SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i5-12500 + NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation

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Build Configuration

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PROCESSOR (CPU)

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GRAPHICS CARD (GPU)

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91 Score

Top 9% Ranking

91 / 100

ULTIMATE READY

Apex Performer

Top 9% of systems. Capable of 4K Ultra gaming and advanced rendering.

4K 60+ FPSVR ReadyRay Tracing

System Balance Analysis

CPU vs GPU performance ratio

Well Balanced

CPU

84%

GPU

99%

PROCESSOR

Intel Core i5-12500

19,668 Benchmark Score

Top 16% Market Ranking

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GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation

117,088 Benchmark Score

Top 1% Market Ranking

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Market Position

How your build compares to others

Budget

0-30

Mid-Range

30-60

High-End

60-85

Enthusiast

85-100

Your Build

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Real-world 4K FPS in popular titles

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Optimal Performance

Your system is in the top tier. You can run any modern game at maximum settings.

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Consider a 4K 144Hz monitor to fully utilize your hardware capabilities.

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Performance Tiers Explained

90-100

Ultimate

4K Ultra gaming, VR ready, ray tracing enabled, professional workloads

4K 60+ FPS VR Ready

70-89

High-End

1440p Ultra or 4K High settings, excellent for modern AAA titles

1440p Ultra 4K High

50-69

Mid-Range

1080p Ultra or 1440p Medium, great value for most gamers

1080p Ultra 1440p Med

30-49

Entry Level

1080p Medium settings, suitable for eSports and older titles

1080p Med eSports

0-29

Legacy

Basic gaming, older titles, consider upgrading for modern games

720p-1080p Low Older Games

# Intel Core i5-12500 + NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation

This desktop build pairs a 6-core Intel Alder Lake processor with a workstation-focused NVIDIA Ada Lovelace GPU, landing at the 84th percentile overall among all CPU+GPU combinations. The CPU achieves a 73rd percentile ranking against all processors, while the GPU sits at the 95th percentile against all GPUs, making this a system where the graphics card is clearly the dominant component in most workloads. This analysis covers the full performance picture from benchmark data, upgrade paths, and usage scenarios, with the caveat that no measured FPS data exists for this exact pairing — all gaming frame rates discussed are estimates derived from the component benchmark scores.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i5-12500 is a 6-core, 12-thread desktop processor built on the Alder Lake architecture using Intel's 10 nm process. It features a base clock of 3.00 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz, with a 65 W TDP. The cache hierarchy consists of 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The die size is 163 mm², and the processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. It includes UHD Graphics 770 integrated graphics, though the discrete GPU in this build makes that secondary.

Benchmark results show a processor with strong single-threaded performance and respectable multi-threaded capability. In 3DMark tests, the CPU scores 951 in single-thread, 1741 in 2-thread, 3125 in 4-thread, 4862 in 8-thread, 6007 in 16-thread, and 6023 in max-thread tests. The scaling from 8 to 16 threads is modest (4862 to 6007), reflecting the 6-core/12-thread design where additional threads beyond physical cores yield diminishing returns. The single-thread score of 951 suggests good responsiveness for lightly-threaded applications.

Cinebench results reinforce this picture. The R23 multi-core score of 16759 is solid for a 65 W part, while the single-core score of 2366 indicates excellent per-thread performance. Geekbench scores of 9374 multi-core and 1969 single-core align with the 3DMark and Cinebench data. PassMark results show a multi-thread score of 19893, a single-thread score of 3666, with specific workloads including integer math at 61626, floating-point math at 48004, data compression at 238753, and data encryption at 12033. The extended instructions score of 16090 indicates AVX and similar instruction set support is functioning well.

The average benchmark score of 19668 places this CPU at the 73rd percentile of all processors. Its nearest rivals are tightly clustered: the AMD Ryzen AI 5 430 scores 19617 (0.3% higher), the Intel Core i5-11600KF scores 19723 (0.3% lower), the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 scores 19593 (0.4% higher), and the Intel Core i5-11600K scores 19786 (0.6% lower). This indicates the i5-12500 performs essentially on par with the previous-generation i5-11600K and KF variants, and with current AMD Ryzen 5 options. For real workloads, this means the CPU will handle everyday productivity, software compilation, and moderate multi-threaded rendering tasks competently, though it is not a high-core-count workstation part.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Intel Core i5-12500 uses the Intel Socket 1700 platform, which is shared across 12th and 13th generation Core processors. This provides a straightforward upgrade path: users can move to higher-core-count 12th or 13th generation parts without changing motherboards, provided the BIOS supports them. The CPU offers PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the processor, which is forward-looking for storage and GPU connectivity, though the GPU in this build uses PCIe 4.0 x16.

