SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-12900F + Intel Arc A310E

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
94%
VS
GPU
74%
PROCESSOR

Intel Core i9-12900F

47,176 Benchmark Score
Top 6% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →
GRAPHICS CARD

Intel Arc A310E

0 Benchmark Score
Top 26% 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

Intel Core i9-12900F is a desktop processor that sits in the 89th percentile of all CPUs, placing it firmly in the high-performance tier for productivity and multi-threaded workloads. When paired with the Intel Arc A310E, a GPU in the 50th percentile, the combination creates a heavily CPU-favored system where the processor dominates the performance profile. The CPU’s Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30405 and single-core score of 4292 reflect a chip capable of handling both heavily threaded rendering tasks and responsive everyday computing, while the GPU’s modest 3.072 TFLOPS of FP32 compute limits the system to entry-level graphics work. No measured FPS rows exist for this exact combination, so all gaming and frame-rate discussion is estimated from the benchmark scores rather than direct testing.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i9-12900F is built on the Alder Lake architecture using a 10 nm process from Intel, featuring a die size of 215 mm². It houses 16 cores and 24 threads, with a base clock of 2.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.10 GHz. The cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 30 MB L3 cache. This configuration delivers a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30405, which is 0.3% behind the Intel Core i7-13700KF (score 47330) but 0.3% ahead of the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 375 (score 47022) and 0.4% ahead of the AMD Ryzen 9 5900 (score 46971) in average benchmark score. The single-core performance is equally strong, with a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 4292, indicating excellent responsiveness for lightly threaded tasks.

The CPU’s Passmark multi-thread score of 35912 and Geekbench multi-core score of 15965 underscore its capability in parallel workloads. The data compression score of 451402 and integer math score of 129504 highlight strong performance in data-heavy tasks, while the floating point math score of 96452 shows solid number-crunching ability. The 65 W TDP is notably low for a 16-core part, making it an efficient choice for sustained workloads without requiring exotic cooling. The memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s over dual-channel DDR4 or DDR5 support provides ample data throughput for most applications, and the PCIe Gen 5 interface with 16 lanes (CPU only) ensures modern storage and GPU connectivity.

Benchmark results indicate that the i9-12900F excels in multi-threaded environments such as video encoding, 3D rendering, and software compilation, where its 24 threads can be fully utilized. The single-core scores, including a Passmark single-thread score of 4017, suggest that it also handles web browsing, office applications, and legacy software with ease. The 89th percentile ranking means it outperforms the majority of CPUs on the market, but the nearest rivals show that the performance gap is narrow, with deltas of only 0.3-0.6% between the i9-12900F and its closest competitors.

Usage Scenarios

For high-refresh gaming, the i9-12900F’s single-core performance is adequate to drive high frame rates in CPU-bound titles, but the Arc A310E’s 50th percentile GPU ranking means that graphics settings must be lowered to achieve smooth gameplay at 1080p. The CPU’s Cinebench R23 single-core score of 4292 ensures that the processor will not be the bottleneck in most gaming scenarios, but the GPU’s limited 3.072 TFLOPS will cap frame rates in graphically demanding games.

Streaming benefits from the CPU’s 24 threads, which can handle encoding alongside gameplay without significant performance degradation. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30405 provides ample headroom for x264 encoding at moderate presets, while the Passmark data encryption score of 25251 suggests efficient handling of stream encryption overhead. However, the GPU’s lack of dedicated hardware encoding muscle (only 6 RT cores) means software encoding may be preferable, adding load to the CPU.

Video editing workloads will see strong performance from the i9-12900F, with the Passmark multi-thread score of 35912 and data compression score of 451402 enabling smooth timeline scrubbing and fast export times in applications like Premiere Pro. The 30 MB L3 cache helps with large media files, and the 76.8 GB/s memory bandwidth supports 4K video playback. The GPU’s 4 GB VRAM is sufficient for basic effects and color grading but will struggle with complex compositions.

