SYSTEM ANALYZER

Rate My PC: Intel Core i9-12900T + Intel Arc A380

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

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
91%
VS
GPU
86%
PROCESSOR

Intel Core i9-12900T

37,112 Benchmark Score
Top 9% Market Ranking
View Full Specs →
GRAPHICS CARD

Intel Arc A380

8,558 Benchmark Score
Top 14% 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 i9-12900T and Intel Arc A380 pairing presents a significant mismatch in raw compute capability. The 16-core, 24-thread Alder Lake processor is a high-end workstation-class part, while the Arc A380 is an entry-level discrete GPU. Benchmark data confirms this disparity: the CPU sits at the 85th percentile among all processors, while the GPU ranks at just the 44th percentile. This combination is best understood as a productivity-first desktop where the integrated graphics of the CPU are often more relevant than the discrete GPU for daily tasks, with the Arc A380 adding a modest layer of dedicated graphics capability.

CPU Analysis

The Core i9-12900T is built on Intel's Alder Lake architecture using a 10 nm process, featuring a hybrid design of 16 cores (8 performance and 8 efficiency cores) and 24 threads. The base clock is 1400.00 MHz, which is notably low, but the boost clock reaches 4.90 GHz. This wide clock range indicates a processor designed for power efficiency under load, with a 35 W TDP that allows it to operate in thermally constrained environments. The cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and a shared 30 MB L3 cache. Benchmark results show the processor's strengths in multi-threaded workloads: it scores 24528 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, 10301 in Cinebench R20 multi-core, and 2472 in Cinebench R15 multi-core. Single-core performance is also solid, with scores of 3462 in Cinebench R23, 1454 in Cinebench R20, and 348 in Cinebench R15. The Geekbench scores of 11615 multi-core and 2259 single-core further corroborate this balanced profile.

The PassMark suite provides additional insight into specialized workloads. The multi-thread score of 29601 and single-thread score of 3810 indicate strong general-purpose compute. Data compression performance is excellent at 345021, and data encryption scores 20750. Extended instruction set performance is measured at 20054, showing the CPU handles AVX and similar workloads well. Floating-point math scores 75741, while integer math reaches 108211. The physics score of 1811 and prime number finding score of 116 are lower, suggesting these specific tasks are not the primary strengths. The average benchmark score of 37112 places it at the 85th percentile, with nearest rivals including the AMD Ryzen 7 160 (avg score 37117, 0% delta), AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 450 (avg score 37093, 0.1% delta), Intel Core i7-13700 (avg score 37135, -0.1% delta), and AMD Ryzen 7 7735H (avg score 37161, -0.1% delta). This means the i9-12900T is effectively performance-equivalent to these parts, with deltas of less than one percent in either direction. For real workloads, this translates to a CPU that excels in video editing, 3D rendering, software compilation, and heavy multitasking, while maintaining competitive single-thread responsiveness for everyday applications.

Upgrade Path and Platform

The Core i9-12900T uses the Intel Socket 1700 platform, which is the same socket family that supports later generations of Intel desktop processors. This means a motherboard purchased for this CPU can potentially accommodate a newer processor without a board swap, though this depends on the specific chipset and BIOS support. The platform supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, giving builders flexibility in choosing memory based on availability and preference. The CPU provides PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the processor itself, which is forward-looking for high-bandwidth storage and graphics cards. It does not support ECC memory, which is a consideration for users who require error-correcting memory in their workflows. The integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 770, which serves as a fallback display output and can handle basic video playback and office tasks without a discrete GPU.

The TDP of 35 W is remarkably low for a 16-core processor, which means most standard power supplies will have ample headroom. The Arc A380 GPU has a TDP of 75 W and a suggested PSU rating of 250 W. Combined with the CPU's low draw, a typical 400-500 W power supply is more than sufficient, leaving room for additional drives or peripherals. The GPU requires a single 8-pin power connector, which is standard on most modern power supplies. A sensible next upgrade path would be to replace the Arc A380 with a more powerful GPU, as the CPU has substantial headroom to feed higher-end graphics cards. The PCIe Gen 5 support on the CPU is also beneficial for future storage upgrades, as NVMe drives using this interface can achieve higher sequential read and write speeds. The platform's memory support for DDR5 allows for future bandwidth increases, though DDR4 remains a viable cost-effective option. The unlocked multiplier on the CPU means overclocking is possible, though the low base clock suggests the chip is intended for efficient operation rather than extreme overclocking scenarios.

FAQ

Q: What is the core and thread count of the Intel Core i9-12900T?

A: The CPU has 16 cores and 24 threads, using Intel's Alder Lake architecture with a 10 nm process.

Q: Does the Intel Arc A380 support hardware ray tracing?

A: Yes, the GPU includes 8 dedicated ray tracing cores, which provide hardware acceleration for ray-traced effects in supported games and applications.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth of the Arc A380?

A: The GPU has 6 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 96-bit bus, delivering 186.0 GB/s of bandwidth.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the CPU and GPU?

A: The CPU has a launch MSRP of $489, and the GPU has a launch MSRP of 149 USD.

