SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-12900E + NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000

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

84 / 100
HIGH-END

Power Build

Top 16% 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
90%
PROCESSOR

Intel Core i9-12900E

6,611 Benchmark Score
Top 22% Market Ranking
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GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000

17,789 Benchmark Score
Top 10% 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

# Intel Core i9-12900E + NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000: A Workstation Pairing with Measured Potential

The Intel Core i9-12900E and NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 form a desktop pairing that sits at the 62nd percentile among all CPU/GPU combinations, indicating a system positioned above the median of tracked builds. The CPU, a 16-core Alder Lake-S part with 24 threads, posts a strong Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 23,529, while the GPU, a Turing-based workstation card, delivers a Passmark G3D score of 15,117. This combination targets professional workloads where the CPU's high thread count and the GPU's certified driver stability outweigh raw gaming prowess, though the data reveals interesting trade-offs in compute and graphics performance that warrant close examination.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i9-12900E is built on the Alder Lake architecture using Intel's 10 nm process, with a die size of 215 mm². It features 16 cores and 24 threads, a configuration that leverages Intel's hybrid design of performance and efficiency cores, though the FACT PACK does not specify the exact core distribution. The base clock sits at 2.30 GHz, with a boost clock reaching 5.00 GHz, providing a wide frequency range that allows the chip to scale from power-efficient idle states to high-throughput burst workloads. The L3 cache is 30 MB shared across the die, while L1 and L2 caches are rated at 80 KB and 1.25 MB per core, respectively.

Benchmark results show a processor that excels in multi-threaded scenarios. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 23,529 places the i9-12900E well above the average CPU score of 6,611, reflecting its 24-thread capability in rendering and compilation tasks. Single-core performance, measured at 3,321 in Cinebench R23, indicates strong responsiveness for lightly-threaded applications, driven by the 5.00 GHz boost clock. The Geekbench scores of 10,280 multi-core and 1,775 single-core corroborate this balance, showing a chip that handles both parallel and sequential workloads competently. The CPU's percentile rank of 62 versus all CPUs means it outperforms a majority of processors in the database, though it is not at the extreme high end—a position consistent with its 65 W TDP, which limits sustained all-core boost clocks compared to higher-power variants.

The nearest rivals provide context for its performance tier. The Intel Core i5-13500E, with an average score of 6,586, trails the i9-12900E by 0.4%, while the Intel Core i5-13400E leads by 0.4% with a score of 6,638. This clustering indicates that the i9-12900E's average benchmark score of 6,611 is essentially tied with mid-range 13th-gen parts, suggesting that in average workloads, the extra cores of the i9 do not always translate to a decisive advantage—likely due to thermal or power constraints. However, in specific multi-core tests like Cinebench R23, the i9-12900E's 16-core configuration shows its strength, as the 23,529 score is significantly higher than what those i5 parts would achieve in the same test, based on their relative average scores.

Usage Scenarios

High-refresh gaming: The CPU's single-core performance is strong, with a Geekbench single-core score of 1,775, which supports high frame rates in CPU-bound titles. However, the GPU's Passmark DirectX 12 score of 52 is notably low, indicating that the Quadro RTX 4000 is not optimized for modern gaming APIs. Estimated 1080p gaming performance would be modest, likely struggling to maintain high refresh rates in demanding titles, though esports games with lower graphical requirements could see acceptable frame rates.

Streaming: The 24 threads provide ample headroom for encoding video while gaming, as the CPU can handle x264 encoding workloads in parallel with game logic. The lack of measured FPS data prevents precise estimates, but the multi-core score of 23,529 in Cinebench R23 suggests the CPU can manage simultaneous encode and render tasks without significant frame drops, assuming the GPU can keep up with game rendering.

Video editing: The CPU's multi-threaded performance shines here, with Cinebench R20 multi-core scores of 9,882 indicating strong capability in timeline rendering and export tasks. The GPU's 8 GB of VRAM and 416.0 GB/s memory bandwidth support GPU-accelerated effects, though the low DirectX 12 score suggests that newer effects relying on DX12 might underperform. The OpenCL score of 74,540 shows reasonable compute performance for older rendering pipelines.

3D rendering: The CPU's 16 cores deliver a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 23,529, which is robust for CPU-based rendering in applications like Blender or V-Ray. The GPU's FP32 performance of 7.119 TFLOPS, while not class-leading, provides acceleration for GPU-render engines that support CUDA, though the Turing architecture's lack of dedicated hardware for the latest RT features means ray-traced workloads will rely on the 36 RT cores, which are present but dated.

Software development: The 24 threads and 30 MB L3 cache are well-suited for parallel compilation, where the Geekbench multi-core score of 10,280 indicates efficient handling of multiple build processes. The single-core score of 1,775 ensures snappy IDE responsiveness, while the 65 W TDP allows for quieter cooling solutions in office environments.

