SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-12900E + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti

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

83 / 100
HIGH-END

Power Build

Top 17% of systems. Excellent for 1440p Ultra or 4K High gaming.

1440p Ultra4K High

System Balance Analysis

CPU vs GPU performance ratio
Well Balanced
CPU
78%
VS
GPU
89%
PROCESSOR

Intel Core i9-12900E

6,611 Benchmark Score
Top 22% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →
GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti

16,129 Benchmark Score
Top 11% 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
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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

Balance and Bottleneck

The Intel Core i9-12900E and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti form a desktop pairing where the GPU is the primary performance gate for gaming workloads, while the CPU holds a commanding lead in multi-threaded productivity tasks. The combined percentile of 61 places this build in the upper-middle tier of all tested configurations, but the internal balance skews heavily toward processor capability. The CPU's average benchmark score of 6611 sits at the 62nd percentile against all CPUs, while the GPU's average score of 16129 lands at the 59th percentile against all GPUs — a narrow 3-point gap in percentile terms, yet the nature of the workloads differs substantially.

In gaming, the RTX 3060 Ti's 8 GB GDDR6 memory and 448.0 GB/s bandwidth will determine frame delivery, particularly at higher resolutions where the GPU's 16.20 TFLOPS FP32 throughput becomes the limiting factor. The CPU's 16 cores and 24 threads provide ample headroom for game logic, physics, and AI tasks, meaning the RTX 3060 Ti will saturate before the i9-12900E approaches its limits in most gaming scenarios. The CPU's single-core performance — a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 3321 — ensures that even lightly-threaded game engines will not bottleneck the GPU.

For productivity, the balance flips decisively. The i9-12900E's Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 23529 and Geekbench multi-core score of 10280 indicate that rendering, compilation, and encoding workloads will be CPU-bound, with the GPU contributing only where hardware acceleration applies. The CPU's 65 W TDP, despite its high core count, suggests efficient sustained operation, while the GPU's 200 W TDP and 550 W suggested PSU headroom indicate the power delivery is adequate for simultaneous heavy loads on both components.

The bottleneck profile is therefore workload-dependent: gaming sees GPU limitation, while CPU-bound tasks like 3D rendering or software compilation see the processor as the dominant contributor. The 0.1% deltaPct between the i9-12900E and the Intel Pentium Gold G6405 in average benchmark score is a statistical artifact of the averaging method — the i9's multi-core advantage is overwhelming, but the single-core scores of the Pentium are not directly comparable in the same metric. In practice, the RTX 3060 Ti's PassMark G3D score of 20349 versus the Radeon RX 5700 XT's 16361 (a -1.4% deltaPct for the RTX card) shows the GPU holds a modest edge over a previous-generation competitor, reinforcing that the GPU is the more likely constraint in frame-limited scenarios.

Usage Scenarios

High-Refresh Gaming: At 1080p, the RTX 3060 Ti's 16.20 TFLOPS and 133.2 GPixel/s pixel rate can drive high frame rates in esports titles, but the 8 GB VRAM may limit texture quality at higher resolutions. The CPU's 5.00 GHz boost clock and strong single-core score of 3321 in Cinebench R23 prevent processor-induced frame dips. The GPU's PassMark DirectX 12 score of 78 and DirectX 11 score of 163 indicate adequate API support, though the lower DirectX 12 number suggests scaling may vary by title.

Streaming: The i9-12900E's 16 cores and 24 threads provide dedicated capacity for encoding alongside gaming. The GPU's 152 tensor cores and 38 RT cores can offload AI-based encoding tasks, but the 200 W TDP and 550 W suggested PSU leave little overhead for overclocking. The CPU's Geekbench multi-core score of 10280 ensures simultaneous game and stream processing remain fluid.

Video Editing: The CPU's Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 9882 and R15 score of 2371 indicate strong timeline rendering and export performance. The GPU's 448.0 GB/s bandwidth accelerates effects processing and preview rendering. The 8 GB VRAM is sufficient for 1080p and 1440p timelines, but 4K multi-layer projects may require proxy workflows.

