SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-12900KF + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER

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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95 Score

Top 5% Ranking

95 / 100

ULTIMATE READY

Apex Performer

Top 5% 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

96%

PROCESSOR

Intel Core i9-12900KF

42,830 Benchmark Score

Top 7% Market Ranking

View Full Specs →

GRAPHICS CARD

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER

54,209 Benchmark Score

Top 4% 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

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

# CPU Analysis

The Intel Core i9-12900KF sits in the top tier of desktop processors, built on the Alder Lake architecture with a hybrid design that combines performance and efficiency cores. This 16-core, 24-thread chip uses a 10 nm process from Intel and features a 215 mm² die size. The base clock runs at 3.20 GHz, boosting up to 5.20 GHz under load, which explains its strong single-threaded performance in synthetic tests.

The cache hierarchy is substantial: 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 30 MB L3 pool. This arrangement helps feed the 16 cores efficiently in multi-threaded workloads. The processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory through a dual-channel memory bus, giving builders flexibility in platform configuration. PCIe Gen 4 with 20 CPU lanes provides ample bandwidth for modern storage and expansion cards.

Benchmark data reveals a processor that scales exceptionally well with thread count. The 3DMark scores progress from 1,069 in single-thread to 2,112 in 2-thread, 4,132 in 4-thread, 7,551 in 8-thread, 9,860 in 16-thread, and peak at 11,586 in max-thread tests. This scaling pattern indicates strong multi-core efficiency, with the chip nearly tripling its single-thread score when all threads are engaged. The 16-thread score of 9,860 falls only slightly below the max-thread result, suggesting that additional threads beyond 16 provide diminishing but still meaningful returns.

Cinebench results reinforce this picture. The R23 multi-core score of 34,420 is roughly seven times the single-core score of 4,859, demonstrating excellent parallel scaling. In R20, the multi-core score of 14,456 versus single-core of 2,040 shows similar ratios. Geekbench numbers of 18,113 multi-core and 2,361 single-core place the chip firmly in high-end desktop territory.

The PassMark suite adds workload-specific context. Integer math scores 138,932, floating-point math hits 105,558, and extended instructions reach 33,779. Data compression scores 537,785, while encryption manages 29,502. The multi-thread score of 40,970 and single-thread score of 4,144 indicate balanced performance across both lightly and heavily threaded applications. The prime number finding score of 142 is notably lower, reflecting the integer-heavy nature of that test.

The i9-12900KF holds an 88th percentile ranking among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 42,830. Its nearest rivals are remarkably close: the Intel Core i9-12900 scores 42,906 (0.2% higher), the Core i9-12950HX scores 42,487 (0.8% lower), the Core Ultra 9 386H scores 43,210 (0.9% higher), and the Core i9-12900K scores 42,335 (1.2% lower). This clustering shows that the KF variant trades blows with its siblings and even mobile and newer Ultra parts within a tight performance envelope.

For real workloads, these numbers translate into a CPU that handles video encoding, 3D rendering, and software compilation with ease. The high single-thread score ensures snappy responsiveness in everyday tasks and legacy applications that rely on one or two cores. The 30 MB L3 cache benefits gaming and database workloads where shared data is accessed frequently across cores. The unlocked multiplier allows overclocking headroom, though the stock performance already sits near the top of its class.

# Benchmark Performance

The combined benchmark picture shows a desktop pairing that ranks in the 87th percentile overall, placing it among the most capable systems in the database. The CPU’s average benchmark score of 42,830 and the GPU’s average of 54,209 complement each other well, with neither component dragging down the other’s potential.

The GPU benchmarks demonstrate strong compute and graphics capabilities. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 6,600 represents a modern DirectX 12 workload that stresses ray tracing and mesh shading. Geekbench scores of 219,065 in OpenCL and 260,075 in Vulkan show excellent cross-API performance, with Vulkan outperforming OpenCL by roughly 19%. PassMark results show a G3D score of 34,245, a GPU compute score of 19,822, and a G2D score of 1,270. DirectX 10, 11, and 12 scores of 193, 301, and 134 respectively indicate strong scaling in newer APIs, while the DirectX 9 score of 381 shows backward compatibility with legacy titles.