Student and office work: The CPU's efficiency at 65 W TDP, combined with integrated UHD Graphics 770, means basic tasks like document editing and web browsing run without needing the discrete GPU, saving power. The Geekbench single-core score of 1,775 is more than adequate for productivity apps, and the multi-core score ensures smooth multitasking across many browser tabs and office suites.

GPU Analysis

The NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 is a Turing-architecture workstation GPU built on TSMC's 12 nm process, with a die size of 545 mm² and 13,600 million transistors. It features 2,304 shading units, 144 texture mapping units, and 64 raster output units, along with 36 RT cores and 288 tensor cores. The memory subsystem consists of 8 GB of GDDR6 on a 256-bit bus, delivering 416.0 GB/s of bandwidth. The base clock is 1005 MHz with a boost clock of 1545 MHz, while the memory clock runs at 1625 MHz (13 Gbps effective).

The GPU's benchmark scores reveal a mixed profile. The Passmark G3D score of 15,117 places it in the 61st percentile among all GPUs, which is respectable but not outstanding. However, the DirectX 12 score of 52 is alarmingly low compared to the DirectX 11 score of 128, suggesting that the Quadro RTX 4000's drivers or hardware were not optimized for DX12 workloads—a potential issue for modern games that default to DX12. The Geekbench Vulkan score of 78,844 is stronger, indicating better performance in Vulkan-based applications. The FP32 compute of 7.119 TFLOPS is adequate for professional 3D modeling and simulation, while the FP16 performance of 14.24 TFLOPS (2:1 ratio) supports AI inference tasks, leveraging the 288 tensor cores.

The GPU's nearest rivals include the AMD Radeon HD 7790 (0.7% higher average score), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (0.9% higher), AMD Radeon 780M (1.1% higher), and AMD Radeon Pro 560 (1.4% higher). This tight clustering around the 17,589–17,666 average score range indicates that the Quadro RTX 4000 performs at a level comparable to a mid-range consumer GPU like the RTX 4060, despite being a workstation part. The 160 W TDP and single-slot design make it power-efficient for a card of this era, with a suggested PSU of 450 W. Its 3x DisplayPort 1.4a and 1x USB Type-C outputs support multi-monitor professional setups.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Intel Core i9-12900E uses the Intel Socket 1700 platform, which supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel configuration. The CPU provides PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes, enabling high-bandwidth connectivity for modern SSDs and GPUs, though the Quadro RTX 4000 itself uses PCIe 3.0 x16. The 65 W TDP is modest, meaning most LGA 1700 motherboards with adequate VRM cooling can handle it, and the unlocked multiplier allows overclocking headroom if paired with a capable air cooler or liquid solution—though the FACT PACK does not specify cooler requirements.

For a sensible next upgrade, the platform supports newer 13th-gen Intel processors, which would drop into the same socket with a BIOS update, potentially improving single-core performance. The GPU, being end-of-life, could be upgraded to a more modern workstation card with better DX12 support, as the current Quadro RTX 4000's low DirectX 12 score of 52 is a clear bottleneck in modern graphics APIs. The 450 W suggested PSU provides some headroom, but a more power-hungry GPU would require a PSU upgrade. The 8 GB VRAM may also become a limiting factor for larger 3D scenes or higher-resolution textures, suggesting a GPU with more memory as a future step.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU's benchmark suite shows a processor that is consistently strong in multi-core tests. Cinebench R15 multi-core score is 2,371, R20 multi-core is 9,882, and R23 multi-core is 23,529, demonstrating scaling across benchmark versions. Single-core scores are 334 (R15), 1,394 (R20), and 3,321 (R23), with Geekbench single-core at 1,775 and multi-core at 10,280. The average benchmark score of 6,611 places it at the 62nd percentile, with nearest rivals within a 0.4% margin, indicating that the i9-12900E is competitively positioned but not dominant.

The GPU benchmarks show a wider variance. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 1,873 is modest, while Geekbench OpenCL (74,540) and Vulkan (78,844) scores are more robust. Passmark scores range from 108 (DX10) to 205 (DX9) to 128 (DX11) to 52 (DX12), with G2D at 846, G3D at 15,117, and GPU compute at 6,176. The average benchmark score of 17,789 places it at the 61st percentile, with rivals within 1.4%—a tight grouping that suggests the Quadro RTX 4000 is a middle-of-the-pack performer in aggregate terms.

The combined percentile of 62 indicates that the CPU and GPU are well-matched in terms of their relative performance tiers, with neither component dramatically outclassing the other. The CPU's 62nd percentile and GPU's 61st percentile are nearly identical, suggesting a balanced pairing where both components contribute equally to overall system performance. However, the CPU's multi-core scores are more impressive relative to its percentile than the GPU's DX12 score, which is a clear outlier.

Who Should Build It

This system targets professionals who need a reliable workstation for CAD, 3D modeling, and scientific computing. The CPU's 24 threads and 30 MB L3 cache handle complex simulations and rendering tasks efficiently, as evidenced by the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 23,529. The GPU's 8 GB VRAM and 416.0 GB/s bandwidth are sufficient for moderate-sized 3D scenes and video editing timelines, though the low DX12 score means users should stick to DX11 or Vulkan-based applications for best performance.