3D rendering is where the CPU shines, with a Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 12770 and R15 multi-core score of 3064 indicating strong performance in Blender and similar software. The 16 cores and 24 threads are fully utilized in ray tracing workloads, and the 89th percentile ranking places it above most consumer processors. The GPU’s 6 RT cores provide some hardware acceleration but are limited by the 64-bit memory bus and 124.0 GB/s bandwidth.

Software development benefits from the CPU’s multi-threaded compile times, with the Passmark integer math score of 129504 and extended instructions score of 28265 speeding up code compilation and test execution. The 24 threads allow parallel builds, and the 5.10 GHz boost clock reduces latency for single-threaded scripts and IDE responsiveness. The 16 cores handle containerized workloads and virtual machines effectively, though the 65 W TDP may limit sustained all-core boost.

Student and office work is handled with ease, as the i9-12900F’s single-core performance (Cinebench R23 score of 4292) ensures snappy application launches and multitasking. The Passmark single-thread score of 4017 confirms that everyday tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, and web browsing are not bottlenecks. The CPU’s 65 W TDP makes it energy-efficient for long study sessions, and the dual memory support for DDR4 or DDR5 allows flexible system building on a budget.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU’s average benchmark score is 47176, placing it in the 89th percentile of all CPUs. This is a marginal 0.3% behind the Intel Core i7-13700KF (score 47330) and 0.6% ahead of the Intel Core Ultra X9 378H (score 47468), showing that the i9-12900F is competitive with newer parts. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score of 30405 and single-core score of 4292 demonstrate a balanced performance profile, with the multi-threaded advantage being more pronounced. The Geekbench scores of 15965 (multi-core) and 2339 (single-core) corroborate this, indicating strong all-around compute capability.

The GPU’s benchmark results are sparse, with no measured scores and an average benchmark score of 0, but its percentile ranking of 50 places it exactly in the middle of all GPUs. The Arc A310E’s specifications—768 shading units, 32 TMUs, and 16 ROPs—suggest entry-level performance, and the 3.072 TFLOPS FP32 compute is roughly half of what a mid-range GPU would offer. The combined percentile of 70 for the CPU+GPU pairing reflects the CPU’s dominance, with the GPU dragging the overall score down from the CPU’s standalone 89th percentile. The data shows that this system is compute-heavy but graphics-light, making it suitable for productivity tasks rather than gaming.

The lack of measured FPS data for this combination means that real-world gaming performance cannot be directly verified. Estimated frame rates would be constrained by the GPU’s 50th percentile ranking, likely producing playable 1080p results at low to medium settings in less demanding titles, while AAA games would see significant frame rate drops. The CPU’s high single-core score would prevent CPU-side bottlenecks, but the GPU’s 4 GB VRAM and 124.0 GB/s bandwidth would limit texture quality and resolution.

Who Should Build It

This build targets users who prioritize CPU performance over graphics, such as content creators working on video encoding or 3D rendering. The i9-12900F’s 16 cores and 24 threads, paired with a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 30405, make it ideal for Blender, After Effects, or Premiere Pro workflows where the GPU is secondary. The 65 W TDP also appeals to compact desktop builds where power consumption is a concern.

Software developers will benefit from the CPU’s 24 threads for parallel compilation and the Passmark integer math score of 129504, which accelerates build times. The PCIe Gen 5 support allows fast NVMe storage for large codebases, and the dual-channel memory supports up to DDR5 speeds for memory-intensive tests. The GPU’s limited capabilities are sufficient for basic UI rendering and 2D graphics, but developers should not expect GPU acceleration in machine learning frameworks.

Students and office workers seeking a responsive system for multi-tasking will find the i9-12900F’s single-core performance (Cinebench R23 score of 4292) more than adequate. The Passmark single-thread score of 4017 ensures smooth web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing. The Arc A310E provides enough graphics power for dual-monitor setups and 4K video playback, though the 4 GB VRAM may limit high-resolution textures in design software.