The GPU holds an 86th percentile ranking among all GPUs, with an average benchmark score of 54,209. Its nearest rivals are extremely close: the RTX 4080 scores 54,247 (0.1% higher), the AMD Radeon Pro W5700X scores 54,828 (1.1% higher), the RX 6750 GRE 12 GB scores 55,698 (2.7% higher), and the Radeon 8060S scores 55,757 (2.8% higher). This tight grouping means the RTX 4080 SUPER sits within a 3% band of several very different cards, from workstation to mainstream gaming parts.

The combined picture reveals a system where CPU and GPU performance tiers align closely. Both components sit in the mid-80s percentile range, suggesting balanced capabilities for demanding applications. The CPU’s 16-thread performance can feed the GPU’s compute units in gaming and rendering scenarios, while the GPU’s high compute throughput handles graphics workloads without waiting on the processor. In CPU-bound tasks like physics simulation or data compression, the i9-12900KF’s PassMark physics score of 2,098 and compression score of 537,785 keep it competitive. In GPU-bound tasks like ray tracing or high-resolution rendering, the RTX 4080 SUPER’s 3DMark and Geekbench scores position it well.

# Gaming Performance

No measured FPS data exists for this exact CPU and GPU combination in the benchmark database. All frame rate figures discussed here are estimates derived from the individual benchmark scores of each component, not from direct gameplay testing. Readers should treat these as projections rather than verified results.

Given the CPU’s 88th percentile ranking and the GPU’s 86th percentile ranking, the estimated gaming performance for this pairing is strong across all resolutions. The CPU’s single-thread score of 1,069 in 3DMark and 4,859 in Cinebench R23 indicate excellent per-core performance, which is critical for maintaining high frame rates in games that rely on one or two primary threads. The GPU’s 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 6,600 and PassMark G3D score of 34,245 suggest it can handle geometry and pixel throughput at high settings.

At 1080p resolution, the CPU’s strong single-thread performance is likely the primary driver of frame rates in many titles, as games often become CPU-bound at lower resolutions. The i9-12900KF’s high boost clock of 5.20 GHz and 30 MB of L3 cache should keep frame times consistent even in scenes with many objects or AI characters. At 1440p, the load shifts more toward the GPU, where the RTX 4080 SUPER’s 10,240 shading units and 80 RT cores can flex their muscle in visually demanding scenes. At 4K, the GPU becomes the dominant factor, and the 16 GB of GDDR6X memory provides ample capacity for high-resolution textures.

The GPU’s ray tracing hardware, consisting of 80 RT cores, positions this system well for modern titles that implement ray-traced reflections, shadows, and global illumination. The 320 tensor cores handle DLSS workloads, which can boost frame rates in supported games by rendering at lower internal resolutions and upscaling. The combination of strong CPU threading and GPU compute suggests that this system can target high refresh rates at 1080p and 1440p, with solid playable frame rates at 4K in most titles, though the exact numbers depend on the specific game and settings.

# Upgrade Path and Platform

This system uses the Intel Socket 1700 platform, which supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory through a dual-channel memory bus. The choice between memory types affects upgrade options, as DDR4 and DDR5 require different motherboards. The CPU supports PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the processor, providing bandwidth for current-generation graphics cards and NVMe storage.

The recommended power supply for this GPU is 700 W, while the CPU has a TDP of 125 W. The system’s total power draw, when combining the CPU at full load with the GPU at its 320 W TDP, leaves reasonable headroom with a 700 W PSU, though builders who plan to overclock both components may want additional capacity. The GPU uses a single 16-pin power connector and occupies a triple-slot width, requiring a case with sufficient clearance and airflow.

A sensible next upgrade path depends on the user’s priorities. For gaming, the CPU remains competitive with its 88th percentile ranking, and the GPU sits at 86th percentile, so neither component is a bottleneck in the traditional sense. Upgrading the memory to higher-speed DDR5 could yield modest gains in bandwidth-sensitive workloads. For storage, adding a PCIe Gen 4 NVMe drive would take advantage of the CPU’s available lanes. The platform’s support for both DDR4 and DDR5 means users who built with DDR4 can migrate to DDR5 only by changing motherboards, which also enables access to newer Intel generations that use Socket 1700.

The CPU’s production status is listed as Active, meaning it remains available for purchase, while the GPU is marked End-of-life with a successor in the GeForce 50 series. This suggests that the GPU may become harder to source over time, while the CPU should remain obtainable. Users building new systems on this platform today should consider whether they plan to keep the GPU long-term or upgrade to a next-generation card when needed.