Gamers at 1080p or 1440p will find the CPU capable, but the GPU's DirectX 12 score of 52 suggests poor performance in modern titles that use DX12. Esports games or older titles running on DX11 or Vulkan could be playable, but this is not a gaming-first build. Content creators using CPU-based rendering will benefit most, as the i9-12900E's multi-core performance is its standout feature. Software developers compiling large codebases will see fast build times, and students or office workers will appreciate the low 65 W TDP for quiet operation, though they may not need the discrete GPU at all given the integrated UHD Graphics 770.

Small business workstations that require certified drivers for professional software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks) will value the Quadro RTX 4000's workstation lineage, even if its raw performance is comparable to a consumer GPU like the RTX 4060. The single-slot form factor is an advantage for dense workstation builds, and the 3x DisplayPort outputs support multi-monitor productivity setups.

FAQ

Q: What is the CPU's core and thread count?

A: The Intel Core i9-12900E has 16 cores and 24 threads, based on the Alder Lake architecture.

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

A: The i9-12900E's average benchmark score of 6,611 is 0.1% higher than the 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 memory configuration?

A: The NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 has 8 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 256-bit bus, providing 416.0 GB/s of bandwidth.

Q: What is the GPU's DirectX 12 performance?

A: The Passmark DirectX 12 score is 52, which is significantly lower than its DirectX 11 score of 128, indicating poor optimization for DX12 workloads.

Q: What is the combined performance percentile of this build?

A: The combined percentile is 62, meaning it outperforms 62% of tracked CPU/GPU combinations.

Q: Does the CPU support overclocking?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked, allowing overclocking when paired with appropriate cooling.

Q: What is the suggested PSU wattage for this GPU?

A: The suggested PSU is 450 W, based on the GPU's 160 W TDP.

Build Overview

This is a desktop-class build combining the Intel Core i9-12900E, a 16-core Alder Lake processor with a 65 W TDP, and the NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000, a Turing-based workstation GPU with 8 GB of GDDR6 memory. The CPU has a percentile rank of 62, while the GPU sits at the 61st percentile, resulting in a combined percentile of 62. This places the build in the upper-middle tier of all tracked systems, capable of handling professional workloads like 3D rendering and video editing, but with notable limitations in modern gaming due to the GPU's weak DirectX 12 performance. The CPU's 24 threads and 5.00 GHz boost clock are its strongest assets, while the GPU's 416.0 GB/s bandwidth and 288 tensor cores serve compute-heavy tasks well.

Balance and Bottleneck

The CPU and GPU are closely matched in percentile terms (62 vs. 61), indicating a balanced pairing for average workloads. However, the bottleneck analysis reveals specific scenarios where one component limits the other. In multi-threaded CPU workloads like Cinebench R23 (23,529 score), the CPU is clearly the dominant component, and the GPU is not involved. In GPU compute tasks like Passmark G3D (15,117 score), the GPU takes the lead. The critical bottleneck emerges in gaming: the CPU's single-core score of 3,321 (Cinebench R23) is strong, but the GPU's DirectX 12 score of 52 is so low that it would severely cap frame rates in DX12 titles. Conversely, in DX11 or Vulkan games, the GPU's scores (128 and 78,844, respectively) are more reasonable, but the CPU's 65 W TDP may limit sustained boost clocks in CPU-heavy scenes, potentially bottlenecking the GPU. The FPS scaling estimate suggests that at 1080p, the GPU would be the primary limiter in modern DX12 games, while at 4K, the GPU's 8 GB VRAM and bandwidth would further constrain performance, making the CPU less relevant.

Gaming Performance

The FACT PACK contains no measured FPS data for this exact CPU+GPU combination, so all frame rate figures are estimates derived from the benchmark scores. The GPU's Passmark DirectX 12 score of 52 indicates very poor performance in modern DX12 games, likely resulting in sub-30 FPS at 1080p in AAA titles. In contrast, the DirectX 11 score of 128 suggests that DX11 games could achieve playable frame rates, potentially 40-60 FPS at 1080p with medium settings. Vulkan-based games, given the Geekbench Vulkan score of 78,844, might perform better, possibly reaching 60 FPS in titles that use Vulkan. The CPU's strong single-core performance (3,321 in Cinebench R23) would not be the limiting factor in most games, but the GPU's age and driver limitations would cap overall gaming performance. Esports titles like CS:GO or League of Legends, which use DX11 or Vulkan, could run at high frame rates, but the system is not recommended for high-refresh gaming. At 1440p, the 8 GB VRAM and 416.0 GB/s bandwidth would struggle with modern textures, further reducing playability. The integrated UHD Graphics 770 could serve as a fallback for light gaming at lower resolutions, but the discrete GPU's workstation focus is evident in its benchmark profile.