Intel Core i9-12900KF
- Much higher single threaded performance (around 49% higher), makes a noticeable performance difference in gaming and the majority of applications.
- 40 watts lower power draw.
- This is a newer product, it might have better application compatibility/performance (check features chart below).
- Around 49% higher average synthetic performance.
Reasons to consider the Intel Core i9-9960X
Gaming
HWSpot recommends the Intel Core i9-12900KF
Based on game and synthetic benchmarks, and theoretical specifications.
Productivity
No clear winner declared
Specifications
Features
| Intel Core i9-12900KF | Intel Core i9-9960X |
|---|
| MMX | | |
| SSE | | |
| SSE2 | | |
| SSE3 | | |
| SSSE3 | | |
| SSE4.2 | | |
| AVX | | |
| AVX2 | | |
| AVX-512 | | |
| FMA3 | | |
| SHA | | |
| EIST | | |
| Intel 64 | | |
| XD bit | | |
| VT-x | | |
| VT-d | | |
| AES-NI | | |
| TSX | | |
| TXT | | |
| CLMUL | | |
| F16C | | |
| BMI1 | | |
| BMI2 | | |
| ABM | | |
| ADX | | |
| RdRand | | |
| TBT 2.0 | | |
| TBT 3.0 | | |
| HTT | | |
| Boost 2.0 | | |
| Boost 3.0 | | |
Architecture
| Intel Core i9-12900KF | Intel Core i9-9960X |
|---|
| Architecture | Intel Adler Lake | Intel_Skylake |
| Market | Desktop | Desktop |
| Memory Support | DDR4-3200 MHz
Dual-channel | DDR4 |
| Codename | Alder Lake | Skylake-X |
| Release Date | Nov 2021 | Oct 2018 |
Cores
| Intel Core i9-12900KF | Intel Core i9-9960X |
|---|
| Cores | 16 | 16 |
| Threads | 24 | 32 |
| E-Cores | 8 | none |
| SMPs | 1 | 1 |
| Integrated Graphics | No | No |
Cache
| Intel Core i9-12900KF | Intel Core i9-9960X |
|---|
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 14MB (shared) | 1MB (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 30MB (shared) | 22MB (shared) |
Physical
| Intel Core i9-12900KF | Intel Core i9-9960X |
|---|
| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Intel Socket 2066 |
| Max Case Temp | 72°C | unknown |
| Package | FC-LGA1700 | FC-LGA2066 |
| Die Size | unknown | unknown |
| Process | 10 nm | 14 nm |
Performance
| Intel Core i9-12900KF | Intel Core i9-9960X |
|---|
| Cpu Frequency | 3200 MHz | 3100 MHz |
| Turbo Clock | 5200 MHz | 4500 MHz |
| Base Clock | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| E-Core Frequency | 1800 MHz | - |
| E-Core Turbo Clock | 3900 MHz | - |
| Voltage | N/A | unknown |
| TDP | 125 W | 165 W |
Raw performance index
Raw single-thread performance estimation
- Intel Core i9-12900KF6240 points
- Intel Core i9-9960X5175 points
Points - higher is better
Raw multi-thread performance estimation
- Intel Core i9-12900KF67584 points
- Intel Core i9-9960X69018 points
Points - higher is better
Synthetic benchmarks
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
- Intel Core i9-12900KF284
- Intel Core i9-9960X (simulated)190.18
points - higher is better