3D Rendering: The i9-12900E excels here, with Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 23529 ranking well above the i5-13500E's 6586 average (a 0.4% deltaPct, indicating the i9's higher core count delivers proportionally more throughput). The GPU's 16.20 TFLOPS FP32 and 253.1 GTexel/s texture rate accelerate viewport and final-frame rendering in GPU-accelerated engines.

Software Development: The CPU's 24 threads and 30 MB shared L3 cache reduce compilation times, with Geekbench multi-core score of 10280 supporting parallel build tools. The GPU's PassMark GPU Compute score of 10006 aids in local testing of GPU-accelerated code. The dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 memory support allows flexibility in platform configuration.

Student and Office Work: This pairing is overkill for typical productivity, but the CPU's 62nd percentile ranking ensures responsiveness in multitasking. The integrated UHD Graphics 770 provides a fallback for display output without the discrete GPU active. The 65 W CPU TDP keeps system cooling and power requirements modest for a desk setup.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i9-12900E is a 16-core, 24-thread processor built on the Alder Lake architecture with a 10 nm process node from Intel. The base clock of 2.30 GHz boosts to 5.00 GHz, and the 30 MB shared L3 cache is distributed across the hybrid core layout. The die size of 215 mm² houses the performance and efficiency cores, with 80 KB L1 and 1.25 MB L2 per core. The CPU supports dual-channel DDR4 and DDR5 memory, with 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU providing high-bandwidth connectivity for storage and the GPU.

Benchmark results reveal a processor that excels in multi-threaded workloads. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 23529 is nearly 10x the single-core score of 3321, demonstrating excellent scaling across the 24 threads. The Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 9882 and R15 score of 2371 follow a similar pattern. Geekbench multi-core of 10280 versus single-core of 1775 shows a 5.8x scaling factor, typical for a high-core-count design.

The 62nd percentile against all CPUs positions the i9-12900E above the median but not at the top tier, reflecting that newer and higher-TDP parts outperform it. The nearest rivals — the Intel Pentium Gold G6405 (0.1% deltaPct) and Intel Core i9-10940X (0.1% deltaPct) — have similar average scores, but this is misleading: the i9-12900E's multi-core dominance is offset by the Pentium's single-core efficiency in the averaging metric. The i5-13500E at 0.4% deltaPct and i5-13400E at -0.4% deltaPct show that mid-range 13th-gen parts are nearly equivalent in average performance, suggesting the i9-12900E's value lies in its thread count rather than raw per-core speed.

The unlocked multiplier allows overclocking, though the 65 W TDP limits sustained all-core boosts without adequate cooling. The 10 nm process from Intel delivers competitive efficiency, with the 215 mm² die size keeping manufacturing costs manageable. The UHD Graphics 770 integrated GPU provides basic display output and hardware decode, useful for troubleshooting or office tasks.

Who Should Build It

This desktop build targets users who need strong multi-threaded CPU performance for productivity while maintaining solid 1080p and 1440p gaming capability. The i9-12900E's 24 threads and Cinebench R23 score of 23529 make it suitable for video editors working with 4K timelines, 3D artists rendering in Blender or Maya, and software developers compiling large codebases. The RTX 3060 Ti's 8 GB VRAM and 448.0 GB/s bandwidth handle 1440p gaming at high settings, though 4K gaming will require reduced detail levels.

Content creators who stream their work will benefit from the CPU's thread count for encoding, while the GPU's 152 tensor cores accelerate AI-based tools like DLSS and denoisers. The 62nd CPU percentile and 59th GPU percentile indicate this is not a top-tier enthusiast build, but rather a balanced workstation that games competently. Students in engineering or computer science programs will find the 24 threads valuable for simulation and compilation assignments, while the integrated graphics provide a backup if the discrete GPU fails.

Small business workstations requiring reliable multi-tasking — such as running virtual machines, databases, or financial models — will leverage the CPU's 30 MB L3 cache and dual-channel memory support. The GPU's PassMark G2D score of 989 and G3D score of 20349 indicate strong 2D and 3D acceleration for CAD and office applications. The 550 W suggested PSU provides headroom for typical office loads without excessive power draw.

FAQ

Q: What is the combined performance percentile of this CPU-GPU pairing?

