Core i9-12900KS vs Ryzen 5 3500X
The Core i9-12900KS is much faster than the Ryzen 5 3500X on average across 100+ games. However, it's a much worse value for money, as it's $387.12 more expensive!
FPS Comparison Across Popular Games
Predicted average FPS at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K, based on real game benchmarks.
Specs & Benchmark Comparison
Side-by-side specs, synthetic benchmarks, and key hardware differences.
Base Frequencyhelp
Ryzen 5 3500X has a 6% higher base clock.
LGA1700
Sockethelp
AM4Alder Lake-S
Codenamehelp
MatisseDesktop
Segmenthelp
DesktopUHD Graphics 770
Integrated GPUhelp
No Integrated Graphics3200 MHz (DDR4), 4800 MHz (DDR5)
RAMhelp
3200 MHz (DDR4)Overclockable
Overclock Supporthelp
OverclockableFrequently Asked Questions
compare_arrowsWhich is better, Core i9-12900KS or Ryzen 5 3500X?expand_more
The Core i9-12900KS. It's 86% faster than the Ryzen 5 3500X on average across 100+ games, scoring 65/100 vs 35/100 in our gaming rating.
speedHow much faster is Core i9-12900KS than Ryzen 5 3500X?expand_more
86% 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 i9-12900KS or Ryzen 5 3500X?expand_more
The Core i9-12900KS is faster at both resolutions. Toggle the resolution selector above to see per-game FPS.
paidIs the Core i9-12900KS worth buying in 2026?expand_more
It scores 65/100 in our gaming rating, faster than most CPUs on the market. Good buy if the price is right.
differenceWhat is the difference between Core i9-12900KS and Ryzen 5 3500X?expand_more
Performance: Core i9-12900KS scores 65/100, Ryzen 5 3500X scores 35/100. They also differ in core count, clock speeds, L3 cache, and power draw. Full breakdown in the specs section above.
compressWill the Core i9-12900KS or Ryzen 5 3500X 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 i9-12900KS or Ryzen 5 3500X?expand_more
The Core i9-12900KS is the stronger pick at 65/100. Compare your current CPU against it to see the exact FPS gain across 100+ games.
Popular Comparisons
i9-12900KS vs Ryzen 7 9800X3Di9-12900KS vs Ryzen 7 7800X3Di9-12900KS vs Ryzen 7 9700Xi9-12900KS vs Ryzen 7 7700Xi9-12900KS vs Ryzen 9 9900Xi9-12900KS vs Ryzen 5 5500i9-12900KS vs Ultra 7 265KFi9-12900KS vs Ryzen 7 9850X3Di9-12900KS vs Ryzen 9 9900X3Di9-12900KS vs Ryzen 9 9950X3Di9-12900KS vs Ryzen 5 7600Xi9-12900KS vs Ultra 5 245Ki9-12900KS vs Ryzen 5 8500Gi9-12900KS vs Ultra 5 245KFi3-12100F vs i9-12900KSi9-12900KS vs Ryzen 5 7500X3Di5-6600 vs i9-12900KSi5-4670 vs i9-12900KSi9-12900KS vs Ryzen 5 5600i9-12900KS vs Ryzen 3 4100i5-4590S vs i9-12900KSRyzen 5 3500X vs Ryzen 7 9800X3DRyzen 5 3500X vs Ryzen 7 7800X3DRyzen 5 3500X vs Ryzen 7 9700XRyzen 5 3500X vs Ryzen 7 7700XRyzen 5 3500X vs Ryzen 9 9900XRyzen 5 3500X vs Ryzen 5 5500Ultra 7 265KF vs Ryzen 5 3500XRyzen 5 3500X vs Ryzen 7 9850X3DRyzen 5 3500X vs Ryzen 9 9900X3DRyzen 5 3500X vs Ryzen 9 9950X3DRyzen 5 3500X vs Ryzen 5 7600XUltra 5 245K vs Ryzen 5 3500XRyzen 5 3500X vs Ryzen 5 8500GUltra 5 245KF vs Ryzen 5 3500Xi3-12100F vs Ryzen 5 3500XRyzen 5 3500X vs Ryzen 5 7500X3Di5-6600 vs Ryzen 5 3500Xi5-4670 vs Ryzen 5 3500XRyzen 5 3500X vs Ryzen 5 5600Ryzen 3 4100 vs Ryzen 5 3500Xi5-4590S vs Ryzen 5 3500X