Memory support includes both DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode. This flexibility means builders can choose either memory type based on availability and platform cost. The lack of ECC memory support means this is not aimed at error-correcting workstation workloads. The 65 W TDP of the CPU is modest, and the GPU has a 70 W TDP with a suggested PSU of 250 W for the entire system. The GPU requires no power connectors, drawing entirely from the PCIe slot, which simplifies cabling and allows for compact power supplies. The suggested PSU of 250 W is quite low, indicating this build is highly power-efficient and suitable for small form factor systems.

A sensible next upgrade for this platform would be a higher-core-count 12th or 13th generation Core i7 or i9 processor, which would improve multi-threaded performance for rendering and compilation workloads. The motherboard socket and PCIe Gen 5 support would also accommodate faster storage devices. The GPU, being an SFF (small form factor) workstation card, is already at the 95th percentile, so GPU upgrades would target even higher-end workstation or gaming cards, though the 250 W PSU suggestion would need revisiting for any GPU with higher power draw. The dual-slot, 168 mm length, and 69 mm height dimensions make it compatible with many compact cases.

FAQ

Q: How does the Intel Core i5-12500 compare to its closest rival, the AMD Ryzen 5 5500?

A: The i5-12500 has an average benchmark score of 19668, which is 0.4% higher than the AMD Ryzen 5 5500's score of 19593. This places them in virtually the same performance tier, with differences that would be imperceptible in real-world use.

Q: What is the GPU's performance percentile and what does that mean?

A: The NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation sits at the 95th percentile of all GPUs, with an average benchmark score of 117088. This places it in the top 5% of graphics cards, indicating high-end workstation-class performance suitable for professional rendering and compute tasks.

Q: Does this CPU support overclocking?

A: No. The multiplier is locked (multiplierUnlocked is false), meaning the CPU cannot be overclocked. Users must rely on the stock boost behavior, which reaches 4.60 GHz, for performance.

Q: What memory types are supported and is ECC available?

A: The CPU supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. ECC memory is not supported, so this platform is not suited for mission-critical error-correcting workloads.

Q: How does the GPU compare to the AMD Radeon PRO W7700?

A: The RTX 4000 SFF has an average score of 117088, which is 1.6% lower than the AMD Radeon PRO W7700's score of 118976. The two are closely matched, with the AMD card having a slight edge in raw benchmark performance.

Q: What is the power requirement for this build?

A: The CPU has a 65 W TDP and the GPU has a 70 W TDP. The suggested PSU for the system is 250 W, which is modest and reflects the power-efficient design of both components. The GPU draws power entirely from the PCIe slot with no additional power connectors needed.

Q: Is there integrated graphics available as a fallback?

A: Yes, the CPU includes UHD Graphics 770. While the discrete RTX 4000 SFF handles all graphics workloads, the integrated GPU provides a fallback for troubleshooting or basic display output if the discrete card is removed or fails.

Usage Scenarios

High-refresh gaming: The GPU at the 95th percentile with 19.17 TFLOPS FP32 performance is well-equipped for high-refresh gaming, but the CPU's 6-core/12-thread design may limit frame rates in CPU-bound scenarios. The single-thread score of 951 in 3DMark suggests good performance for gaming logic, but the FPS estimates from benchmark scores place this as a capable 1440p gaming system rather than a maximum-frame-rate 1080p esports machine.

Streaming: The GPU includes 192 tensor cores and 48 RT cores, which can accelerate encoding and AI-based features. The CPU's 12 threads provide adequate headroom for encoding workloads while gaming, though dedicated encoding hardware on the GPU would handle the heavy lifting. The passmark multi-thread score of 19893 indicates the CPU can handle streaming overhead without becoming the bottleneck.

Video editing: The combination of a 73rd percentile CPU and 95th percentile GPU creates a strong video editing platform. Timeline scrubbing, effects, and export would leverage the GPU's 19.17 TFLOPS and 280.0 GB/s memory bandwidth, while the CPU's Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 16759 handles encoding and decoding tasks. The 20 GB of VRAM is substantial for 4K timelines with multiple layers.

