SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-12900K + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060

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

Build Configuration

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PROCESSOR (CPU)

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GRAPHICS CARD (GPU)

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93 Score

Top 7% Ranking

93 / 100

ULTIMATE READY

Apex Performer

Top 7% of systems. Capable of 4K Ultra gaming and advanced rendering.

4K 60+ FPSVR ReadyRay Tracing

System Balance Analysis

CPU vs GPU performance ratio

Well Balanced

CPU

93%

GPU

93%

PROCESSOR

Intel Core i9-12900K

42,335 Benchmark Score

Top 7% Market Ranking

View Full Specs →

GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060

26,331 Benchmark Score

Top 7% 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

Optimal Performance

Your system is in the top tier. You can run any modern game at maximum settings.

4K Gaming Ready

Consider a 4K 144Hz monitor to fully utilize your hardware capabilities.

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 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 form a desktop pairing that sits at the 80th combined percentile among all CPU-GPU combinations in the database. The processor is an Alder Lake-S part on the Intel Socket 1700 platform, built on a 10 nm process with 16 cores and 24 threads, while the graphics card is a Blackwell 2.0 architecture part on TSMC’s 5 nm node. This combination targets users who want strong multi-threaded compute from the CPU and modern rendering features from the GPU, but the data reveals a significant imbalance in raw compute capability between the two components.

CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i9-12900K is a 16-core, 24-thread processor from the Core 12th Gen series, with a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz. Its Alder Lake architecture uses a hybrid design, though the FACT PACK does not specify the exact P-core/E-core split. The CPU features 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 30 MB of shared L3 cache. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. The processor includes UHD Graphics 770 integrated graphics, which is useful for troubleshooting or basic display output, but the discrete RTX 5060 will handle all demanding graphical workloads. The 125 W TDP and unlocked multiplier indicate that this chip is designed for enthusiast overclocking on compatible Z-series motherboards.

Benchmark scores show a processor that scales strongly with thread count. The 3DMark scores climb from 1073 in single-thread to 2120 in 2-thread, 4145 in 4-thread, 7596 in 8-thread, 9912 in 16-thread, and 11620 in max-thread tests. This scaling pattern suggests that the chip adds performance nearly linearly as more threads are utilized, which is typical of a high-core-count desktop part. Cinebench R23 results reinforce this: a multicore score of 26125 versus a single-core score of 2004.5 indicates that the CPU is roughly 13 times faster in multi-threaded workloads, a ratio that reflects excellent parallel efficiency. Geekbench scores of 16378 multicore and 2193 single-core show a similar pattern.

The CPU’s percentile ranking against all processors is 88, with an average benchmark score of 42335. Its nearest rivals are the Intel Core i9-12950HX (avg score 42487, just 0.4% faster), the AMD Ryzen 5 7400 (avg score 42055, 0.7% slower), the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS (avg score 41963, 0.9% slower), and the Intel Core i7-14700T (avg score 41914, 1.0% slower). This means the 12900K sits in a very tight competitive cluster where performance differences are under 1.5%. For real workloads, this translates to a processor that is marginally slower than a high-end mobile HX chip but slightly faster than several modern desktop and mobile parts. The Passmark multithread score of 41213, floating point math score of 105471, and integer math score of 139090 indicate strong number-crunching ability for scientific or financial simulations.

Data compression and encryption scores from Passmark—537341 and 29579 respectively—show that the CPU handles archival tasks and secure data processing with ease. The extended instructions score of 33682 suggests solid SIMD performance for multimedia codecs. The single-thread Passmark score of 4136 is respectable, though not class-leading, meaning that lightly-threaded applications like older games or simple office tools will run smoothly but without the headroom of the very fastest single-core parts.

Balance and Bottleneck

The data shows a substantial gap between CPU and GPU compute capabilities. The CPU’s average benchmark score is 42335, while the GPU’s average benchmark score is 26331, a difference that puts the processor at a much higher absolute performance tier. However, percentile rankings tell a different story: the CPU is at the 88th percentile among all CPUs, while the GPU is at the 72nd percentile among all GPUs. This means the processor is relatively stronger within its own market than the graphics card is within its market. In gaming workloads, this imbalance suggests that the RTX 5060 is likely the limiting factor at standard resolutions, as the CPU has ample headroom to feed frames. For productivity tasks that use both components, the CPU will dominate compute-heavy operations while the GPU handles rendering acceleration.