A: The combined percentile is 61, placing it in the upper-middle tier of all tested desktop configurations.

Q: How does the CPU compare to its nearest rival in average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i9-12900E has an average benchmark score of 6611, which is 0.1% higher than the Intel Pentium Gold G6405 and Intel Core i9-10940X, 0.4% higher than the Intel Core i5-13500E, and -0.4% lower than the Intel Core i5-13400E.

Q: What is the GPU's VRAM capacity and memory bandwidth?

A: The RTX 3060 Ti has 8 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus, providing 448.0 GB/s of bandwidth.

Q: Does this CPU support overclocking?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked, and the base clock of 2.30 GHz can boost to 5.00 GHz.

Q: What is the suggested power supply wattage for this build?

A: The suggested PSU is 550 W, with the CPU rated at 65 W TDP and the GPU at 200 W TDP.

Q: What memory types does the CPU support?

A: The i9-12900E supports both DDR4 and DDR5 in a dual-channel configuration.

Q: Is there any measured FPS data for this specific combination?

A: No, there are no measured FPS rows for this exact CPU-GPU pairing in the FACT PACK.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Intel Core i9-12900E uses the Intel Socket 1700 platform, which supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel mode. The 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes from the CPU provide high bandwidth for the latest NVMe SSDs and future GPU upgrades, though the RTX 3060 Ti uses PCIe 4.0 x16. The 65 W CPU TDP means most Socket 1700 motherboards can handle the power delivery without exotic VRM cooling, and the unlocked multiplier allows tuning for those with adequate coolers.

The RTX 3060 Ti is end-of-life, with the GeForce 40 series as its successor. Upgrading the GPU to a newer model would require checking the 550 W suggested PSU headroom — a higher-TDP card would likely need a larger PSU. The 8 GB VRAM is a potential limitation for future games at 1440p and 4K, so users planning high-resolution gaming should consider a GPU with more memory. The PCIe 4.0 x16 interface remains current, so no platform change is needed for a GPU swap.

For CPU upgrades, the Socket 1700 platform supports 12th and 13th generation Intel processors, but the i9-12900E already sits near the top of that socket's performance range. A meaningful CPU upgrade would require moving to a new socket, which also means new memory and motherboard. The dual-channel memory support caps bandwidth compared to quad-channel workstation platforms, but for gaming and most productivity tasks, this is not a bottleneck. The 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes are sufficient for one high-end GPU and multiple NVMe drives.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU's benchmark suite shows a processor that scales exceptionally well with thread count. Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 2371 and single-core of 334 give a 7.1x ratio, while R20 shows 9882 versus 1394 (7.1x) and R23 shows 23529 versus 3321 (7.1x). This consistent scaling indicates the hybrid architecture delivers near-linear gains across the 24 threads. Geekbench multi-core of 10280 versus single-core of 1775 yields a 5.8x ratio, reflecting the efficiency cores' contribution to multi-threaded workloads.

The GPU's benchmarks reveal a capable mid-range card. 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 2626, Geekbench OpenCL of 78927, and Vulkan of 47784 show strong compute performance. PassMark scores vary by API: DirectX 9 at 234, DirectX 10 at 132, DirectX 11 at 163, and DirectX 12 at 78. The G3D score of 20349 and GPU Compute score of 10006 indicate the card excels in rasterization and compute tasks. The 59th GPU percentile places it above the median, with the nearest rival being the AMD Radeon RX 9060 at 0.7% higher score and the Radeon Pro 5600M at -1.4%.

The combined picture shows a CPU that outperforms its percentile ranking in multi-threaded tasks — the 62nd percentile is dragged down by the averaging of single-core scores, which are lower relative to newer CPUs. The GPU's 59th percentile is more representative of its gaming capability, where it sits just above mid-range. Together, the 61st combined percentile reflects a build that is stronger in CPU-bound productivity than GPU-bound gaming.

Build Overview

This is a desktop-class build combining the Intel Core i9-12900E (Alder Lake, 10 nm, 16 cores, 24 threads) with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti (Ampere, 8 nm, GA104 chip, 8 GB GDDR6). The CPU launched on 2022-01-03 with a launch MSRP of $494, while the GPU launched on 2020-11-30 with a launch MSRP of 399 USD. The combined percentile of 61 places this system in the upper-middle tier of all tested desktop configurations.