3D rendering: GPU-accelerated renderers would benefit enormously from the 6144 shading units, 192 tensor cores, and 48 RT cores. The 19.17 TFLOPS FP32 and FP16 performance (1:1 ratio) makes this suitable for both single and half precision workloads. CPU-based rendering would rely on the 6 cores and the R23 multi-core score of 16759, which is adequate for occasional CPU rendering but not a primary workflow.

Software development: The CPU's 73rd percentile ranking with 12 threads and 18 MB L3 cache handles compilation tasks reasonably well. The PassMark integer math score of 61626 and extended instructions score of 16090 indicate solid performance for code compilation and execution. The PCIe Gen 5 support allows for fast NVMe storage, which speeds up build times.

Student and office work: This system is substantially over-powered for document editing, web browsing, and spreadsheet work. The CPU's single-thread performance (3666 in PassMark single-thread) ensures snappy application responsiveness, while the GPU's capabilities are largely unused in these workloads. The low power draw (65 W CPU, 70 W GPU) makes it an efficient choice for a workstation that also handles occasional creative tasks.

Who Should Build It

This build targets professionals and enthusiasts who need workstation-class GPU performance in a compact, power-efficient form factor. The GPU's 95th percentile ranking and 20 GB VRAM make it suitable for 3D artists, video editors, and AI researchers working with large models. The 168 mm length and dual-slot design fit in small form factor cases, and the 250 W suggested PSU keeps system costs and noise down.

Content creators working with GPU-accelerated renderers would benefit from the 48 RT cores and 192 tensor cores. Developers building machine learning applications would find the FP16 performance at 19.17 TFLOPS useful for inference tasks. Small business workstations requiring professional-grade graphics for CAD or scientific visualization would appreciate the 4x mini-DisplayPort 1.4a outputs for multi-monitor setups, though the exact resolution support is not specified in the data.

Gamers at 1440p resolution would find this system capable for high-refresh gaming, though the CPU might hold back the GPU in extremely CPU-intensive titles. Students in engineering or computer science programs would benefit from the compute capabilities, though the cost is higher than typical student machines. The CPU's 73rd percentile ranking means it handles general productivity tasks with ease, making this a balanced system for users who occasionally push heavy GPU workloads but need a responsive everyday machine.

Gaming Performance

No measured FPS data exists for this exact CPU+GPU combination. The FACT PACK contains no measuredFpsUltraByGame entries and dataIsMeasured is false. All gaming frame rates discussed here are estimates derived from the component benchmark scores, not measured results.

Based on the GPU's 95th percentile ranking and 19.17 TFLOPS FP32 performance, this system should deliver strong 1440p gaming performance at ultra settings in most titles. The 20 GB VRAM at 280.0 GB/s bandwidth provides ample memory for high-resolution textures and modern game assets. The 1560 MHz boost clock and 6144 shading units suggest high fill rates, with the pixel rate of 99.84 GPixel/s and texture rate of 299.5 GTexel/s supporting this assessment.

The CPU's gaming performance is adequate but not exceptional. The 3DMark single-thread score of 951 and 4-thread score of 3125 indicate good gaming responsiveness, but the 6-core/12-thread design may limit performance in games that scale well beyond 6 cores. The CPU's 73rd percentile ranking, while solid, is significantly below the GPU's 95th percentile, suggesting the CPU may be the limiting factor in high-refresh-rate scenarios at 1080p, while at 1440p and 4K the GPU becomes the primary driver of frame rates.

Balance and Bottleneck

The performance data reveals a clear imbalance between CPU and GPU capability. The CPU sits at the 73rd percentile while the GPU sits at the 95th percentile, creating a system where the GPU is the dominant component in most workloads. In gaming, this means the CPU will likely limit maximum frame rates at lower resolutions, while at higher resolutions the GPU becomes the bottleneck as expected.

The CPU benchmark scaling supports this analysis. The 3DMark 16-thread score of 6007 is nearly identical to the max-thread score of 6023, indicating the 12 threads are fully utilized but additional threads would not help. The jump from 8 threads (4862) to 16 threads (6007) shows a 24% improvement, which is reasonable but not exceptional. In GPU-heavy workloads like rendering, the GPU's 95th percentile ranking and 19.17 TFLOPS performance would completely overshadow the CPU's contribution.

The combined percentile of 84 reflects this balance: the system is better than the CPU alone but worse than the GPU alone. For workloads that primarily stress the GPU — 3D rendering, GPU compute, video encoding with NVENC — the system performs at near-GPU levels. For CPU-bound tasks like physics simulation, the PassMark physics score of 1242 indicates modest capability. The PassMark find prime numbers score of 75 is notably low, suggesting this CPU is not optimized for pure integer single-thread loops. The data compression score of 238753 is strong, indicating good memory subsystem performance.

