Core i5-12500EvsRyzen Threadripper 9960X
The Core i5-12500E is a sensible, efficient chip for everyday workstations and small builds, while the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is a multi-threaded monster built for heavy rendering and pro workflows.
Core i5-12500E
Alder Lake-S · 10 nm · 2022
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Ryzen Threadripper 9960X
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 9960X wins overall for its far higher core count and much faster performance in demanding tasks.
For budget-focused buyers, the Core i5-12500E is the smarter pick due to its significantly lower power use and cost.
The Core i5-12500E is the right choice for a low-power office PC where the Threadripper's extreme performance and power draw are wasted.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i5-12500E better than the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X?
Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (56 vs 12 out of 100), so it leads the Core i5-12500E in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X than the Core i5-12500E?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X is roughly 367% faster than the Core i5-12500E overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Core i5-12500E or the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 9960X. If the Core i5-12500E 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.