# Balance and Bottleneck

The balance between this CPU and GPU is well matched, with both components sitting above the 85th percentile in their respective categories. The CPU’s 88th percentile and GPU’s 86th percentile rankings indicate that neither component significantly outclasses the other, which is the hallmark of a balanced build.

In CPU-bound workloads, the i9-12900KF demonstrates strong performance in multi-threaded tests like Cinebench R23 multi-core (34,420) and PassMark multi-thread (40,970). Applications that rely heavily on integer math, floating-point math, or data compression will see the CPU as the primary driver. The PassMark integer math score of 138,932 and floating-point score of 105,558 show that the CPU handles these tasks efficiently. In such workloads, the GPU’s role is secondary, and its compute capabilities remain underutilized.

In GPU-bound workloads, the RTX 4080 SUPER takes the lead. The 3DMark Steel Nomad score of 6,600 and PassMark G3D score of 34,245 indicate strong graphics throughput. Rendering tasks that use the GPU’s 52.22 TFLOPS of FP32 compute or ray tracing features will be limited by the GPU rather than the CPU. The GPU’s 736.3 GB/s memory bandwidth provides ample data throughput for high-resolution textures and complex scenes.

The combined percentile of 87 suggests that in mixed workloads, such as gaming with background streaming or content creation with GPU-accelerated effects, the system distributes load effectively. The CPU can handle physics, AI, and game logic while the GPU manages rendering, and neither component is likely to create a noticeable bottleneck in most scenarios. However, in specific cases where a workload is extremely single-threaded, the CPU’s single-thread score of 1,069 in 3DMark could become the limiting factor despite its strong absolute performance. Conversely, in workloads that heavily use tensor cores for AI or DLSS, the GPU’s 320 tensor cores provide dedicated hardware that the CPU cannot match.

# GPU Analysis

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER is built on the Ada Lovelace architecture using TSMC’s 5 nm process, packing 45,900 million transistors into a 379 mm² die. The transistor density of 121.1M per mm² reflects the advanced manufacturing process. The GPU runs at a base clock of 2,295 MHz with a boost clock of 2,550 MHz, with memory clocked at 1,438 MHz for 23 Gbps effective speed.

Memory configuration consists of 16 GB of GDDR6X on a 256-bit bus, delivering 736.3 GB/s of bandwidth. This capacity and bandwidth support high-resolution gaming with large texture packs and GPU-accelerated rendering workloads. The compute resources include 10,240 shading units, 320 texture mapping units, and 112 raster operation pipelines. The RT cores number 80, while 320 tensor cores handle AI and deep learning tasks.

Compute throughput is substantial: FP32 performance reaches 52.22 TFLOPS, with FP16 at the same 52.22 TFLOPS due to a 1:1 ratio. The pixel rate of 285.6 GPixel/s and texture rate of 816.0 GTexel/s indicate strong rasterization capabilities. The API support includes DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.4, covering current and near-future graphics standards.

Benchmark results show the GPU performing well across different workloads. The 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 6,600 demonstrates modern DirectX 12 performance. Geekbench results of 219,065 in OpenCL and 260,075 in Vulkan show strong compute performance, with Vulkan leading by approximately 19%. PassMark results show a G3D score of 34,245 and GPU compute score of 19,822, with DirectX 9 through 12 scores ranging from 134 to 381. The G2D score of 1,270 covers 2D graphics operations.

The GPU’s 86th percentile ranking places it near the top of the database, with an average benchmark score of 54,209. Its nearest rivals are all within 3% in either direction, including the RTX 4080 at 54,247 (0.1% higher), the Radeon Pro W5700X at 54,828 (1.1% higher), the RX 6750 GRE 12 GB at 55,698 (2.7% higher), and the Radeon 8060S at 55,757 (2.8% higher). This tight grouping means the RTX 4080 SUPER’s relative position is competitive but not dominant.

For rendering workloads, the GPU’s high FP32 throughput and 16 GB memory capacity make it suitable for 3D modeling, video editing, and visual effects. The tensor cores enable AI-accelerated features like DLSS and can speed up machine learning inference. The RT cores provide hardware ray tracing support, which is increasingly used in game engines and professional renderers. The triple-slot cooler and 320 W TDP require robust case airflow, and the 1x 16-pin power connector should be paired with the recommended 700 W power supply.

