SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-12900E + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti

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

Build Configuration

Select your components

PROCESSOR (CPU)

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GRAPHICS CARD (GPU)

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88 Score

Top 12% Ranking

88 / 100

HIGH-END

Power Build

Top 12% of systems. Excellent for 1440p Ultra or 4K High gaming.

1440p Ultra4K High

System Balance Analysis

CPU vs GPU performance ratio

CPU Bottleneck

CPU

78%

GPU

99%

Your CPU is limiting system performance. Consider upgrading to a faster processor to better utilize your GPU.

PROCESSOR

Intel Core i9-12900E

6,611 Benchmark Score

Top 22% Market Ranking

View Full Specs →

GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti

131,938 Benchmark Score

Top 1% 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.

Bottleneck Detected

CPU Bottleneck - Upgrading the weaker component will improve overall performance.

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 i9-12900E and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti form a desktop pairing that sits at the upper edge of the current benchmark database, with a combined percentile of 79 across all builds. The CPU, an Alder Lake-S part on the Intel Socket 1700 platform, delivers 16 cores and 24 threads, while the GPU, built on the Ampere architecture with the GA102 chip, provides 24 GB of GDDR6X memory. This analysis draws exclusively from the provided benchmark and specification data, with no measured frame-rate rows available for this exact combination, so all gaming performance discussion is framed as estimates derived from the synthetic scores.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i9-12900E is a 16-core, 24-thread processor based on the Alder Lake architecture, fabricated on Intel’s 10 nm process node with a die size of 215 mm². Its base clock sits at 2.30 GHz, and the boost clock reaches 5.00 GHz, which is a substantial spread that allows the chip to scale from power-efficient low-load operation to high-frequency single-thread bursts. The cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 30 MB L3 cache, which is generous for a desktop part and helps feed the hybrid core configuration that Alder Lake employs. The processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory across a dual-channel bus, and it does not support ECC memory, which positions it as a consumer-focused rather than workstation-grade component. The integrated UHD Graphics 770 provides a fallback display output, though the pairing with a discrete GPU makes it largely irrelevant in this build.

Benchmark results place the i9-12900E at the 62nd percentile against all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 6611. In Cinebench R23, the multicore score reaches 23529, while the single-core score is 3321, indicating strong parallel throughput and competitive single-thread performance for its generation. The Geekbench multicore score of 10280 and single-core score of 1775 reinforce this profile. The nearest rivals in the database are telling: the Intel Pentium Gold G6405 and Intel Core i9-10940X both score 6605, a negligible 0.1% difference, while the Intel Core i5-13500E trails by 0.4% and the Intel Core i5-13400E leads by 0.4%. This clustering suggests that the i9-12900E’s average score is not dramatically higher than these mid-range or older parts, but the Cinebench R23 multicore figure of 23529 shows that in heavily threaded workloads, the 16-core configuration pulls ahead of the lower-core-count rivals. For real workloads, this means the CPU excels at video encoding, 3D rendering, and compilation tasks that scale across cores, while the single-core scores remain sufficient for responsive everyday use and lightly threaded applications.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU’s individual scores show a clear strength in multicore operations. Cinebench R20 multicore returns 9882, R15 multicore returns 2371, and the R23 multicore value of 23529 is the highest of the three runs. Single-core scores follow a similar pattern: R15 at 334, R20 at 1394, and R23 at 3321. The Geekbench figures (1775 single-core, 10280 multicore) align with these results, indicating that the i9-12900E maintains consistent performance across different benchmark suites. The GPU, the RTX 3090 Ti, sits at the 95th percentile against all GPUs, with an average benchmark score of 131938. In 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12, it scores 5741, while Geekbench OpenCL returns 174441 and Geekbench Vulkan returns 215633. These numbers place the GPU near the top of the database, with nearest rivals including the NVIDIA L4 (131072, 0.7% behind), the NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada Generation (135218, 2.4% ahead), the NVIDIA A10M (135230, 2.4% ahead), and the AMD Radeon PRO W6800 (135396, 2.6% ahead). The combined picture is a system where the CPU sits in the upper-mid range (62nd percentile) while the GPU dominates at the 95th percentile, creating a significant performance gap between the two components. This imbalance suggests that the GPU will drive most high-end workloads, particularly gaming at high resolutions, while the CPU may become the limiting factor in certain CPU-bound scenarios.

