AMD Ryzen 5 9600X vs Intel Core i7-12700
The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X is the faster processor, scoring 65/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 64/100 for the Intel Core i7-12700 — roughly 2% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy.
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
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Intel Core i7-12700
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Specs compared
| Spec | AMD Ryzen 5 9600X | Intel Core i7-12700 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 65/100 | 64/100 |
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 12 / 20 |
| Boost clock | 5.40 GHz | 4.90 GHz |
| TDP | 65 W | 65 W |
| Socket | AM5 | LGA1700 |
| MSRP | $279.00 | $269.00 |
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X vs Intel Core i7-12700: which should you buy?
The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X is the faster processor, scoring 65/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 64/100 for the Intel Core i7-12700 — roughly 2% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy. For your specific games and resolution, run both through our comparison tool, check pairing with the bottleneck calculator, or see where each lands on the tier list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X better than the Intel Core i7-12700?
The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X is faster for gaming, scoring 65/100 versus 64/100 for the Intel Core i7-12700 (about 2% faster).
Should I buy the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X or the Intel Core i7-12700?
For raw gaming performance, choose the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X. If it costs notably more for only a small gain, the Intel Core i7-12700 can be the better value. Check current prices before deciding.
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