AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5845 vs Intel Core i9-12900T Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data presents a dominant picture: the Intel Core i9-12900T wins 16 of 17 direct benchmark comparisons against the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5845. The margins are consistent across nearly every category, but the size of the lead varies significantly depending on the workload type.

In the Cinebench suite, the Intel part leads by a remarkably uniform margin. Across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, both single-core and multi-core tests show the i9-12900T ahead by 9.7% to 9.8%. The multi-core scores tell the story: 2472 versus 2232 in R15, 10301 versus 9300 in R20, and 24528 versus 22145 in R23. Single-core results follow the same pattern, with the Intel chip posting 348 versus 314 in R15, 1454 versus 1312 in R20, and 3462 versus 3126 in R23. This consistency suggests a straightforward clock and architecture advantage rather than workload-specific behavior.

The PassMark results reveal where the gap widens dramatically. The largest delta appears in floating-point math, where the Intel processor scores 75741 against AMD's 52105, a 31.2% deficit for the Ryzen part. Physics simulation shows an even steeper relative gap: 1811 versus 1109, meaning the Intel chip is 38.8% ahead. Integer math also favors Intel substantially, 108211 versus 94884, a 12.3% margin. Multithreaded PassMark performance lands at 29601 for Intel versus 26054 for AMD, a 12% difference. Random string sorting shows a 15.1% gap, with Intel scoring 39771 against 33754.

The AMD processor's single win comes in extended instructions, where it scores 21117 versus Intel's 20054, a 5.3% advantage. That is the only head-to-head where the Ryzen 7 PRO 5845 comes out ahead, and it is the only category where the AMD part shows a meaningful architectural strength. Elsewhere, the gaps range from narrow to severe. Data compression favors Intel by 8.9%, 345021 versus 314363. Data encryption is closer, with Intel ahead by only 4.5%, 20750 versus 19815. Even find prime numbers, a test where the difference is nearly negligible, goes to Intel by 0.9%, 116 versus 115.

It is notably both processors sit at the 85th percentile against all CPUs in the database, meaning they occupy the same overall performance tier. The average benchmark score for the Intel part is 37112, while the AMD part averages 35802, a gap of roughly 3.7%. The nearest rivals for each processor also cluster tightly: the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5845 sits within 0.4% of the Intel Core 7 250H, AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350, and Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, while the i9-12900T trades blows within 0.1% of the AMD Ryzen 7 160, AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 450, Intel Core i7-13700, and AMD Ryzen 7 7735H. The data shows two capable desktop processors separated by a consistent but not overwhelming overall margin.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins the most benchmark comparisons?

A: The Intel Core i9-12900T wins 16 of 17 head-to-head benchmarks. The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5845 wins only one, PassMark extended instructions.

Q: How large is the Intel lead in multi-core rendering workloads?

A: In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Intel part scores 24528 versus 22145 for AMD, a 9.7% advantage. The same 9.7% margin appears in Cinebench R15 and R20 multi-core tests.

Q: Is the AMD processor competitive in any specific workload?

A: Yes, in PassMark extended instructions, the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5845 scores 21117, which is 5.3% higher than the Intel Core i9-12900T's 20054. This is the only benchmark where AMD leads.

Q: Do the two processors occupy a similar performance tier overall?

A: Both are at the 85th percentile against all CPUs in the database. The Intel part has an average benchmark score of 37112, while the AMD part averages 35802.

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

A: The biggest single margin is in PassMark physics, where the Intel Core i9-12900T scores 1811 versus 1109 for AMD, a 38.8% difference. Floating-point math is close behind at 31.2% in Intel's favor.

Q: Are there any near-ties in the benchmark data?

A: The closest result is PassMark find prime numbers, where Intel scores 116 and AMD scores 115, a 0.9% difference. Data encryption is also relatively close at 4.5% in Intel's favor.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5845 uses Zen 3 architecture on the Vermeer codename, built on TSMC's 7 nm process with 4,150 million transistors on a 74 mm² die. The Intel Core i9-12900T uses Alder Lake architecture on the Alder Lake-S codename, fabricated by Intel on its own 10 nm process with a 215 mm² die size.

Core counts differ sharply. The AMD part provides 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel part offers 16 cores and 24 threads. The Intel processor pairs 8 performance cores with 8 efficiency cores, which explains the higher thread count relative to the core count. The AMD processor relies on uniform Zen 3 cores.

Cache hierarchies also diverge. The AMD chip has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 32 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel chip has 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 30 MB of shared L3 cache. The larger per-core L2 on the Intel part reflects its hybrid architecture design.