Balance and Bottleneck

The percentile data reveals a clear asymmetry: the CPU’s 62nd percentile versus the GPU’s 95th percentile means the graphics card is the stronger component by a wide margin. In gaming workloads, particularly at high resolutions where GPU load is heavier, the RTX 3090 Ti will likely saturate the frame pipeline, and the i9-12900E’s multicore strength will be sufficient to feed it. However, at lower resolutions or in CPU-intensive titles, the processor’s single-core performance, while respectable for its generation, may not keep pace with the GPU’s raw output, potentially creating a bottleneck. The benchmark scores support this: the CPU’s Cinebench R23 single-core score of 3321 is solid but not exceptional, whereas the GPU’s 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 5741 and Vulkan score of 215633 indicate enormous graphics throughput. The nearest CPU rivals, which are all within 0.4% of the i9-12900E’s average score, show that this processor is not a standout in its class, yet it is paired with a GPU that outperforms 95% of all graphics cards. For productivity tasks like 3D rendering or video editing that use both components, the CPU’s multicore scores (23529 in R23) will carry the load, but the GPU’s compute capabilities, evidenced by the OpenCL score of 174441, will accelerate ray tracing and CUDA-accelerated effects. Overall, the data indicates that the GPU is the primary driver of high-end performance, while the CPU offers adequate but not overwhelming support.

Who Should Build It

This pairing targets users who prioritize graphics-intensive workloads over pure CPU throughput. The GPU’s 95th percentile ranking makes it suitable for 4K gaming or high-refresh-rate 1440p gaming, where the RTX 3090 Ti’s 24 GB VRAM and 1.01 TB/s memory bandwidth can handle large textures and high-resolution assets. Content creators working with video editing or 3D rendering will benefit from the GPU’s 40.00 TFLOPS FP32 performance and 336 tensor cores for AI-accelerated tasks, while the CPU’s 16 cores and 30 MB L3 cache provide sufficient parallel processing for timeline scrubbing and export tasks. Software developers compiling large codebases will see reasonable multicore performance from the CPU, though the 62nd percentile ranking suggests that more specialized workstation CPUs could offer better compile times. Students and small business workstations would be over-served by this combination, as the GPU’s end-of-life production status and high power requirements make it a niche choice rather than a practical office machine. The CPU’s support for DDR4 and DDR5 memory provides flexibility in system building, but the lack of ECC memory support limits its appeal for mission-critical workstation use. Gamers at 4K resolution are the primary audience, as the GPU’s massive memory pool and bandwidth are designed for that workload.

Usage Scenarios

For high-refresh gaming at 1440p, the RTX 3090 Ti’s 95th percentile GPU score and 3DMark Steel Nomad result of 5741 indicate it can push very high frame rates, though the CPU’s single-core scores (1775 Geekbench, 3321 R23) may cap performance in CPU-bound scenes. Streaming while gaming benefits from the GPU’s NVENC encoder, which leverages the 336 tensor cores, and the CPU’s 16 cores can handle encoding overhead without significant frame drops. Video editing in software like Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve will see strong GPU acceleration from the 24 GB VRAM and 208.3 GPixel/s pixel rate, while the CPU’s Cinebench R23 multicore score of 23529 handles decode and export tasks. 3D rendering in Blender or similar tools uses both components: the GPU’s 40.00 TFLOPS FP32 and 84 RT cores accelerate ray tracing, while the CPU’s 16 cores provide backup rendering on the CPU path. Software development with large codebases benefits from the CPU’s multicore throughput, though the 62nd percentile ranking means it is not a top-tier compilation machine. Student and office work is far beyond the requirements of this system, with the GPU’s 450 W TDP and triple-slot design making it impractical for typical academic or administrative tasks.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Intel Socket 1700 platform supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory, and the i9-12900E uses a dual-channel memory bus, so builders can choose between memory generations depending on motherboard and budget. The CPU provides 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, while the GPU uses PCIe 4.0 x16, meaning the graphics card operates at a lower bandwidth but is unlikely to be bottlenecked by the interface. The suggested PSU for the RTX 3090 Ti is 850 W, which also covers the CPU’s 65 W TDP, leaving headroom for additional components like storage or fans. The GPU’s power connectors require a 1x 16-pin cable, and the card is triple-slot with dimensions of 336 mm in length, so case compatibility is a consideration. A sensible next upgrade would be a newer CPU on the same socket if one is available, though the i9-12900E’s performance already sits near the top of its generation. The GPU is marked as end-of-life, with its successor being the GeForce 40 series, so users looking for more graphics power would need to upgrade the entire card rather than overclocking. The CPU is multiplier-unlocked, allowing manual overclocking to push the boost clock beyond 5.00 GHz, though this may require additional cooling. The platform’s PCIe Gen 5 support is future-proof for high-speed NVMe drives, though current GPUs are limited to Gen 4.

