Core i5-12500vsRyzen Threadripper 9980X
The Core i5-12500 is a sensible, efficient processor for everyday computing and light gaming, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is a workstation monster built for heavy multi-threaded tasks like 3D rendering and video encoding.
Core i5-12500
Alder Lake-S · Intel 7 nm · 2022
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Ryzen Threadripper 9980X
Shimada Peak · 4 nm · 2025
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Overall Performance Score
A unified score from combined synthetic and real-world benchmarks. 100 represents the fastest desktop CPU available.
Side-by-Side Specs
Every detail compared. Highlighted cells indicate the leading value for that metric.
Which should you buy?
The Ryzen Threadripper 9980X wins overall for heavy multithreaded workloads, but the Core i5-12500 is the more sensible choice for everyday tasks.
For budget buyers, the Core i5-12500 offers far better value with lower power use and enough performance for typical home or office use.
Choose the Core i5-12500 if you need a quiet, cool-running PC for web browsing, office work, or light gaming without the high cost and power draw of a workstation CPU.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i5-12500 better than the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X?
Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (86 vs 12 out of 100), so it leads the Core i5-12500 in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X than the Core i5-12500?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is roughly 617% faster than the Core i5-12500 overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Core i5-12500 or the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 9980X. If the Core i5-12500 is meaningfully cheaper where you shop, it can be the better value for similar real-world results — check current prices and the full spec comparison above before deciding.