Memory support separates the two as well. The AMD processor supports DDR4 memory only, on a dual-channel bus with 51.2 GB/s of bandwidth. The Intel processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5, also on a dual-channel bus, though the database does not record a bandwidth figure for it. ECC memory is supported by the AMD part but not by the Intel part.

PCIe capabilities differ by generation. The AMD processor provides Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only). The Intel processor provides Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only). The Intel part includes integrated graphics in the form of UHD Graphics 770, while the AMD part has no integrated graphics listed.

The AMD processor uses the AMD Socket AM4, while the Intel processor uses Intel Socket 1700. The AMD multiplier is locked, while the Intel multiplier is unlocked.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several recorded specifications. Core count: 8 for AMD versus 16 for Intel. Thread count: 16 versus 24. Base clock: 3.40 GHz for AMD versus 1400.00 MHz for Intel, though the Intel base clock figure represents a different operating point given its hybrid design. Boost clock: 4.60 GHz for AMD versus 4.90 GHz for Intel.

Thermal design power: 65 watts for AMD versus 35 watts for Intel. This is notable, as the Intel part delivers higher performance across most benchmarks while carrying a lower TDP rating. Process node: 7 nm for AMD versus 10 nm for Intel. Foundry: TSMC for AMD versus Intel for the Intel part. Die size: 74 mm² for AMD versus 215 mm² for Intel. Transistor count: 4,150 million for AMD, with no recorded figure for Intel.

Memory support: DDR4 only for AMD versus DDR4 and DDR5 for Intel. Memory bandwidth: 51.2 GB/s recorded for AMD, none recorded for Intel. ECC memory: supported on AMD, not supported on Intel. PCIe: Gen 4 for AMD versus Gen 5 for Intel, both with 20 CPU-only lanes. Integrated graphics: none for AMD versus UHD Graphics 770 for Intel. Socket: AMD Socket AM4 versus Intel Socket 1700. Multiplier: locked on AMD, unlocked on Intel. Release date: April 2022 for AMD versus January 2022 for Intel. The Intel part has a recorded launch MSRP of $489; the AMD part has no recorded launch MSRP.

The Verdict

The benchmark data points clearly toward the Intel Core i9-12900T as the higher-performing processor in almost every measured workload. It wins 16 of 17 direct comparisons, including every Cinebench test, every single-threaded PassMark test, and the majority of multi-threaded PassMark tests. The margins range from a negligible 0.9% in find prime numbers to a commanding 38.8% in physics simulation.

The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5845 does not lack merit. Its single win in extended instructions, 5.3% ahead of Intel, indicates an area where the Zen 3 architecture holds an advantage. It also supports ECC memory, a feature absent from the Intel part, which matters for specific workstation or reliability-focused use cases. Its smaller die size and different process node suggest efficiency characteristics that the benchmark data does not directly capture.

But for raw performance, the data favors Intel. The consistent 9.7% to 9.8% lead across the entire Cinebench suite, combined with the massive 31.2% and 38.8% advantages in floating-point math and physics, establishes a clear hierarchy. Both chips sit at the 85th percentile against all CPUs, so neither is a weak performer, but within this pairing the Intel part is the stronger choice.

The Intel processor also carries a lower TDP of 35 watts against AMD's 65 watts, so the performance lead coming despite a lower power envelope. The Intel part also offers integrated graphics, DDR5 support, and an unlocked multiplier. The AMD part counters with ECC support and a 7 nm process.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i9-12900T wins in the broad majority of scenarios. Anyone prioritizing multi-core rendering, physics simulation, floating-point math, integer math, data compression, or general multithreaded throughput should look at the Intel part. Its 24528 Cinebench R23 multi-core score and 29601 PassMark multithread score place it ahead of the AMD chip by roughly 10% to 12% in those categories. Single-threaded performance also favors Intel across every recorded test, so day-to-day responsiveness and lightly threaded applications benefit as well.

The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5845 wins specifically in extended instruction workloads. The 5.3% advantage in PassMark extended instructions, 21117 versus 20054, points to an edge in workloads that leverage advanced instruction sets. The AMD part also supports ECC memory, which the Intel part does not, making it the relevant choice for systems where error-correcting memory is a requirement. Its 7 nm process and smaller die size suggest a different efficiency profile, though the database does not record power draw measurements to confirm this.

For users who need the highest peak performance across the widest range of applications, the Intel Core i9-12900T is the data-backed selection. For users with specific extended instruction workloads or a hard ECC memory requirement, the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5845 holds a narrower but real niche. The 16-to-1 benchmark split leaves little ambiguity about which processor leads overall, but the AMD part's targeted advantages mean it is not without a use case.