The 3DMark CPU scores, particularly the max-thread score of 11620, indicate that the processor can handle complex physics simulations or AI workloads that feed the GPU. The GPU’s Passmark G3D score of 20891 and 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 3628 are moderate for a modern graphics card, suggesting that in GPU-bound scenarios, the card will reach its limits before the CPU does. The CPU’s Passmark physics score of 2219 is notably high, which supports the idea that CPU-bound physics in games will not be a bottleneck. The combined percentile of 80 for this pairing reflects that, on average, the system performs better than 80% of all configurations, but the individual component percentiles (88 CPU, 72 GPU) show that the GPU drags the overall percentile down from what the CPU alone would achieve.

FPS scaling in games will follow the GPU’s capability, since modern games at high settings are typically GPU-limited. The CPU’s 16-thread 3DMark score of 9912 and single-thread score of 1073 suggest that even at 1080p with a powerful GPU, this CPU would rarely be the constraint. With the RTX 5060, however, the frame rate ceiling is set by the GPU’s 19.18 TFLOPS FP32 performance and 448.0 GB/s memory bandwidth, which are modest figures for a 2025 release. In CPU-light games, the system will be GPU-bound; in heavily threaded strategy or simulation games, the CPU will excel, but the GPU may still cap frame rates.

Benchmark Performance

The CPU’s benchmark suite shows a consistent pattern of strong multi-threaded performance. In Cinebench R15, the multicore score is 4057, while the single-core score is 289, a ratio of about 14:1. Cinebench R20 shows 14679 multicore and 2072 single-core. The Passmark multithread score of 41213 places the CPU in the upper tier of desktop processors, while the single-thread score of 4136 is competitive but not top-tier. The 3DMark 16-thread score of 9912 is particularly relevant for gaming workloads, as many modern games use up to 16 threads. The 2-thread score of 2120 and 4-thread score of 4145 show that even lightly threaded tasks get solid performance.

The GPU’s benchmark results are more mixed. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 3628 is a modern DirectX 12 test that reflects real gaming performance, and this number suggests the card is capable of 1080p and some 1440p gaming. The Geekbench OpenCL score of 112787 and Vulkan score of 113321 indicate strong compute performance for a card in this class. Passmark G3D score of 20891 places the GPU in a mid-range tier, while the Passmark GPU compute score of 10899 shows that compute workloads are not the card’s primary strength. The DirectX 12 Passmark score of 77 is notably low compared to DirectX 11 (200) and DirectX 9 (225), which may indicate driver optimization or architectural differences in older API tests.

The combined picture is a system where the CPU outperforms its rivals by a small margin—0.7% faster than the AMD Ryzen 5 7400, for example—while the GPU trades blows with its nearest rivals: it is 0.3% slower than the AMD Radeon 860M and 0.3% slower than the NVIDIA GeForce MX550, but 1.2% faster than the AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT and 0.8% faster than the AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT 50th Anniversary. This means the RTX 5060 performs at a level similar to older mid-range cards, which is surprising given its newer architecture. The CPU, by contrast, performs like a high-end part from its generation.

Gaming Performance

The FACT PACK contains no measured FPS data for this exact CPU-GPU combination, so all gaming performance figures presented here are estimates derived from the benchmark scores. The GPU’s 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 3628 and Passmark G3D score of 20891 suggest that at 1080p with ultra settings, this system would deliver playable frame rates in most titles, likely in the 60-100 FPS range for modern AAA games, though the data does not specify exact numbers. At 1440p, the GPU’s 8 GB of GDDR7 memory and 448.0 GB/s bandwidth would become more of a constraint, and frame rates would drop into the 40-70 FPS range for demanding games. At 4K, the system would struggle to maintain 60 FPS in many titles, as the GPU’s 19.18 TFLOPS FP32 performance is modest for that resolution.

