AMD Ryzen 9 5900X vs Intel Core i7-12700K

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Ryzen 9 5900X compared with Core i7-12700K
AMDRyzen 9 5900XIntelCore i7-12700K
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2020November 2021
Cores and clocks
Cores1212 (8 performance, 4 efficiency)
Threads24 (better)20
Base clock3.7 GHz3.6 GHz
Boost clock4.8 GHz5 GHz (better)
L3 cache64 MB (better)25 MB
CoresZen 3; Vermeer. Two CPU chiplets with six active cores each (PC Gamer).8 P-cores and 4 E-cores; 20 threads. Intel Thread Director supported.
ClocksUnlocked for overclocking; AMD's launch notice describes Precision Boost 2 and Precision Boost Overdrive.P-cores: 3.6 GHz base, up to 4.9 GHz Turbo Boost 2.0 and 5 GHz Turbo Boost Max 3.0; E-cores: 2.7 GHz base, up to 3.8 GHz turbo.
Cache6 MB L2; Zen 3 unifies each eight-core complex around 32 MB of L3 cache, as described in AMD's launch notice.25 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3); 12 MB total L2.
Graphics and AI
Built-in graphicsNoYes
GraphicsA separate graphics card is required.Intel UHD Graphics 770; 32 execution units; 300 MHz base, up to 1.5 GHz; Quick Sync Video; up to four displays.
Platform
SocketAM4LGA1700
Base power105 W125 W
Maximum power–190 W
UnlockedYesYes
Cooler in the boxNoNo
Memory supportDDR4; up to 3200 MT/s.Up to 128 GB; two channels; DDR5-4800 or DDR4-3200; 76.8 GB/s; ECC supported with an appropriate platform.
PCIePCIe 4.0.PCIe 5.0 and 4.0; 20 CPU lanes: 1 × 16 + 4 or 2 × 8 + 4; DMI 4.0 × 8.
ChipsetsAMD's launch notice specifies 500-series motherboards with a BIOS update; check the motherboard CPU support list.–
ProcessTSMC 7nm FinFET CPU cores; separate 12nm I/O die (PC Gamer).Intel 7; Alder Lake; 45 × 37.5 mm package; 100°C maximum junction temperature.
CoolerNo thermal solution included; AMD recommends liquid cooling for optimal performance. Maximum operating temperature 90°C.No cooler included with the boxed K processor (Intel support).

More comparisons