Small business workstations that run database queries or financial simulations will leverage the CPU’s multi-threaded strength. The Passmark data compression score of 451402 and floating point math score of 96452 indicate efficient handling of spreadsheet calculations and data analysis. The ECC memory support (a feature listed in the CPU’s specs) adds reliability for critical workloads, though this requires compatible motherboards and memory modules.

Gamers at 1080p with low to medium settings might consider this build for esports titles, where the CPU’s single-core performance drives high frame rates. However, the GPU’s 50th percentile ranking means that demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield would run poorly, and the estimated FPS would be below 60 in most cases. For gaming-focused builds, a stronger GPU would be necessary.

FAQ

Q: What is the CPU’s performance relative to its nearest rivals?

A: The Intel Core i9-12900F has an average benchmark score of 47176, which is 0.3% behind the Intel Core i7-13700KF (score 47330) and 0.3% ahead of the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 375 (score 47022). It also trails the Intel Core Ultra X9 378H (score 47468) by 0.6%.

Q: What is the GPU’s memory configuration?

A: The Intel Arc A310E has 4 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 64-bit bus, providing a bandwidth of 124.0 GB/s. The memory clock is 1937 MHz, which translates to 15.5 Gbps effective.

Q: Does the CPU support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Intel Core i9-12900F supports ECC memory, which is listed in its specifications. It also supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory types over a dual-channel bus.

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

A: The combined percentile is 70, which is lower than the CPU’s standalone 89th percentile due to the GPU’s 50th percentile ranking. This indicates a CPU-heavy system.

Q: Are there any measured FPS results for this build?

A: No, there are no measured FPS rows for the Intel Core i9-12900F paired with the Intel Arc A310E. All gaming performance must be estimated from the benchmark scores.

Q: What is the CPU’s boost clock speed?

A: The Intel Core i9-12900F has a boost clock of 5.10 GHz, with a base clock of 2.40 GHz. The CPU has 16 cores and 24 threads.

Q: What is the GPU’s production status and release date?

A: The Intel Arc A310E is end-of-life and was released on 2024-03-31. It has a TDP of 75 W and requires a suggested PSU of 250 W.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Intel Core i9-12900F uses the Intel Socket 1700, which supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, allowing users to choose between cost-effective DDR4 or higher-performance DDR5. The memory bus is dual-channel with a maximum bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, and the CPU supports ECC memory for error-correcting workloads. The PCIe Gen 5 interface provides 16 lanes (CPU only), enabling fast NVMe SSDs and future GPUs, though the current Arc A310E uses PCIe 4.0 x8.

The CPU’s 65 W TDP is modest, but the suggested PSU for the GPU is 250 W, meaning a typical 400-500 W power supply would provide ample headroom for the entire system. The GPU’s power connectors are listed as none, drawing all power from the PCIe slot, which simplifies installation. The CPU’s multiplier is unlocked, allowing overclocking to boost performance beyond the 5.10 GHz boost clock, though this requires a Z-series motherboard and adequate cooling.

A sensible next upgrade would be to replace the Arc A310E with a more powerful GPU, as the CPU’s 89th percentile ranking can support much faster graphics cards without bottlenecking. The PCIe Gen 5 interface ensures compatibility with future GPUs, and the 30 MB L3 cache provides ample bandwidth for high-end cards. For memory, upgrading to DDR5 modules would improve bandwidth-sensitive tasks, though the 76.8 GB/s limit remains. The socket 1700 platform is mature, with no new CPU releases expected, so the i9-12900F represents a final upgrade for this motherboard rather than a starting point.

Balance and Bottleneck

The data clearly shows that the GPU is the limiting factor in this pairing. The CPU’s 89th percentile ranking versus the GPU’s 50th percentile creates a significant imbalance, where the i9-12900F can process far more data than the Arc A310E can render. In CPU-bound workloads like 3D rendering, video encoding, and software compilation, the system performs at the CPU’s high level, with Cinebench R23 multi-core scores of 30405 driving fast completion times. However, in GPU-bound tasks such as gaming or 3D modeling with real-time viewports, the GPU’s 3.072 TFLOPS and 4 GB VRAM become the bottleneck, capping frame rates and texture quality.