Gaming Performance

No measured FPS data exists for this exact CPU-GPU combination in the database, so all frame-rate figures below are estimates derived from the benchmark scores rather than direct measurements. The GPU’s 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 5741 and 95th percentile ranking suggest it can handle ultra settings at 4K in many titles, with the 24 GB VRAM accommodating high-resolution textures without memory pressure. The CPU’s single-core performance, reflected in the Geekbench score of 1775 and Cinebench R23 score of 3321, is adequate for most games, though it may limit frame rates in esports titles at 1080p where CPU bottlenecks are more common. At 1440p ultra, the GPU is likely the dominant factor, producing smooth gameplay in graphically intensive titles, while the CPU’s 16 cores and 30 MB L3 cache help with open-world games that spawn many NPCs. At 4K ultra, the GPU’s 1.01 TB/s memory bandwidth and 40.00 TFLOPS FP32 throughput are the primary drivers, and the CPU’s role diminishes further. Since these are estimates, users should expect some variance based on game optimization and driver updates. The absence of measured FPS rows means the data cannot confirm specific frame rates, but the synthetic scores provide a reliable basis for expecting high-end performance.

FAQ

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

A: The build has a combined percentile of 79 across all desktop systems in the database.

Q: How does the CPU compare to its nearest rivals?

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

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

A: The RTX 3090 Ti has 24 GB of GDDR6X memory on a 384-bit bus, providing a bandwidth of 1.01 TB/s.

Q: Does the CPU support ECC memory?

A: No, the Intel Core i9-12900E does not support ECC memory, which limits its use in certain workstation environments.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the GPU?

A: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti had a launch MSRP of 1,999 USD.

Q: What is the CPU’s TDP and socket type?

A: The CPU has a TDP of 65 W and uses the Intel Socket 1700.

Q: How does the GPU compare to the NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada Generation?

A: The RTX 3090 Ti scores 131938 on average, which is 2.4% behind the RTX 4000 Ada Generation’s average score of 135218.

GPU Analysis

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti is built on the Ampere architecture with the GA102 chip, fabricated on Samsung’s 8 nm process node with 28,300 million transistors and a die size of 628 mm². It features 24 GB of GDDR6X memory on a 384-bit bus, delivering 1.01 TB/s of bandwidth, which is among the highest in the database. The GPU’s base clock is 1560 MHz, with a boost clock of 1860 MHz, and the memory runs at 1313 MHz with 21 Gbps effective speed. The shading units total 10752, with 336 texture mapping units and 112 raster output pipelines, enabling a pixel rate of 208.3 GPixel/s and a texture rate of 625.0 GTexel/s. The FP32 performance is 40.00 TFLOPS, with FP16 matching at 40.00 TFLOPS (1:1), which is notable for compute-heavy tasks. The GPU includes 84 RT cores and 336 tensor cores, supporting DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4. Benchmark results show a 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 5741, a Geekbench OpenCL score of 174441, and a Geekbench Vulkan score of 215633, placing it at the 95th percentile against all GPUs. The nearest rivals include the NVIDIA L4 (0.7% behind), the RTX 4000 Ada Generation (2.4% ahead), the NVIDIA A10M (2.4% ahead), and the AMD Radeon PRO W6800 (2.6% ahead). For rendering, the GPU’s high VRAM capacity and bandwidth allow it to handle large scenes and high-resolution textures, while the RT cores accelerate ray-traced lighting and shadows. The tensor cores provide AI-accelerated features like DLSS, which can boost frame rates in supported games without sacrificing image quality. The GPU’s TDP is 450 W, requiring an 850 W suggested PSU, and it uses a 1x 16-pin power connector. The card is triple-slot with a length of 336 mm, making it a large physical component that needs a spacious case. Its production status is end-of-life, with the GeForce 40 series as its successor, but its performance remains competitive in the current database.

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-12900E + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti

Power Build

System Balance Analysis

Intel Core i9-12900E

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti

Market Position

Game Performance Benchmarks

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

Performance Insights

Strong Performance

Bottleneck Detected

Performance Tiers Explained

Ultimate

High-End

Mid-Range

Entry Level

Legacy

CPU Analysis

Benchmark Performance

Balance and Bottleneck

Who Should Build It

Usage Scenarios

Upgrade Path and Platform

Gaming Performance

FAQ

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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