The CPU’s gaming-relevant scores—particularly the 3DMark 8-thread score of 7596 and 16-thread score of 9912—indicate that it would not bottleneck the GPU at any resolution. The single-thread score of 1073 in 3DMark and 4136 in Passmark is sufficient for high-refresh gaming at 1080p, where CPU overhead is more noticeable. Because no measured FPS data exists, these figures should be treated as estimates based on the benchmark scores, and actual in-game performance will vary by title and settings. The GPU’s DirectX 12 Ultimate support and Vulkan 1.4 API compatibility mean it is ready for modern game engines, but its raw compute limits will define the experience.

Usage Scenarios

High-refresh gaming: The CPU’s strong single-thread and 8-thread scores (1073 and 7596 in 3DMark) support high frame rates in esports titles, but the GPU’s moderate performance (Passmark G3D 20891) means that achieving 144+ FPS at 1080p ultra will only be possible in less demanding games. For competitive shooters with reduced settings, the system could push higher frame rates, but the data does not guarantee this.

Streaming: The CPU’s 24 threads and high Passmark multithread score of 41213 provide ample headroom for software encoding while gaming. The GPU also supports modern encoding features, though the FACT PACK does not specify NVENC details. The CPU alone can handle the encoding load without impacting game performance.

Video editing: The CPU’s Cinebench R23 multicore score of 26125 and Geekbench multicore score of 16378 make it excellent for timeline playback and rendering. The GPU’s OpenCL score of 112787 assists with effects and acceleration. This pairing is well-suited for 4K video editing.

3D rendering: The CPU’s max-thread 3DMark score of 11620 and Passmark floating point score of 105471 indicate strong CPU rendering performance. The GPU’s 19.18 TFLOPS FP32 and 120 tensor cores provide acceleration for GPU renderers, though the 8 GB VRAM may limit scene complexity.

Software development: The CPU’s high multi-threaded scores (3DMark max threads 11620, Passmark multithread 41213) speed up compilation and testing. The GPU is adequate for UI rendering and basic local testing, but not for large-scale GPU compute jobs.

Student and office work: This system is overkill for typical office tasks, but the CPU’s single-thread performance (Passmark 4136) ensures snappy responsiveness. The integrated UHD Graphics 770 provides a fallback if the discrete GPU is disabled, and the CPU’s data encryption score of 29579 supports secure workflows.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Intel Core i9-12900K uses the Intel Socket 1700 platform, which supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. This gives builders flexibility in choosing memory, though the 76.8 GB/s bandwidth figure reflects the dual-channel configuration. The CPU provides PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes, while the GPU uses a PCIe 5.0 x8 interface, meaning the CPU has enough lanes to feed the graphics card without contention. The system’s PSU requirement is guided by the GPU’s suggested PSU of 300 W and the CPU’s 125 W TDP, though the FACT PACK does not specify a combined system TDP.

A sensible next upgrade would be a more powerful GPU, since the CPU has headroom—its 88th percentile ranking versus the GPU’s 72nd percentile means the processor can support a faster card without becoming a bottleneck. The CPU’s 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes are sufficient for any current or near-future GPU. Memory upgrades are also possible, as the platform supports both DDR4 and DDR5, allowing users to move to faster kits without changing the motherboard. The CPU’s unlocked multiplier and active production status mean it remains a viable platform for several years, though the Socket 1700 is not forward-compatible with newer Intel generations—the data does not specify which CPUs are compatible beyond this one.

Who Should Build It

This system targets gamers who play at 1080p and are willing to accept medium-to-high settings in modern titles, since the GPU’s 72nd percentile ranking and 8 GB VRAM limit higher resolutions. Content creators who work with 4K video editing or 3D rendering will benefit from the CPU’s strong multi-threaded scores (Cinebench R23 multicore 26125) and the GPU’s compute capability (OpenCL 112787). Software developers compiling large codebases will appreciate the 24 threads and high Passmark integer math score of 139090. Students and small business users who need a reliable desktop for general productivity will find this system far more capable than necessary, but the integrated graphics provide a safety net. The 80th combined percentile means this build sits above most systems in the database, making it suitable for enthusiasts who want strong CPU performance without the highest-end GPU.

Build Overview

This is a desktop-class build combining the Intel Core i9-12900K processor with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics card. The CPU is a 16-core, 24-thread part from the Alder Lake generation, while the GPU is a Blackwell 2.0 architecture card with 8 GB of GDDR7 memory. The system’s combined percentile of 80 places it in the upper fifth of all configurations in the database. The CPU’s 88th percentile ranking is significantly higher than the GPU’s 72nd percentile, creating a system that is CPU-heavy in its performance profile. This pairing is best described as a productivity-first desktop with gaming capabilities, rather than a dedicated gaming rig, because the processor’s compute power exceeds what the GPU can utilize in most gaming scenarios.

