AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS vs Intel Core i9-12900 Comparison

The Intel Core i9-12900 and AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS represent two distinct philosophies in modern processor design: a high-core-count desktop flagship versus a power-efficient mobile part. The benchmark data shows a clear split, with the Intel chip dominating traditional multi-threaded workloads while the AMD processor counters with impressive single-core and efficiency-oriented results. In the head-to-head comparison, the Intel Core i9-12900 secures 12 wins, while the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS takes 5.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most dramatic victory for the Intel Core i9-12900 comes in Cinebench R15 multicore, where it posts a score of 3299 against the AMD’s 2536, a commanding 30.1% advantage. This pattern repeats in PassMark’s floating point math, where Intel leads 91514 to 63490, a massive 44.1% delta. The Intel chip also dominates in integer math with a 23.3% lead (127512 vs 103390) and in the prime number test with a 33% advantage (121 vs 91). These results paint a clear picture: for raw computational throughput, the Intel part is the stronger choice.

However, the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS strikes back decisively in Cinebench R23. In the multicore test, AMD wins 25165 to 18628, a 26% advantage that flips the script on the older Cinebench versions. Even more striking is the R23 single-core result, where AMD leads 3552 to 1825, representing a staggering 48.6% margin. This single-core dominance also appears in Cinebench R15 single-core, where AMD wins 357 to 262 (26.6% ahead). These results suggest that modern workloads optimized for newer instruction sets and higher clocks can favor the AMD architecture significantly.

The mid-range benchmarks show a more nuanced picture. In Cinebench R20, Intel wins both multicore (11994 vs 10569, 13.5%) and single-core (1693 vs 1491, 13.5%). PassMark’s multi-thread test goes to Intel by 10.6% (33608 vs 30378), while data compression favors Intel by 10.6% (407899 vs 368884). Data encryption is closer, with Intel ahead just 6.3% (23203 vs 21820). The AMD chip takes PassMark’s extended instructions test by 10.6% (27714 vs 24777) and random string sorting by a slim 1.3% (44668 vs 44070). In single-thread PassMark, Intel edges out AMD 4003 to 3920, a 2.1% margin.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different foundations. The Intel Core i9-12900 uses the Alder Lake architecture, specifically the Alder Lake-S die, manufactured on Intel’s 10 nm process with a die size of 215 mm². It features 16 cores and 24 threads, a configuration that relies on a hybrid design to balance performance and efficiency. The AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS, codenamed Hawk Point, uses AMD’s Zen 4 architecture on TSMC’s 4 nm process, with a smaller 178 mm² die and 25,000 million transistors. The AMD chip offers 8 cores and 16 threads, a more traditional layout.

Cache configurations differ markedly. Intel provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and a substantial 30 MB of shared L3 cache. AMD counters with 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. The Intel chip’s larger L3 cache likely contributes to its strong performance in data-heavy workloads like compression and encryption, where it leads by 10.6% and 6.3% respectively.

Memory support also separates the two. Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus, achieving a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. AMD is DDR5-only, also dual-channel, but with a higher memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. Both support ECC memory. PCIe connectivity differs: Intel offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while AMD provides Gen 4 with 20 lanes. The integrated graphics are another differentiator, with Intel’s UHD Graphics 770 versus AMD’s Radeon 780M.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS boosts to 5.20 GHz, while the Intel Core i9-12900 boosts to 5.10 GHz.

Q: How do the Cinebench R23 results compare between the two chips?

A: AMD wins multicore with 25165 versus Intel’s 18628 (26% delta), and AMD dominates single-core with 3552 versus 1825 (48.6% delta).

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i9-12900 has 16 cores and 24 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What are the TDP ratings for these processors?

A: The Intel chip has a 65 W TDP, while the AMD chip has a 45 W TDP, reflecting its mobile design.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i9-12900 and AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS support ECC memory.

Q: Which processor has a higher PassMark single-thread score?

A: Intel leads marginally with 4003 versus AMD’s 3920, a 2.1% difference.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs diverge across nearly every specification category. The Intel Core i9-12900 uses the Alder Lake architecture on Intel’s 10 nm process, while the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS uses Zen 4 on TSMC’s 4 nm process. Intel’s die size is 215 mm², compared to AMD’s 178 mm². The Intel chip has 16 cores and 24 threads, versus AMD’s 8 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks differ significantly: Intel runs at 2.40 GHz base, while AMD runs at 4.00 GHz. Boost clocks are closer, with Intel at 5.10 GHz and AMD at 5.20 GHz. TDP ratings also differ, with Intel at 65 W and AMD at 45 W.

Cache hierarchies are distinct: Intel offers 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 30 MB L3 shared; AMD provides 64 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 16 MB L3 shared. Memory support includes DDR4 and DDR5 for Intel, while AMD is DDR5-only. Memory bandwidth favors AMD at 89.6 GB/s versus Intel’s 76.8 GB/s. PCIe capabilities differ, with Intel supporting Gen 5 at 16 lanes and AMD supporting Gen 4 at 20 lanes. The integrated GPUs are different: Intel uses UHD Graphics 770, AMD uses Radeon 780M. Market segments also differ: Intel is a desktop processor, AMD is mobile. Intel’s multiplier is unlocked, AMD’s is not. Intel’s socket is LGA 1700, AMD’s is FP7.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i9-12900 is the clear winner for multi-threaded desktop workloads. Its 30.1% lead in Cinebench R15 multicore and 44.1% advantage in floating point math make it the better choice for video rendering, scientific computing, and any task that scales across many cores. The 24 threads and 30 MB of L3 cache give it a strong edge in data compression (10.6% ahead), encryption (6.3% ahead), and integer math (23.3% ahead). The PassMark multi-thread score of 33608 versus 30378 confirms its suitability for heavy parallel processing. Additionally, its unlocked multiplier makes it a candidate for overclocking, further extending its performance lead in desktop setups.

The AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS wins where modern efficiency and single-thread performance matter most. Its 48.6% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core is a generational leap, indicating excellent performance in everyday applications, web browsing, and lightly-threaded productivity tools. The 26% lead in Cinebench R23 multicore, despite fewer cores, suggests that its Zen 4 architecture and higher 4.00 GHz base clock extract more performance per core. The 10.6% advantage in extended instructions and the 45 W TDP make it a superior choice for mobile workstations where battery life and thermal limits are critical. Its higher memory bandwidth (89.6 GB/s) also benefits memory-sensitive tasks, and the integrated Radeon 780M offers a more capable iGPU for light gaming or media work without a discrete graphics card. For users prioritizing portability and modern single-thread responsiveness, the AMD chip is the stronger pick.