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CPU Comparison: FPS, Specs & Value

Core i9-12900K vs Ryzen 5 4500

The Core i9-12900K is much faster than the Ryzen 5 4500 on average across 100+ games. However, it's a much worse value for money, as it's $338.96 more expensive!

  • Up to 55% faster on average across 100+ games
  • Up to 364% more expensive$438.95 vs $99.99
  • Is 5 months newer
  • Up to 364% cheaper$99.99 vs $438.95
  • Up to 199% better value for money

FPS Comparison Across Popular Games

Specs & Benchmark Comparison

Scorehelp

Core i9-12900K ranks 28 points higher.

Coreshelp

Core i9-12900K has 10 more cores.

Threadshelp

Core i9-12900K has 12 more threads.

L3 Cachehelp

Core i9-12900K has 22 MB more L3 cache.

Base Frequencyhelp

Ryzen 5 4500 has a 12% higher base clock.

Turbo Frequencyhelp

Core i9-12900K boosts 27% higher.

TDPhelp

Ryzen 5 4500 draws 60W less power.

Pricehelp

Ryzen 5 4500 is $338.96 cheaper.

LGA1700
Sockethelp
AM4
Alder Lake-S
Codenamehelp
Renoir
Desktop
Segmenthelp
Desktop
UHD Graphics 770
Integrated GPUhelp
No Integrated Graphics
3200 MHz (DDR4), 4800 MHz (DDR5)
RAMhelp
3200 MHz (DDR4)
Overclockable
Overclock Supporthelp
Overclockable

Frequently Asked Questions

compare_arrowsWhich is better, Core i9-12900K or Ryzen 5 4500?expand_more
The Core i9-12900K. It's 82% faster than the Ryzen 5 4500 on average across 100+ games, scoring 62/100 vs 34/100 in our gaming rating.
speedHow much faster is Core i9-12900K than Ryzen 5 4500?expand_more
82% faster on average. The gap varies by game and resolution, check the per-game FPS comparison above.
aspect_ratioWhich is better for 1440p and 4K gaming, Core i9-12900K or Ryzen 5 4500?expand_more
The Core i9-12900K is faster at both resolutions. Toggle the resolution selector above to see per-game FPS.
paidIs the Core i9-12900K worth buying in 2026?expand_more
It scores 62/100 in our gaming rating, faster than most CPUs on the market. Good buy if the price is right.
differenceWhat is the difference between Core i9-12900K and Ryzen 5 4500?expand_more
Performance: Core i9-12900K scores 62/100, Ryzen 5 4500 scores 34/100. They also differ in core count, clock speeds, L3 cache, and power draw. Full breakdown in the specs section above.
compressWill the Core i9-12900K or Ryzen 5 4500 bottleneck my PC?expand_more
Depends on the rest of your build, especially your GPU. Swap the paired GPU in the FPS section above to see if it limits performance, or use our bottleneck calculator for a full analysis.
upgradeIs it worth upgrading to the Core i9-12900K or Ryzen 5 4500?expand_more
The Core i9-12900K is the stronger pick at 62/100. Compare your current CPU against it to see the exact FPS gain across 100+ games.

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