SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i5-12500H + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 A Mobile

Get a comprehensive performance analysis of your gaming rig with detailed benchmarks, bottleneck detection, and upgrade recommendations

86 / 100
HIGH-END

Power Build

Top 14% of systems. Excellent for 1440p Ultra or 4K High gaming.

1440p Ultra4K High

System Balance Analysis

CPU vs GPU performance ratio
Well Balanced
CPU
86%
VS
GPU
86%
PROCESSOR

Intel Core i5-12500H

22,625 Benchmark Score
Top 14% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →
GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 A Mobile

8,746 Benchmark Score
Top 14% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →

Market Position

How your build compares to others
Budget
0-30
Mid-Range
30-60
High-End
60-85
Enthusiast
85-100
Your Build

Game Performance Benchmarks

Real-world 4K FPS in popular titles
View All Games →

Performance Insights

Tips to maximize your system

Strong Performance

Excellent for 1440p gaming. Most games will run at high/ultra settings smoothly.

Compatible Games See what you can play Compare CPUs Find upgrades Compare GPUs Find upgrades

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

The Intel Core i5-12500H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 A Mobile pairing represents a mid-range mobile solution that leans heavily on its processor. The CPU performs at the 76th percentile among all processors, placing it comfortably ahead of the pack, while the GPU sits at the 44th percentile, making it a strictly average graphics solution. This imbalance defines the system: it is a capable workhorse for productivity and moderately demanding creative tasks, but its gaming ceiling is firmly capped by the GPU. The data indicates a laptop built for versatility rather than specialization, and the following analysis breaks down exactly where its strengths and limitations lie.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The platform is built around the Intel BGA 1744 socket, which means the processor is soldered directly to the motherboard. Consequently, there is no traditional CPU upgrade path; the i5-12500H is a permanent fixture of the system. The memory controller supports both DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration, offering manufacturers flexibility in system design, though the exact type and speed are dictated by the laptop's motherboard. For storage and expansion, the CPU provides 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, ensuring fast connectivity for the latest NVMe SSDs and discrete GPUs, the latter of which connects via a PCIe 4.0 x8 interface.

The power delivery situation is straightforward. The CPU has a TDP of 45 W, and the GPU is rated for 45 W, meaning the combined thermal and power budget for the core components is approximately 90 W. There is no suggested PSU figure in the data for the GPU, and its power connectors are listed as "None," indicating it draws power solely from the motherboard. This is typical for a mobile IGP-class component. For a user looking to build a desktop equivalent, this suggests a modest power supply would suffice, but for a laptop, it means the chassis must handle the cumulative heat of both components.

A sensible next upgrade for this platform is not a component swap but a full system replacement. However, within the constraints of a single laptop, the most impactful user-accessible upgrade is adding or replacing memory to ensure dual-channel operation, which maximizes the i5-12500H's performance. Similarly, upgrading the storage to a PCIe Gen 4 NVMe drive would leverage the available CPU lanes. The GPU, being an end-of-life mobile part, cannot be upgraded. The data shows the CPU is the dominant component, so any future system should prioritize a modern GPU to rebalance the pairing.

FAQ

Q: Does the Intel Core i5-12500H support DDR5 memory?

A: Yes, the processor's memory support includes both DDR4 and DDR5, with a dual-channel memory bus.

Q: What is the performance gap between the CPU and its closest rival?

A: The i5-12500H has an average benchmark score of 22,625. Its closest rival, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135U, scores 22,618, representing a negligible 0% difference. The AMD Ryzen 5 7535U is 0.7% faster, while the Intel Core i7-1270P is 0.5% slower.

Q: What is the GPU's performance percentile compared to all other GPUs?

A: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 A Mobile sits at the 44th percentile among all GPUs, indicating it performs better than 44% of the database's tracked graphics cards.

Q: Is the CPU or GPU the stronger component in this pairing?

A: The CPU is decisively stronger. It holds the 76th percentile among all CPUs, while the GPU holds the 44th percentile among all GPUs. The combined system percentile is 60.

Q: What is the GPU's average benchmark score and its nearest rival?

A: The GPU's average benchmark score is 8,746. Its closest rival is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 v2 with a score of 8,743, a 0% difference. The AMD Radeon R9 M265X is 1.2% faster.

Q: What are the CPU's single-thread and multi-thread benchmark scores?

A: In Cinebench R23, the CPU scores 2,801 in single-core and 19,840 in multi-core. In the 3DMark suite, it scores 924 in single-thread and 6,043 in max-threads.

Q: Does the GPU support modern graphics APIs?

