SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-12900K + AMD Radeon RX 6400

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

Well Balanced

CPU

93%

GPU

83%

PROCESSOR

Intel Core i9-12900K

42,335 Benchmark Score

Top 7% Market Ranking

View Full Specs →

GRAPHICS CARD

AMD Radeon RX 6400

6,001 Benchmark Score

Top 17% 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 i9-12900K paired with the AMD Radeon RX 6400 is a desktop combination that presents a stark contrast in compute capability. The CPU is a high-end 16-core part, while the GPU is a modest entry-level offering, and the benchmark data reflects this imbalance. This analysis explores what the numbers mean for real-world workloads, from gaming to content creation.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i9-12900K is a 16-core, 24-thread processor based on the Alder Lake architecture. It combines performance cores with efficiency cores to manage workloads, running on a 10 nm process node from Intel. The base clock is 3.20 GHz, with a boost clock of 5.20 GHz, and it has a TDP of 125 W. The cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 30 MB L3 cache. The CPU supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, offering a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, and it includes ECC memory support. It also features integrated graphics in the form of UHD Graphics 770.

The benchmark scores paint a picture of a processor that excels in both single-threaded and heavily threaded tasks. In Cinebench R23, the CPU scores 26125 in multi-core and 2004.5 in single-core. The multi-core result is 13 times higher than the single-core score, indicating exceptional scaling across its 24 threads. In Geekbench, the multi-core score of 16378 is over seven times the single-core score of 2193, confirming strong parallel performance. PassMark results reinforce this, with a multithread score of 41213 and a single-thread score of 4136. The 3DMark tests show a progression from 1073 in single-thread to 11620 in max-threads, demonstrating that the processor can leverage additional cores effectively. Specifically, the jump from 8 threads (7596) to 16 threads (9912) to max threads (11620) shows diminishing but steady returns, suggesting that the efficiency cores contribute meaningfully to overall throughput.

The CPU sits in the 88th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 42335. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core i9-12950HX, which scores 42487 (0.4% higher), and the AMD Ryzen 5 7400, which scores 42055 (0.7% lower). These tight deltas indicate the i9-12900K is positioned in a competitive performance bracket, though the data shows it is slightly behind the i9-12950HX and slightly ahead of the Ryzen 5 7400. For real workloads, the multi-core scores suggest the CPU can handle video rendering, software compilation, and other parallel tasks with ease. The single-core scores, meanwhile, are strong enough for responsive daily use and gaming, though the GPU will likely limit gaming performance in this specific pairing.

GPU Analysis

The AMD Radeon RX 6400 is built on the RDNA 2.0 architecture, using the Navi 24 chip manufactured on a 6 nm process by TSMC. It features 768 shading units, 48 texture mapping units, and 32 ROPs. The GPU has 12 ray tracing cores, though it lacks dedicated tensor cores. Its clocks are listed with a base of 1923 MHz, a game clock of 2039 MHz, and a boost clock of 2321 MHz. The memory subsystem is limited to 4 GB of GDDR6 on a 64-bit bus, providing 128.0 GB/s of bandwidth. The GPU’s FP32 performance is 3.565 TFLOPS, with FP16 at 7.130 TFLOPS (2:1). It has a TDP of 53 W and requires only a 250 W suggested PSU. It interfaces via PCIe 4.0 x4 and supports DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4.

Benchmark results for the GPU are modest, reflecting its entry-level positioning. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score is 176, which is low compared to modern GPUs. PassMark scores show a G3D score of 7673, a G2D score of 722, and a GPU compute score of 2812. Geekbench scores include an OpenCL result of 32011 and a Vulkan result of 16372. These numbers indicate the GPU is capable of basic 3D acceleration but will struggle with high-end gaming or rendering tasks. The GPU’s percentile ranking is 35, with an average benchmark score of 6001. Its nearest rivals are the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770M (6000, 0% delta), the NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server (5996, 0.1% delta), and the AMD FirePro W4100 (5987, 0.2% delta). These rivals are all older or lower-tier parts, underscoring that the RX 6400 is not a performance leader. For rendering, the 4 GB VRAM and 128.0 GB/s bandwidth are limiting factors, especially in modern titles that require more memory. The 12 ray tracing cores provide some RT capability, but the low overall compute power suggests RT performance will be poor.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Intel Core i9-12900K uses the Intel Socket 1700, which supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory. This gives builders flexibility in choosing memory, though the dual-channel configuration offers a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s regardless of type. The CPU provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, which is forward-looking for storage and GPU connectivity. The GPU, however, uses PCIe 4.0 x4, which is a narrower interface. The CPU has a TDP of 125 W, while the GPU has a TDP of 53 W, and the suggested PSU for the GPU is 250 W. This suggests that the overall system power draw is modest, and a capable air cooler should suffice for the CPU based on its TDP.

