When AMD introduced the uniquely-designed AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D, AMD dubbed it the “world’s fastest gaming processor”. However, the Intel Core i9-12900K CPU is (also) holding that title. Based on various reviews from different media outlets, the Core i9-12900K has proven itself to be the fastest gaming CPU currently available. Recently, reviews of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D came out from two various sources. The first was from XanxoGaming and the other one from TechPowerup. Let’s check out the results below. Who do you think will win? The Ryzen 7 5800X3D or the Core i9-12900K?
UPDATE: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D listed on Newegg.com here
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D vs Intel Core i9-12900(K) Specifications
| Ryzen 7 5800X3D | i9-12900K/F | |
|---|---|---|
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| Fab Process | 7nm | 10nm |
| Architecture | Zen 3 | Alder Lake |
| Cores | 8 | 16 (8P + 8E) |
| Threads | 16 | 24 |
| Base Clock Speed | 3.7 GHz | 3.2 GHz - P Cores 2.4 GHz - E Cores |
| Max Clock Speed | 4.5 GHz | 5.2 GHZ - P Cores 3.9 GHz - E Cores |
| Total Cache | 64MB + 32MB | 30MB + 14MB |
| iGPU | No | UHD 770 None for "KF" |
| TDP | 105W | 125W |
| Price | $449 | $600 for "K" $580 for "KF" |
Let’s start with the specifications. Like the Ryzen 7 5800X, the 5800X3D features 8 cores and 16 threads. Meanwhile, the Core i9-12900K has 16 cores (8 are performance cores and another 8 are efficiency cores), and 24 threads. The Ryzen 7 5800X3D has a maximum clock speed of 4.5 GHz, while the i9-12900K can achieve up to 5.2GHz.
The unique thing about the 5800X3D is its 3D-V cache; thus the “X3D” moniker. While it may not overclock well (or not at all), and may not perform better in productivity workloads, the 3D-V Cache seems to boost gaming performance, especially on some titles.
On the other hand, the Core i9-12900K doesn’t have a large cache. However, it has more cores, faster clock speeds, and consumes more power. Looks like the 12900K is “brute-forcing” its way to performance.
Why are we even comparing both CPUs when they are not in the same price range? AMD did claim that its 5800X3D is the world’s fastest gaming processor. And Intel is also claiming the same title for their i9-12900K. So, we’re comparing them in gaming performance, regardless of their respective prices.
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D Gaming Performance from Early Reviews
The first one to release a review of the 5800X3D was XanxoGaming. They tested the Ryzen 7 5800X3D with an Aorus X570 motherboard, paired with a G.Skill FlareX 4x8GB 3200 MHz CL14 and GeForce RTX 3080 Ti FE. Below are some of the results they got in 1080p.
As you can see, the 5800X3D performed better than i9-12900K in Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Witcher 3. While the performance difference between the CPUs in Assassin’s Creed Origins and Death Stranding is not that far, almost on par. Not a lot of data to conclude at this point. But results were favorable for the 5800X3D.
TechPowerUp did a more comprehensive testing, as expected from them. Based on their relative performance, the Ryzen 7 5800X3D performs on par with the i9-12900K in general. The Ryzen CPU might win in some games, and the Intel CPU might be faster on some. But when they combined the average on 10 games, both CPUs perform similarly in gaming.
However, it’s also worth noting that while the 5800X3D performs well in gaming, the i9-12900K is still (significantly) faster when it comes to productivity workloads.
It’s a Tie?
At this point, I guess it’s a tie when it comes to gaming. I think it’s good for gamers since they don’t have to spend more to get the “best CPU for gaming”. Both the Ryzen 7 5800X3D and Core i9-12900K perform similarly in gaming. But the Core i9-12900K is more expensive than the 5800X3D. Not to mention, the Intel CPU consumes more power as well.
When it comes to rendering and productivity workloads, the Core i9-12900K outperforms the Ryzen 7 5800X3D. I think the Ryzen 5900X is also slightly better than the 58080X3D when it comes to productivity.
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X Now Only $395!
Speaking of the 5900X, most of AMD’s Zen 3 got a huge price cut. And the Ryzen 9 5900X is selling for only $395 at this time. That’s a huge discount from its original $569.99 retail price. Check the latest pricing and availability via the links below.
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D available on Newegg.com here
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is available on Amazon.com here and Newegg.com here
Intel Core i9-12900K is available on Amazon.com here and Newegg.com here
