Core i9-12900KSvsRyzen Threadripper 7970X
The Core i9-12900KS is a high-end desktop chip for gamers and mainstream creators who want top single-core speed, while the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X is a workstation monster for professionals who need massive multi-core horsepower.
Core i9-12900KS
Alder Lake-S · Intel 7 nm · 2022
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Ryzen Threadripper 7970X
Storm Peak · 5 nm · 2023
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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 7970X wins overall for anyone needing extreme multi-core performance, while the Core i9-12900KS is a solid choice for gaming and lighter workloads.
For budget/value buyers, the Core i9-12900KS is the smarter pick, offering strong performance at a lower price point than the Threadripper.
The Core i9-12900KS is the right choice for a gaming-focused PC build where you want high single-core speed without the Threadripper's higher cost and power draw.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i9-12900KS better than the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X?
Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (60 vs 26 out of 100), so it leads the Core i9-12900KS in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X than the Core i9-12900KS?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X is roughly 131% faster than the Core i9-12900KS overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Core i9-12900KS or the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X. If the Core i9-12900KS 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.