The pairing is unusual in that the CPU is a high-end workstation-class processor while the GPU is a mid-range gaming card. This creates a system that is overqualified for CPU-heavy tasks but underpowered for 4K gaming. The i9-12900E's 65 W TDP is remarkably low for a 16-core part, allowing for compact cooling solutions, while the GPU's 200 W TDP and dual-slot design require standard ATX case support. The 242 mm GPU length and 112 mm height fit most mid-tower cases.

The build class is explicitly desktop, confirming this is not a mobile or mini-PC configuration. The production status is active for the CPU and end-of-life for the GPU, meaning the GPU is a legacy component that may be available at discounted prices but lacks future driver optimizations. The CPU's active status ensures ongoing support and availability.

Gaming Performance

No measured FPS data exists for this exact CPU-GPU combination, so all frame rate figures are estimates derived from the benchmark scores. The RTX 3060 Ti's 16.20 TFLOPS FP32 and 133.2 GPixel/s pixel rate suggest strong 1080p performance in most titles, with 1440p achievable at high settings in less demanding games. The 8 GB VRAM may cause texture pop-in at 4K with ultra settings, and the 448.0 GB/s bandwidth is adequate but not exceptional for the memory capacity.

The CPU's 5.00 GHz boost clock and Cinebench R23 single-core score of 3321 ensure that frame pacing remains consistent in CPU-bound scenes. The PassMark DirectX 11 score of 163 and DirectX 12 score of 78 indicate that the GPU performs better in legacy APIs, which may mean newer DirectX 12 titles see lower scaling. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 2626 provides a baseline for modern game performance, but actual FPS will vary by title and optimization.

For esports titles like CS:GO or Valorant, the GPU's high pixel rate should deliver 200+ FPS at 1080p. For AAA games at 1440p, expect 60-100 FPS depending on settings. At 4K, the 8 GB VRAM and 16.20 TFLOPS will limit performance to 30-60 FPS with reduced detail. The GPU's 59th percentile ranking against all GPUs suggests it outperforms roughly 59% of the GPU population, placing it in the mid-range tier for gaming.

GPU Analysis

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti is built on the Ampere architecture using Samsung's 8 nm process, with 17,400 million transistors on a 392 mm² die — a transistor density of 44.4M per mm². The GA104 chip houses 4864 shading units, 152 TMUs, and 80 ROPs, along with 38 RT cores and 152 tensor cores for ray tracing and AI acceleration. The base clock of 1410 MHz boosts to 1665 MHz, with memory clocked at 1750 MHz (14 Gbps effective) across a 256-bit bus.

The 8 GB GDDR6 memory provides 448.0 GB/s bandwidth, which is sufficient for 1080p and 1440p gaming but may constrain 4K textures. The 16.20 TFLOPS FP32 and 16.20 TFLOPS FP16 (1:1 ratio) deliver strong compute throughput for rendering and AI workloads. The pixel rate of 133.2 GPixel/s and texture rate of 253.1 GTexel/s indicate the card can fill high-resolution buffers and apply complex textures efficiently.

Benchmark results show the GPU excels in compute tasks — Geekbench OpenCL score of 78927 and Vulkan score of 47784 are strong for this class. The PassMark G3D score of 20349 and GPU Compute score of 10006 confirm balanced rasterization and compute performance. The 59th percentile against all GPUs places it just above the median, with the nearest rival being the AMD Radeon RX 9060 at 0.7% higher average score. The GPU supports DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4, ensuring compatibility with modern APIs.

The 200 W TDP requires a 550 W PSU, and the 1x 12-pin power connector may need an adapter for older power supplies. The dual-slot design and 242 mm length fit standard cases, while the 1x HDMI 2.1 and 3x DisplayPort 1.4a outputs support multi-monitor setups. The end-of-life production status means no new units are being manufactured, so buyers should verify warranty and driver support. The 152 tensor cores enable DLSS, which can boost frame rates in supported titles, partially offsetting the 8 GB VRAM limitation at higher resolutions.