AMD Ryzen 7 170 vs Intel Core i9-12900KS Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data records a clean sweep for the Intel Core i9-12900KS, which wins all 11 head-to-head comparisons against the AMD Ryzen 7 170. The margin of victory varies widely depending on the workload, but the Intel part holds an advantage in every recorded test. The largest single delta appears in the passmark_find_prime_numbers test, where the Intel processor scores 158 versus 49 for the AMD chip, a 222.4 percent difference. This test is highly dependent on integer throughput and per-core efficiency, so the result underscores the architectural gap between the two.

The passmark_physics test shows the second-largest gap, with the Intel part scoring 2437 against 890 for the AMD Ryzen 7 170, a 173.8 percent advantage. Physics simulations tend to scale with both core count and floating-point capability, and the Intel processor has more cores available. Floating-point math also heavily favors Intel: 111429 versus 44979, a 147.7 percent lead. This suggests the Intel part is better suited for scientific computing and rendering workloads that rely on FPU throughput.

Data compression and random string sorting also show large deltas. The Intel Core i9-12900KS scores 563709 in passmark_data_compression versus 265920 for the AMD chip, a 112 percent advantage. Random string sorting shows a 117.7 percent lead, with scores of 60539 and 27804 respectively. These tests are memory-latency sensitive and benefit from higher thread counts, both areas where the Intel part has clear specification advantages.

The smallest winning margins appear in the single-threaded tests. The Intel processor scores 4330 in passmark_single_thread versus 3128 for the AMD Ryzen 7 170, a 38.4 percent lead. This remains a substantial gap, but it is the narrowest among all recorded benchmarks. The data encryption test shows a 95.3 percent delta, with scores of 31403 and 16078. Extended instructions show a 93.8 percent lead, with 35089 versus 18107. Integer math rounds out the list with an 85.1 percent advantage, scoring 147575 against 79738.

The multithread test is particularly illustrative of the overall performance relationship. The Intel part scores 43698, while the AMD chip scores 20760, a 110.5 percent difference. This aligns with the core and thread counts, but the per-thread efficiency also favors Intel. Across all tests, the average benchmark score for the Intel Core i9-12900KS is 45094, while the AMD Ryzen 7 170 averages 43689. The Intel part sits at the 89th percentile among all CPUs in the database, while the AMD chip sits at the 88th percentile. Despite the wide benchmark deltas, both processors land within one percentile point of each other in overall standing, which indicates that the Ryzen 7 170 competes in a similar performance tier among the broader CPU population.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design lineages. The Intel Core i9-12900KS uses the Alder Lake architecture, specifically the Alder Lake-S variant, built on a 10 nm process at Intel's own foundry. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 uses the Zen 3+ architecture under the Rembrandt-R codename, manufactured by TSMC on a 6 nm process. The process node difference gives AMD a density advantage, but the Intel die measures 215 mm² versus 210 mm² for the AMD chip, nearly identical physical sizes.

Core counts differ significantly. The Intel part offers 16 cores and 24 threads, while the AMD part offers 8 cores and 16 threads. This 2-to-1 core ratio explains much of the multithreaded benchmark gap. Cache hierarchies also diverge. The Intel processor has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 30 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD processor has 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. The Intel part holds the advantage at every cache level, which contributes to its single-threaded performance lead.

Clock speeds favor Intel as well. The Intel base clock is 3.40 GHz with a boost clock of 5.50 GHz. The AMD base clock is 3.20 GHz with a boost clock of 4.75 GHz. The Intel part also has a higher thermal design power at 150 watts versus 35 watts for the AMD chip. This power envelope difference reflects the desktop versus mobile positioning of the two parts.

Memory support differs in scope. The Intel processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the AMD processor supports DDR5 only. Both use dual-channel memory buses, and both record the same memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. Both support ECC memory, a feature that is relatively uncommon among consumer processors. PCIe connectivity also differs: the Intel part offers Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes, while the AMD part offers Gen 4 with 20 CPU lanes. The AMD chip provides more total lanes but on an older generation.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The Intel processor includes UHD Graphics 770, while the AMD processor includes Radeon 680M. Both parts have active production status. The Intel chip has an unlocked multiplier, while the AMD chip does not. The Intel part was released on April 4, 2022, while the AMD part has a release date of September 30, 2025. The Intel part carries a launch MSRP of $739. The AMD part has no recorded launch MSRP. The market segments also differ: the Intel chip is a desktop processor on Socket 1700, while the AMD chip is a mobile processor on Socket FP7.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins the most benchmark comparisons?

A: The Intel Core i9-12900KS wins all 11 recorded head-to-head benchmark comparisons against the AMD Ryzen 7 170. The AMD chip records zero wins in the head-to-head data.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between the two?