The estimated FPS scaling reflects this imbalance. In esports titles at 1080p low settings, the CPU’s single-core performance (Cinebench R23 score of 4292) could allow high frame rates, but the GPU’s 16 ROPs and 124.0 GB/s bandwidth would limit pixel throughput. For AAA games, the GPU’s 50th percentile ranking suggests sub-60 FPS performance at 1080p medium settings, with 4 GB VRAM causing texture pop-in at higher resolutions. The CPU’s 24 threads remain largely idle during gaming, wasting its multi-core potential.

In productivity workloads, the bottleneck shifts to the CPU, but only in terms of memory bandwidth. The 76.8 GB/s dual-channel limit may constrain certain data-intensive tasks, though the 30 MB L3 cache mitigates this. The GPU’s 6 RT cores provide some hardware ray tracing acceleration, but the low shader count (768) and 64-bit memory bus limit its effectiveness. Overall, this system is best suited for compute-heavy tasks that do not rely on GPU acceleration, where the CPU’s 89th percentile ranking delivers excellent value.

Build Overview

This is a desktop build combining the Intel Core i9-12900F CPU with the Intel Arc A310E GPU, creating a system with a 70th combined percentile ranking. The CPU is a high-end 16-core part from the Core 12th Gen series, manufactured on Intel’s 10 nm process, while the GPU is an entry-level Alchemist (Arc 3) part on TSMC’s 6 nm process. The pairing is unusual, as the CPU outperforms the GPU by a wide margin in benchmark percentiles (89 vs 50), indicating a workstation-oriented configuration rather than a gaming rig.

The CPU’s launch MSRP was $494, and it remains an active production part as of the data’s timestamp. The GPU is end-of-life, released on 2024-03-31, and has no benchmark scores listed. The system’s overall tier is defined by the CPU’s strong multi-threaded performance, which places it in the top 11% of all processors, while the GPU’s mid-pack ranking pulls the combined score down to the 70th percentile. This build is best described as a high-CPU, low-GPU configuration suitable for productivity, development, and light gaming at best.

GPU Analysis

The Intel Arc A310E is a compact, single-slot GPU based on the Xe-HPG architecture with a DG2-128 chip, manufactured on TSMC’s 6 nm process. It features 7,200 million transistors on a 157 mm² die, with a transistor density of 45.9M per mm². The GPU has 768 shading units, 32 TMUs, and 16 ROPs, with 6 RT cores for hardware ray tracing. The base and boost clocks are both 2000 MHz, and the memory runs at 1937 MHz (15.5 Gbps effective) across a 64-bit bus, yielding 4 GB of GDDR6 VRAM and a bandwidth of 124.0 GB/s.

The GPU’s compute capabilities are modest, with FP32 performance of 3.072 TFLOPS and FP16 performance of 6.144 TFLOPS (2:1). The pixel rate is 32.00 GPixel/s and the texture rate is 64.00 GTexel/s, indicating entry-level rasterization performance. The GPU supports DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4, ensuring compatibility with modern APIs. The 4 display outputs (4x mini-DisplayPort 2.0) support multi-monitor setups, and the 75 W TDP requires no external power connectors, drawing all power from the PCIe 4.0 x8 slot.

With a 50th percentile ranking, the Arc A310E performs at the median of all GPUs, but its specifications suggest it is aimed at low-power or embedded applications rather than gaming. The 64-bit memory bus and 4 GB VRAM are limiting factors for modern games, and the 3.072 TFLOPS compute is insufficient for ray tracing at playable frame rates. The 6 RT cores provide some acceleration, but the low shader count and bandwidth mean that rendering workloads would see minimal benefit. The GPU’s end-of-life status and successor, Battlemage, indicate that this is a transitional product. For the i9-12900F pairing, the GPU serves as a basic display adapter rather than a performance component, making the system’s strengths lie entirely in CPU-bound tasks.