FAQ

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

A: The Intel Core i9-12900K has 16 cores and 24 threads, with a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz.

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

A: The CPU’s average benchmark score is 42335, which is 0.4% slower than the Intel Core i9-12950HX (42487) and 0.7% faster than the AMD Ryzen 5 7400 (42055).

Q: What is the GPU’s memory configuration?

A: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 has 8 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 128-bit bus, with a bandwidth of 448.0 GB/s.

Q: Is there measured FPS data for this combination?

A: No, the FACT PACK contains no measured FPS data for this exact CPU-GPU pairing, so all gaming performance figures are estimates from benchmark scores.

Q: What is the CPU’s integrated graphics capability?

A: The CPU includes UHD Graphics 770, which can handle basic display output and troubleshooting, but the discrete RTX 5060 is required for demanding graphical workloads.

Q: Does the platform support both DDR4 and DDR5?

A: Yes, the Intel Socket 1700 platform supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s.

Q: What is the GPU’s percentile ranking?

A: The GPU is at the 72nd percentile among all GPUs, with an average benchmark score of 26331, placing it near the AMD Radeon 860M and NVIDIA GeForce MX550 in performance.

GPU Analysis

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 is built on the Blackwell 2.0 architecture using TSMC’s 5 nm process, with 21,900 million transistors on a 181 mm² die. The GPU has 3840 shading units, 120 texture mapping units, and 48 raster output units. It features 30 RT cores and 120 tensor cores, which provide hardware acceleration for ray tracing and AI workloads. The base clock is 2280 MHz with a boost clock of 2497 MHz, and the memory runs at 1750 MHz (28 Gbps effective). The 8 GB of GDDR7 memory on a 128-bit bus delivers 448.0 GB/s of bandwidth, which is modest for a modern card but sufficient for 1080p gaming. The card’s pixel rate is 119.9 GPixel/s and texture rate is 299.6 GTexel/s, with FP32 and FP16 performance both rated at 19.18 TFLOPS.

Benchmark results show the GPU performs at a mid-range level. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 3628 indicates it can handle modern DirectX 12 games, while the Geekbench Vulkan score of 113321 shows strong API efficiency. The Passmark G3D score of 20891 places it at the 72nd percentile among all GPUs, meaning it outperforms 72% of graphics cards in the database but lags behind higher-end models. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Radeon 860M (0.3% faster) and NVIDIA GeForce MX550 (0.3% faster), which are both integrated or mobile parts, suggesting the RTX 5060’s performance is comparable to some integrated solutions despite being a discrete card. The GPU’s TDP is 145 W, requiring a 300 W suggested PSU, and it uses a single 8-pin power connector. The card is dual-slot, measuring 241 mm in length, and offers 1x HDMI 2.1b and 3x DisplayPort 2.1b outputs. For rendering workloads, the 120 tensor cores and RT cores provide acceleration for AI denoising and ray-traced effects, but the 8 GB VRAM and 19.18 TFLOPS FP32 limit complex scenes. The GPU’s DirectX 12 Ultimate and Vulkan 1.4 support ensure compatibility with current game engines, but its compute scores (Passmark GPU compute 10899) suggest it is not a compute powerhouse. Overall, the RTX 5060 delivers solid 1080p gaming performance with modern features, but its 72nd percentile ranking shows it is not a high-end part, and the CPU in this build has significantly more relative strength.

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-12900K + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060

Apex Performer

System Balance Analysis

Intel Core i9-12900K

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060

Market Position

Game Performance Benchmarks

Cyberpunk 2077

Red Dead Redemption 2

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Control

Call of Duty: Warzone

Fortnite

Performance Insights

Optimal Performance

4K Gaming Ready

Performance Tiers Explained

Ultimate

High-End

Mid-Range

Entry Level

Legacy

CPU Analysis

Balance and Bottleneck

Benchmark Performance

Gaming Performance

Usage Scenarios

Upgrade Path and Platform

Who Should Build It

Build Overview

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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