A sensible next upgrade would involve addressing the GPU bottleneck. The CPU’s strong benchmark scores, particularly the Cinebench R23 multi-core result of 26125, indicate it can support a much more powerful graphics card without becoming the limiting factor. The PCIe Gen 5 support on the CPU ensures compatibility with future GPUs. Conversely, the RX 6400’s 4 GB VRAM and low compute scores are the primary constraints. Upgrading to a GPU with more VRAM and higher FP32 performance would better utilize the CPU’s capabilities. The platform’s memory support for both DDR4 and DDR5 means users can choose a path that fits their budget, and the ECC memory support is a plus for workstation tasks. The 250 W suggested PSU for the GPU also leaves ample headroom for a higher-tier card, as most mid-range GPUs require more power but the CPU’s 125 W TDP is manageable.

Who Should Build It

This pairing targets users who prioritize CPU-heavy workloads over graphics performance. The CPU’s 88th percentile ranking and high multi-core scores make it suitable for software developers compiling large codebases, students running simulation software, or small business workstations handling data analysis. The PassMark data compression score of 537341 and integer math score of 139090 suggest strong performance in tasks like file archiving and spreadsheet calculations. For content creators, the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 26125 indicates the CPU can handle 3D rendering and video encoding, but the GPU’s 4 GB VRAM will limit GPU-accelerated effects.

Gamers at 1080p with low settings might find the RX 6400 acceptable for esports titles, given its PassMark G3D score of 7673, but it will not run modern AAA games at high settings. The CPU’s single-thread score of 4136 in PassMark ensures that gaming logic and physics calculations are handled smoothly, but the GPU will be the bottleneck. Students and office workers will benefit from the CPU’s responsiveness, though the GPU is overkill for basic productivity. The build is not ideal for high-refresh gaming or professional 3D rendering, where the GPU’s limitations become apparent. Instead, it suits users who need a powerful processor for compute tasks and only light graphics duty.

Balance and Bottleneck

The data shows a severe imbalance in this pairing. The CPU is in the 88th percentile of all CPUs, while the GPU is in the 35th percentile. This discrepancy means the GPU will be the limiting factor in most graphics-intensive workloads. For gaming, the CPU’s strong single-thread scores (e.g., Cinebench R23 single-core of 2004.5) ensure it will not hold back frame rates, but the GPU’s low G3D score of 7673 will cap performance. The CPU can push hundreds of FPS in esports titles, but the GPU will likely deliver significantly fewer frames.

In compute workloads, the balance shifts. The CPU’s multi-core scores dominate, while the GPU’s compute score of 2812 in PassMark is weak. For tasks like 3D rendering that rely on the GPU, performance will be poor. However, for CPU-bound workloads like data compression or encryption (PassMark scores of 537341 and 29579, respectively), the CPU will perform admirably. The bottleneck is therefore workload-dependent: the GPU limits gaming and GPU-accelerated tasks, while the CPU excels in general-purpose parallel computing. The FPS scaling in games will be primarily determined by the GPU, with the CPU providing no meaningful constraint in most scenarios.

Gaming Performance

No measured FPS rows exist for this exact combination in the FACT PACK. All FPS discussions are therefore estimated from the benchmark scores and should be treated as approximations. The GPU’s 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 176 and PassMark G3D score of 7673 suggest it is capable of running older or less demanding games at 1080p with low to medium settings. Esports titles like CS:GO or League of Legends might achieve playable frame rates, given the CPU’s strong single-thread performance and the GPU’s modest capabilities. However, modern AAA games with high graphical demands will likely struggle due to the 4 GB VRAM and low FP32 throughput of 3.565 TFLOPS.

At 1080p, lighter titles could see estimates of 60 FPS or higher, but demanding games might fall to 30 FPS or below. At 1440p or 4K, the GPU’s 128.0 GB/s bandwidth and 64-bit bus will severely limit performance. The CPU’s integrated UHD Graphics 770 could serve as a backup for basic display tasks, but it is not a gaming solution. The GPU’s ray tracing cores are present, but with only 12 cores and low compute power, RT effects will be barely usable. Overall, this is not a gaming-focused build, and the estimates reflect that the GPU is the primary constraint in any gaming scenario.

FAQ

Q: How does the Intel Core i9-12900K compare to its nearest rival, the Intel Core i9-12950HX?