Build Overview

This is a desktop build combining the Intel Core i5-12500 with the NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation. The CPU is a 6-core Alder Lake part with a 65 W TDP, while the GPU is a low-profile workstation card with a 70 W TDP and 250 W suggested PSU. The combined system sits at the 84th percentile of all builds, placing it in the upper tier of desktop configurations.

The GPU is the standout component, ranking at the 95th percentile of all GPUs with an average benchmark score of 117088. The CPU's 73rd percentile ranking with an average score of 19668 is respectable but not exceptional. This is fundamentally a GPU-first build: the workstation-class graphics card provides professional-grade compute, rendering, and AI capabilities, while the CPU provides adequate support without becoming a significant limitation in GPU-accelerated workflows. The compact GPU dimensions and low power requirements make this suitable for small form factor systems that require high GPU compute density.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU achieves an average benchmark score of 19668 across all tests, placing it at the 73rd percentile of all processors. The GPU achieves an average benchmark score of 117088 across its tests, placing it at the 95th percentile of all GPUs. The combined build sits at the 84th percentile, reflecting the GPU's higher relative performance pulling the overall ranking upward.

In CPU-specific benchmarks, the i5-12500 scores 16759 in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 2366 in single-core, 9374 in Geekbench multi-core and 1969 in single-core, and 19893 in PassMark multi-thread with 3666 in single-thread. The GPU scores 124812 in Geekbench OpenCL and 109364 in Geekbench Vulkan. These results indicate a system where the GPU outperforms 95% of all graphics cards while the CPU outperforms 73% of all processors. The GPU's nearest rival is the NVIDIA GB10 at 117393 (0.3% higher), followed by the AMD Radeon PRO W7700 at 118976 (1.6% higher), showing this GPU is competitive with the best workstation cards available.

GPU Analysis

The NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation is built on the Ada Lovelace architecture using TSMC's 5 nm process, with 35,800 million transistors on a 294 mm² die. The AD104 chip features 6144 shading units, 192 texture mapping units, 64 ROPs, 48 RT cores, and 192 tensor cores. The base clock is 720 MHz with a boost clock of 1560 MHz, producing 19.17 TFLOPS of FP32 performance and an equal 19.17 TFLOPS of FP16 performance (1:1 ratio). The pixel rate is 99.84 GPixel/s and the texture rate is 299.5 GTexel/s.

Memory configuration includes 20 GB of GDDR6 on a 160-bit bus delivering 280.0 GB/s of bandwidth. The memory clock is 1750 MHz with 14 Gbps effective speed. The GPU supports PCIe 4.0 x16, requires no external power connectors, and has a 70 W TDP with a 250 W suggested PSU. Display outputs include 4x mini-DisplayPort 1.4a, supporting multi-monitor professional setups. The card is dual-slot, 168 mm long, and 69 mm high.

In benchmark tests, the GPU scores 124812 in Geekbench OpenCL and 109364 in Geekbench Vulkan, achieving a 95th percentile ranking with an average score of 117088. This places it slightly below the AMD Radeon PRO W7700 (1.6% lower) and NVIDIA GB10 (0.3% lower), but above the NVIDIA Tesla V100 SXM2 16 GB (2.4% higher score for this card) and NVIDIA RTX A5500 Mobile (2.8% higher). For rendering workloads, the 48 RT cores accelerate ray tracing, while the 192 tensor cores handle AI-based features like DLSS and denoising. The 20 GB VRAM is sufficient for large 3D scenes, high-resolution textures, and machine learning models that would exceed the capacity of smaller cards. The FP16 performance at 19.17 TFLOPS is particularly relevant for AI inference and half-precision compute tasks.

Rate My PC: Intel Core i5-12500 + NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation

Apex Performer

System Balance Analysis

Intel Core i5-12500

NVIDIA RTX 4000 SFF Ada Generation

Market Position

Game Performance Benchmarks

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

Performance Insights

Optimal Performance

4K Gaming Ready

Performance Tiers Explained

Ultimate

High-End

Mid-Range

Entry Level

Legacy

CPU Analysis

Upgrade Path and Platform

FAQ

Usage Scenarios

Who Should Build It

Gaming Performance

Balance and Bottleneck

Build Overview

Benchmark Performance

GPU Analysis

4K Gaming Performance

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

1440p Gaming Performance

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

1080p Gaming Performance

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

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