A: Yes, the GPU supports DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data paints a clear picture of a processor-heavy system. The Intel Core i5-12500H achieves an average benchmark score of 22,625, placing it at the 76th percentile of all CPUs. This is a strong showing, placing it in the upper quartile of processors. Its nearest rivals are clustered tightly: the Intel Core Ultra 5 135U is statistically identical at 22,618 (0% delta), the Intel Core i7-1270P trails by a hair at 22,502 (0.5% slower), and the Intel Core i5-13500H is 0.7% behind at 22,468. The only competitor that edges it out is the AMD Ryzen 5 7535U at 22,791, which is 0.7% faster. These margins are within noise, indicating the i5-12500H is a solid mid-range performer that trades blows with the best of its class.

In multi-threaded workloads, the CPU demonstrates its 12-core, 16-thread configuration effectively. It scores 19,840 in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 8,332 in Cinebench R20 multi-core, while its 3DMark max-threads score is 6,043. Single-thread performance is respectable but not class-leading, with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 2,801 and a 3DMark single-thread score of 924. The processor also shows strength in specific tasks: PassMark integer math scores 71,714, floating-point math hits 52,227, and data compression reaches 253,431.

The GPU, in contrast, is a modest performer. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 A Mobile has an average benchmark score of 8,746, placing it at the 44th percentile — essentially the middle of the pack. Its closest rival is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 v2 at 8,743 (0% delta), a legacy desktop card. The AMD Radeon Pro WX 5100 is 1.3% faster at 8,863, and the AMD Radeon R9 M265X is 1.2% faster at 8,851. The GPU's PassMark G3D score is 11,664, while its compute score is 4,419. In DirectX benchmarks, it scores 94 in DX11, 55 in DX12, and 61 in DX10, indicating its performance varies significantly by API.

The combined picture is a system with a top-tier CPU and an average GPU. The CPU's 76th percentile ranking is a major selling point, while the GPU's 44th percentile ranking is a limiting factor for graphics-intensive tasks. The combined system percentile of 60 reflects this compromise.

Balance and Bottleneck

The performance data reveals a system where the CPU is the clear dominant partner. The i5-12500H's 76th percentile ranking versus the GPU's 44th percentile creates a significant imbalance. In CPU-bound workloads, such as data compression (253,431 in PassMark) or multi-threaded rendering (19,840 in Cinebench R23), the processor will perform admirably, effortlessly handling heavy multitasking and productivity demands. However, in GPU-bound scenarios, the RTX 3050 A Mobile will be the limiting factor, preventing the system from achieving high frame rates in modern games.

The bottleneck is workload-dependent. For general productivity, office work, and software development, the CPU will be the primary driver, and the system will feel responsive. For gaming, the GPU becomes the constraint. The GPU's PassMark G3D score of 11,664 is its highest benchmark, but its DirectX 12 score of 55 is notably low, suggesting potential issues with newer gaming APIs. The CPU's 3DMark 16-thread score of 5,954 demonstrates its ability to feed the GPU, but the GPU's 44th percentile ranking means it cannot fully utilize the CPU's output in graphics-heavy tasks.

The FPS scaling, where available, would typically show the GPU as the limiter in high-resolution or ultra-settings gaming. Since the data contains no measured FPS rows, we can infer from the benchmark scores that the CPU is rarely the bottleneck. The GPU's average score of 8,746, comparable to a legacy GTX 460 v2, indicates it will struggle with modern titles at high settings. Conversely, the CPU's scores suggest it can handle any game's physics and AI calculations without breaking a sweat. The system is therefore well-balanced for productivity but CPU-overpowered for gaming.

Gaming Performance

No measured FPS data exists for this exact CPU+GPU combination, so all gaming performance figures are estimates derived from the benchmark scores. The GPU's 44th percentile ranking and its average score of 8,746 suggest it is a capable entry-level gaming solution, suitable for esports titles and older games, but it will likely struggle with demanding AAA games at high settings. The CPU's 3DMark scores, particularly the 16-thread score of 5,954, indicate it has ample processing power to support gaming, but the GPU will be the limiting factor.

In lighter titles, such as esports shooters or indie games, the system should deliver playable frame rates at 1080p with medium-to-high settings. The GPU's DirectX 11 score of 94 is its strongest API result, suggesting it performs better in older games that rely on this API. For more demanding titles, users should expect to lower settings to maintain smooth gameplay. The GPU's 4 GB of GDDR6 memory and 192.0 GB/s bandwidth are modest by modern standards, potentially causing texture pop-in or stuttering in memory-heavy games.