# Who Should Build It

This system targets users who need high performance in both CPU-intensive and GPU-intensive workloads. Gamers playing at 1440p or 4K resolutions will benefit from the GPU’s strong rasterization and ray tracing abilities, while the CPU’s high single-thread performance ensures smooth frame pacing in CPU-bound titles. The 16 GB VRAM capacity supports high-resolution texture packs and future game requirements.

Content creators working with video editing, 3D rendering, or motion graphics will find the combination of CPU multi-thread performance and GPU compute throughput valuable. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 34,420 and the GPU’s 52.22 TFLOPS FP32 performance handle rendering tasks efficiently. The 30 MB L3 cache aids in large dataset manipulation, while the 16 GB GDDR6X memory supports GPU-accelerated effects and compositing.

Software developers compiling large codebases will appreciate the CPU’s 16-core, 24-thread configuration and PassMark multi-thread score of 40,970. The support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory allows developers to choose between cost-effective or higher-bandwidth memory configurations. The PCIe Gen 4 lanes support fast NVMe storage, reducing build times and improving I/O performance.

Students in computer science, engineering, or digital arts programs can use this system for coursework involving simulation, machine learning, or 3D design. The CPU’s strong single-thread and multi-thread scores handle a variety of academic workloads, while the GPU’s tensor cores support AI frameworks that use CUDA acceleration. Small business workstations for tasks like CAD, video editing, or data analysis will perform well, with the GPU’s compute capabilities speeding up tasks that benefit from parallel processing.

Users who run virtual machines or multitask heavily will benefit from the 24 threads, which handle concurrent workloads without significant performance degradation. The CPU’s PassMark multi-thread score of 40,970 and the GPU’s compute scores support parallel processing across multiple applications simultaneously.

# Build Overview

This desktop build pairs the Intel Core i9-12900KF with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER, combining a high-end 12th-generation processor with a premium 40-series graphics card. The system ranks in the 87th combined percentile, indicating that it outperforms the vast majority of systems in the benchmark database.

The CPU contributes 16 cores and 24 threads with a boost clock of 5.20 GHz, placing it at the 88th percentile among all CPUs. The GPU offers 16 GB of GDDR6X memory, 10,240 shading units, and 80 RT cores, ranking at the 86th percentile among all GPUs. Both components were released within roughly two years of each other, with the CPU launching in late 2021 and the GPU in early 2024, making this a pairing of mature technologies.

The build class is desktop, meaning it is designed for stationary use with a dedicated power supply and cooling solution. The GPU’s triple-slot width and 310 mm length require a roomy case, while the 700 W recommended PSU provides adequate power for both components. The CPU’s unlocked multiplier allows overclocking, and the GPU’s boost clock can be adjusted with appropriate software, giving enthusiasts headroom for additional performance.

The overall tier of this system is high-end, with both components sitting comfortably above the 85th percentile. The CPU’s nearest rivals include other i9 variants and newer Ultra parts, all within a 1.2% performance band, while the GPU’s rivals span from NVIDIA’s own RTX 4080 to AMD’s workstation and gaming cards, all within a 2.8% band. This positioning makes the system competitive with the best hardware available, though not the absolute top performer in every scenario.

The build is well-suited for users who want a single system that can handle demanding gaming, content creation, and professional workloads without compromise. The balanced CPU and GPU performance ensures that neither component becomes a persistent bottleneck, allowing the system to adapt to a wide range of tasks.

# FAQ

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

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

Q: How much memory bandwidth does the GPU provide?

A: The RTX 4080 SUPER has 16 GB of GDDR6X memory on a 256-bit bus, delivering 736.3 GB/s of bandwidth.

Q: What is the CPU’s percentile ranking among all CPUs?

A: The i9-12900KF ranks at the 88th percentile, with an average benchmark score of 42,830.

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

A: The RTX 4080 SUPER ranks at the 86th percentile, with an average benchmark score of 54,209.

Q: Does this system support DDR4 or DDR5 memory?

A: The CPU supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory through a dual-channel memory bus, so it depends on the motherboard chosen.

Q: What power supply is recommended for this GPU?

A: The recommended PSU for the RTX 4080 SUPER is 700 W, and the GPU has a TDP of 320 W.

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

A: The combined percentile is 87, placing it above most systems in the database.

Q: What DirectX version does the GPU support?

A: The GPU supports DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2), along with OpenGL 4.6 and Vulkan 1.4.

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-12900KF + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER

Apex Performer

System Balance Analysis

Intel Core i9-12900KF

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER

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

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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