Q: Which PCIe version does the i9-12900T support?

A: The CPU supports PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the processor only.

Q: Is the Arc A380 still in production?

A: No, the GPU is marked as end-of-life, with its successor being Battlemage.

Q: What is the power consumption of the CPU and GPU?

A: The CPU has a TDP of 35 W, and the GPU has a TDP of 75 W, with a suggested PSU rating of 250 W for the graphics card.

Balance and Bottleneck

The performance disparity between the CPU and GPU creates a clear bottleneck scenario in graphics-intensive workloads. The i9-12900T is at the 85th percentile for CPUs, while the Arc A380 is at the 44th percentile for GPUs. In gaming or GPU-accelerated rendering, the GPU will be the limiting factor almost exclusively. The CPU's benchmark scores, such as the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 24528, far exceed what the GPU can feed in real-time graphics. For example, in a game running at high settings, the Arc A380 will struggle to maintain high frame rates, while the CPU will sit largely idle, waiting for the GPU to render each frame. This imbalance means the CPU's potential is untapped in gaming scenarios, and the system's overall performance in these workloads will be dictated by the GPU's 44th percentile standing.

Conversely, in CPU-bound tasks like video encoding, 3D rendering, or software compilation, the bottleneck reverses. Here, the GPU plays a minor role, and the CPU's 85th percentile performance dominates. Tasks that leverage the CPU's 16 cores and 24 threads will see excellent throughput, with the GPU only providing assistance in specific compute tasks via OpenCL or Vulkan APIs. In mixed workloads, such as live streaming while gaming, the CPU has enough headroom to handle the encoding workload without significantly impacting the gaming performance, but the GPU will still cap the frame rate. The GPU's benchmark scores reflect its limited capability: a PassMark G3D score of 6252 and a 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 808. The nearest rivals to the GPU include the AMD FirePro W5170M (avg score 8595, -0.4% delta), AMD Radeon HD 8870M (avg score 8462, 1.1% delta), NVIDIA GeForce MX330 (avg score 8458, 1.2% delta), and AMD Radeon 880M (avg score 8436, 1.4% delta). These deltas are small, indicating the Arc A380 performs similarly to these older or entry-level parts.

Gaming Performance

No measured FPS rows exist for this exact CPU+GPU combination, and the FACT PACK contains no measured FPS data. Therefore, all frame rate figures discussed here are estimated from the benchmark scores and should be treated as approximations. The Arc A380's performance class, as indicated by its 44th percentile ranking and PassMark G3D score of 6252, suggests it is suitable for 1080p gaming at low to medium settings in modern titles. For esports games like Counter-Strike or League of Legends, which are less GPU-intensive, the A380 may deliver playable frame rates at higher settings, but for AAA releases, expect significant compromises in visual quality to achieve smooth gameplay. The CPU's strong single-thread performance, evidenced by a Cinebench R23 single-core score of 3462, ensures that it will not be a limiting factor in gaming, even at lower resolutions. However, the GPU's limitations will be the primary constraint. The 6 GB VRAM capacity is adequate for 1080p gaming but may be insufficient for higher resolutions or texture-heavy mods. The GPU's DirectX 12 Ultimate support and Vulkan 1.4 support indicate it can run modern APIs, but its raw compute power of 4.198 TFLOPS FP32 is modest. The 8 ray tracing cores provide some RT capability, but performance will be poor in RT-heavy titles due to the low overall throughput. In summary, this is a gaming system for 1080p with settings adjusted to match the GPU's capabilities, not a high-refresh-rate or high-resolution gaming rig.

Who Should Build It

This build targets users who prioritize CPU-intensive productivity over gaming performance. Content creators who work with video editing, 3D modeling, or software development will benefit from the i9-12900T's 16 cores and 24 threads, which provide fast render times and smooth multitasking. The CPU's high PassMark multi-thread score of 29601 and Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 24528 make it suitable for professional workloads like compiling code, running virtual machines, or processing large datasets. Students and small business workstations that run office applications, web browsers, and light database tasks will find the CPU's single-thread performance more than adequate, with the integrated UHD Graphics 770 serving as a reliable fallback. The Arc A380 GPU adds value for users who need hardware acceleration in applications that support OpenCL or Vulkan, such as certain video editors or CAD tools, though its 44th percentile ranking means it is not a high-end solution.

Gamers at 1080p with modest expectations could also consider this build, provided they are willing to lower settings in demanding titles. The GPU's 6 GB VRAM and 186.0 GB/s bandwidth are sufficient for older or less demanding games, and the CPU ensures no bottleneck in gameplay. However, users seeking high-refresh-rate gaming or 1440p and above should look elsewhere, as the GPU will hold back the system significantly. For developers working on CPU-heavy tasks like game server hosting or build automation, the i9-12900T's 16 cores provide ample parallel processing capability. The low 35 W TDP of the CPU also makes this an attractive option for small form factor builds or systems where power efficiency is a priority, as it reduces cooling requirements and electricity costs over time. The platform's support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory allows builders to choose based on budget and performance needs, though the CPU's bandwidth capabilities will be better utilized with DDR5.