The CPU's single-thread score of 2,801 in Cinebench R23 is strong enough to avoid bottlenecking the GPU in most games. However, the GPU's DirectX 12 score of 55 is concerning, as many modern titles use this API. This suggests the system may perform better in DirectX 11 titles or older games. Overall, this is a 1080p gaming laptop for medium settings, not a high-refresh or high-detail powerhouse.

Usage Scenarios

High-refresh gaming: This scenario is not well-supported by the data. The GPU's 44th percentile ranking and low DirectX 12 score of 55 indicate it cannot consistently drive high frame rates at 1080p, making a high-refresh display (144Hz or higher) a waste of potential.

Streaming: The CPU is well-suited for this task. Its 12 cores and 16 threads, evidenced by a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 19,840, provide ample headroom for encoding while gaming. However, the GPU's modest performance may limit the in-game frame rates, making it a viable but not ideal streaming machine.

Video editing: The CPU's PassMark integer math score of 71,714 and multi-thread score of 20,625 indicate strong performance for video encoding and rendering. The GPU can assist with effects and previews, but its average score means it will not accelerate exports significantly. This is a solid choice for 1080p video editing.

3D rendering: The CPU excels here, with a Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 8,332 and a 3DMark max-threads score of 6,043. The GPU's compute score of 4,419 is modest, so CPU-based rendering will be the primary workflow. This system can handle moderate rendering tasks but will lag behind systems with stronger GPUs.

Software development: The CPU's strong single-thread score of 3,418 in PassMark and its multi-thread capabilities make it excellent for compilation and code analysis. The GPU is irrelevant for most development tasks. This is a very capable development machine.

Student and office work: The CPU's 76th percentile ranking ensures snappy performance for document editing, web browsing, and multitasking. The GPU is overkill for these tasks, but its presence does not hinder productivity. This is a comfortable, if slightly overpowered, setup for academic or office use.

Who Should Build It

This pairing is targeted at users who prioritize CPU performance over graphics. It is ideal for students and professionals in software development, where the i5-12500H's 76th percentile ranking and high PassMark single-thread score of 3,418 will make compilation and multitasking effortless. Content creators working with 1080p video will benefit from the CPU's 12 cores, as evidenced by its 19,840 Cinebench R23 multi-core score, though they should not expect rapid GPU-accelerated exports.

For gamers, this system is best suited for those playing at 1080p with medium settings, particularly in esports or older titles. The GPU's 44th percentile ranking means it is not a high-fidelity gaming solution. Small business workstations could benefit from the CPU's data encryption score of 14,749 in PassMark, providing adequate security for sensitive tasks. However, the GPU's end-of-life status and 44th percentile performance make it a poor choice for anyone needing modern graphics capabilities, such as 3D modelers or game developers. The target user is someone who values processing power and is willing to compromise on gaming performance.

Build Overview

This is a laptop-class build (buildClass: "laptop") that pairs the Intel Core i5-12500H with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 A Mobile. The system's overall tier is defined by its combined percentile of 60, which places it in the mid-range of all tracked systems. The CPU is a strong 12-core, 16-thread Alder Lake-H processor with a 45 W TDP, while the GPU is a modest 4 GB Ampere mobile part with a 45 W TDP. The combination yields a system that is more capable as a productivity tool than a gaming machine. The CPU's 76th percentile ranking is the standout feature, while the GPU's 44th percentile ranking anchors the system's overall performance. This is a balanced, albeit CPU-heavy, mobile workstation.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i5-12500H is a 12-core, 16-thread processor based on the Alder Lake architecture, built on Intel's 10 nm process with a die size of 217 mm². It has a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.50 GHz, with a TDP of 45 W. The cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. It supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 CPU lanes and features integrated Iris Xe 80EU graphics.

Benchmark results confirm its strong multi-threaded performance. It scores 19,840 in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 8,332 in Cinebench R20 multi-core, placing it at the 76th percentile of all CPUs. Its PassMark multithread score is 20,625, with integer math at 71,714 and floating-point at 52,227. Single-thread performance is also solid, with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 2,801 and a PassMark single-thread score of 3,418. The CPU's closest rival, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135U, is statistically tied at 0% delta, while the AMD Ryzen 5 7535U is 0.7% faster.

For real workloads, this CPU is a capable multi-tasker. The high multi-thread scores indicate it can handle video encoding, 3D rendering, and software compilation with ease. The strong single-thread performance ensures responsive everyday use. The data shows this is a well-rounded processor that outperforms its direct competitors by a slim margin, making it a reliable choice for demanding productivity tasks.