A: The largest gap appears in the passmark_find_prime_numbers test, where the Intel processor leads by 222.4 percent. The Intel score is 158, while the AMD score is 49.

Q: How do the single-threaded scores compare?

A: The Intel processor scores 4330 in passmark_single_thread, while the AMD processor scores 3128. This gives Intel a 38.4 percent lead, which is the smallest margin across all recorded tests.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i9-12900KS and the AMD Ryzen 7 170 support ECC memory. Both also use dual-channel memory buses with a recorded bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each?

A: The Intel Core i9-12900KS has 16 cores and 24 threads. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-12900KS has a boost clock of 5.50 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen 7 170 has a boost clock of 4.75 GHz.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to a decisive performance hierarchy. The Intel Core i9-12900KS is the stronger processor in every single benchmark test captured in the database. If the selection criterion is raw performance, the Intel part is the clear choice. The 16-core, 24-thread configuration with a 5.50 GHz boost clock provides advantages that the AMD Ryzen 7 170 cannot overcome, even with its more efficient 6 nm process node.

However, the power and form factor differences matter. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 has a 35 watt TDP, which is less than one quarter of the Intel part's 150 watt TDP. The AMD chip is also a mobile processor on Socket FP7, while the Intel chip is a desktop processor on Socket 1700. For a system where power draw and thermals are primary constraints, the AMD part offers a viable path to moderate performance in a much lower power envelope. The data shows the AMD chip still maintains an 88th percentile standing among all CPUs, so it is not a weak performer in absolute terms.

The Intel part also carries a launch MSRP of $739, while the AMD part has no recorded launch MSRP. This makes any direct cost comparison impossible from the available data. The unlocked multiplier on the Intel part and the locked multiplier on the AMD part further differentiate their intended user bases. The Intel processor is designed for overclocking and desktop performance, while the AMD processor appears oriented toward mobile efficiency. The benchmark verdict is unambiguous: choose Intel for maximum performance, choose AMD only if the lower power envelope or mobile form factor is a hard requirement.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification category. The Intel Core i9-12900KS has 16 cores and 24 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 7 170 has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel base clock is 3.40 GHz versus 3.20 GHz for AMD. The Intel boost clock is 5.50 GHz versus 4.75 GHz for AMD. The Intel TDP is 150 watts, while the AMD TDP is 35 watts.

The Intel part uses Socket 1700, and the AMD part uses Socket FP7. The architectures differ: Alder Lake-S for Intel, Rembrandt-R (Zen 3+) for AMD. The process nodes are 10 nm (Intel) and 6 nm (TSMC). Die sizes are 215 mm² for Intel and 210 mm² for AMD. Cache configurations differ at every level: Intel has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 30 MB shared L3; AMD has 64 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 16 MB shared L3.

Memory support differs: Intel supports DDR4 and DDR5, while AMD supports DDR5 only. PCIe generations differ: Gen 5 with 16 lanes for Intel, Gen 4 with 20 lanes for AMD. Integrated graphics differ: UHD Graphics 770 for Intel, Radeon 680M for AMD. The market segments differ: desktop for Intel, mobile for AMD. The Intel part has an unlocked multiplier; the AMD part does not. Release dates differ: April 4, 2022 for Intel, September 30, 2025 for AMD. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $739; the AMD part has none recorded. Part numbers also differ: SRLDD for Intel, 100-000000989 for AMD.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i9-12900KS wins in every recorded benchmark category. In multithreaded workloads, it is 110.5 percent ahead, which makes it the stronger choice for video rendering, software compilation, and heavy data processing. In physics simulations, it leads by 173.8 percent. In floating-point math, it leads by 147.7 percent. These are workloads where the combination of more cores, higher clocks, and larger caches pays off directly.

For data compression and encryption tasks, the Intel part leads by 112 percent and 95.3 percent respectively. This makes it the better option for database workloads, file archiving, and secure communication pipelines. In integer math, the Intel lead is 85.1 percent, which benefits general computing tasks and scripting workloads. Extended instruction workloads show a 93.8 percent lead, making the Intel part preferable for modern SIMD-optimized applications.

The AMD Ryzen 7 170 has no benchmark wins in the recorded data. Its advantages are not in performance but in power efficiency and form factor. The 35 watt TDP allows for systems with lower cooling requirements and potentially longer battery life in mobile contexts. The 6 nm process node from TSMC contributes to this efficiency. The AMD part also offers more PCIe lanes at 20, albeit on Gen 4 rather than Gen 5. The Radeon 680M integrated graphics may be sufficient for tasks that do not require a discrete GPU. For workloads that prioritize low power consumption, compact mobile designs, or PCIe lane count over raw compute performance, the AMD Ryzen 7 170 has a rationale. For every benchmark-visible performance metric, the Intel Core i9-12900KS is the winner.