Benchmark Performance

The combined system percentile is 65, reflecting the CPU's strong performance pulling the average up despite the GPU's weaker showing. The CPU's average benchmark score is 37112, placing it at the 85th percentile. Its nearest rivals are all within a fraction of a percent of its score, with the AMD Ryzen 7 160 at 37117 (0% delta), AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 450 at 37093 (0.1% delta), Intel Core i7-13700 at 37135 (-0.1% delta), and AMD Ryzen 7 7735H at 37161 (-0.1% delta). This indicates the i9-12900T is performance-equivalent to these parts, despite being a lower-TDP variant. The GPU's average benchmark score is 8558, placing it at the 44th percentile. Its nearest rivals include the AMD FirePro W5170M at 8595 (-0.4% delta), AMD Radeon HD 8870M at 8462 (1.1% delta), NVIDIA GeForce MX330 at 8458 (1.2% delta), and AMD Radeon 880M at 8436 (1.4% delta). These small deltas show the Arc A380 sits in a tight performance band with these older or lower-end parts.

In specific GPU tests, the 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 808 and the Geekbench OpenCL score of 38224 highlight its compute capabilities. The PassMark G3D score of 6252 is the primary gaming performance indicator, while the PassMark GPU Compute score of 2762 shows its compute throughput is lower than its graphics rendering capability. The DirectX 10, 11, and 12 scores are 37, 38, and 35 respectively, which are low and indicate poor legacy DirectX performance. The DirectX 9 score of 73 is higher, suggesting better performance in older titles. The G2D score of 610 is adequate for 2D workloads and desktop usage. The combined picture is a system where the CPU is a high-end performer capable of handling the most demanding productivity tasks, while the GPU is an entry-level part suitable for basic graphics acceleration and light gaming. The significant gap between the 85th and 44th percentiles means this system is unbalanced for gaming, but well-suited for CPU-centric workflows.

Build Overview

This is a desktop build class system combining the Intel Core i9-12900T and Intel Arc A380. The CPU is a 16-core, 24-thread processor from the Core 12th Gen series, based on Alder Lake architecture, designed for high-performance desktop workloads. The GPU is an Intel Arc A380, part of the Alchemist (Arc 3) generation, built on the Xe-HPG architecture with a 6 nm TSMC process. The overall tier of this system, as indicated by the 65th combined percentile, places it in the mid-range of all desktop builds, but this is misleading. The CPU alone is at the 85th percentile, making it a top-tier processor, while the GPU is at the 44th percentile, putting it in the lower half of all GPUs. This pairing is therefore a high-end CPU with an entry-level GPU, creating a system that is excellent for productivity and mediocre for gaming. The CPU's launch MSRP is $489, and the GPU's launch MSRP is 149 USD, reflecting their respective market positions at launch. The CPU is still in active production, while the GPU is end-of-life, with a successor named Battlemage. This build is best characterized as a workstation with a discrete GPU for basic graphics tasks, rather than a balanced gaming machine.

GPU Analysis

The Intel Arc A380 is built on the Xe-HPG architecture and uses the DG2-128 chip, manufactured on a 6 nm process by TSMC. It has 7,200 million transistors on a 157 mm² die, with a transistor density of 45.9M per mm². The GPU has 6 GB of GDDR6 memory on a 96-bit bus, delivering 186.0 GB/s of bandwidth. The base clock is 2000 MHz with a boost clock of 2050 MHz, and the memory runs at 1937 MHz, which translates to 15.5 Gbps effective. The GPU features 1024 shading units, 64 texture mapping units, and 32 raster operation units. It has 8 ray tracing cores, which provide hardware support for DirectX 12 Ultimate (12_2) ray-traced effects. The pixel rate is 65.60 GPixel/s, and the texture rate is 131.2 GTexel/s. The FP32 performance is 4.198 TFLOPS, with FP16 performance of 8.397 TFLOPS at a 2:1 ratio.

The GPU's benchmark performance is modest. Its PassMark G3D score of 6252 and 3DMark Steel Nomad DX12 score of 808 place it at the 44th percentile. The Geekbench OpenCL score of 38224 and Vulkan score of 36736 indicate its compute capabilities are reasonable for a card in this class, but the PassMark GPU Compute score of 2762 shows it is not a strong compute accelerator. The DirectX 9 score of 73 is notably higher than the DirectX 10, 11, and 12 scores (37, 38, and 35 respectively), which is unusual and suggests driver overhead or architectural limitations in newer APIs. The G2D score of 610 is adequate for desktop use. For rendering, this means the GPU can handle basic 3D workloads and light video editing, but it will struggle with heavy 3D rendering or high-resolution texture work. The 8 ray tracing cores are a token feature rather than a practical one, as the overall compute power is too low for meaningful ray-traced rendering. The dual-slot design and 222 mm length (8.7 inches) make it a compact card, requiring a single 8-pin power connector and a 250 W PSU. The display outputs include 1x HDMI 2.1 and 3x DisplayPort 2.0, supporting modern monitors. The GPU's production status is end-of-life, which means it is no longer being manufactured, and its successor is Battlemage.