A: The i9-12900K has an average benchmark score of 42335, which is 0.4% lower than the i9-12950HX’s score of 42487. The performance difference is minimal.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth of the CPU, and does it support ECC?

A: The CPU supports dual-channel DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. It also includes ECC memory support.

Q: How much VRAM does the AMD Radeon RX 6400 have, and what is its bus width?

A: The GPU has 4 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 64-bit bus, providing 128.0 GB/s of bandwidth.

Q: What is the TDP of the CPU and GPU, and what PSU is suggested?

A: The CPU has a TDP of 125 W, and the GPU has a TDP of 53 W. The suggested PSU for the GPU is 250 W.

Q: Does the CPU support PCIe Gen 5?

A: Yes, the CPU provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, while the GPU uses PCIe 4.0 x4.

Q: What is the GPU’s percentile ranking among all GPUs?

A: The GPU is in the 35th percentile of all GPUs, with an average benchmark score of 6001.

Q: Are there measured FPS data for this CPU-GPU combination?

A: No, there are no measured FPS rows for this exact combination. All FPS discussions are estimates based on benchmark scores.

Build Overview

This is a desktop build pairing the Intel Core i9-12900K, a high-end 16-core processor, with the AMD Radeon RX 6400, an entry-level GPU. The CPU is in the 88th percentile of all CPUs, while the GPU is in the 35th percentile. The combined percentile of this pairing is 62, indicating an overall mid-tier system. The CPU’s launch MSRP is $599, and the GPU’s launch MSRP is 159 USD. The pairing is unusual because the CPU is a top-tier part, while the GPU is a budget option, resulting in a system that excels at CPU-bound tasks but lags in graphics performance. The build class is desktop, and the data suggests it is best suited for productivity and compute workloads rather than gaming or GPU-accelerated rendering.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU’s average benchmark score is 42335, placing it in the 88th percentile of all CPUs. Its strongest results include a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 26125 and a Geekbench multi-core score of 16378. The GPU’s average benchmark score is 6001, placing it in the 35th percentile of all GPUs. Its best result is a PassMark G3D score of 7673. The combined percentile of 62 reflects the CPU’s high performance dragging up the overall score, despite the GPU’s low numbers. The CPU’s nearest rivals are all within 1% of its score, showing it is a well-balanced part in its class. The GPU’s nearest rivals are older or workstation-class parts, indicating it is not a competitive option for modern gaming. The combined picture is a system that will deliver exceptional CPU performance in tasks like video encoding (Cinebench R23) and data processing (PassMark integer math of 139090), but the GPU will significantly hinder any graphics-heavy application.

Usage Scenarios

High-refresh gaming: This scenario is not recommended. The GPU’s low G3D score of 7673 and 4 GB VRAM will cap frame rates well below what the CPU can support. Estimates suggest 1080p esports titles might run, but demanding games will not achieve high refresh rates.

Streaming: The CPU’s 24 threads and high multi-core score (Cinebench R23 of 26125) can handle encoding, but the GPU’s weak performance will limit game capture quality. The 4 GB VRAM is insufficient for modern streaming overlays and games simultaneously.

Video editing: CPU-based editing will be fast, with the Geekbench multi-core score of 16378 ensuring smooth timeline scrubbing. However, GPU-accelerated effects and rendering will be slow due to the GPU’s compute score of 2812 in PassMark.

3D rendering: The CPU will excel at CPU-based rendering, as shown by the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 26125, but GPU-based renderers like Blender Cycles will be severely limited by the GPU’s low FP32 throughput of 3.565 TFLOPS.

Software development: The CPU is ideal for compiling code, with the PassMark multithread score of 41213 indicating fast build times. The GPU is irrelevant for this task, so the system is well-suited for developers.

Student and office work: Both components are overkill for basic tasks, but the CPU ensures fast spreadsheet calculations (PassMark integer math of 139090) and data compression (537341). The GPU’s G2D score of 722 is sufficient for desktop rendering and office applications.

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-12900K + AMD Radeon RX 6400

Power Build

System Balance Analysis

Intel Core i9-12900K

AMD Radeon RX 6400

Market Position

Game Performance Benchmarks

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

Performance Insights

Strong Performance

Performance Tiers Explained

Ultimate

High-End

Mid-Range

Entry Level

Legacy

CPU Analysis

GPU Analysis

Upgrade Path and Platform

Who Should Build It

Balance and Bottleneck

Gaming Performance

FAQ

Build Overview

Benchmark Performance

Usage Scenarios

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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