Core i9 12900KF vs M3 Ultra
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Core i9 12900KF | M3 Ultra | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench 2024 single-core | 115 | 133 | -13.5% |
| Cinebench 2024 multi-core | 1,463 | 2,753 | -46.9% |
| Cores | 16 (8P+8E) | 32 (24P+8E) | — |
| TDP (base W) | 125 | 140 | — |
- Core i9 12900KF is slower than M3 Ultra by 13.5% in single-core and slower by 46.9% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
- Core i9 12900KF draws less power (125W vs 140W base TDP).
Verdict: Core i9 12900KF or M3 Ultra?
Core i9 12900KF advantages
- Power efficiency (+11%)
M3 Ultra advantages
- Single-core speed (+14%)
- Multi-core speed (+47%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Core i9 12900KF if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build.
- Choose the M3 Ultra if you mainly game or want snappy everyday responsiveness.
Core i9 12900KF vs M3 Ultra: which should you choose?
Core i9 12900KF — 16-core Intel processor (8P+8E) scoring 115 single-core and 1463 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 125 W TDP and 30 MB L3 cache.
M3 Ultra — 32-core Apple processor (24P+8E) scoring 133 single-core and 2753 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 140 W TDP.
Core i9 12900KF vs M3 Ultra: M3 Ultra leads in multi-core performance. Core i9 12900KF is slower than M3 Ultra by 13.5% in single-core and slower by 46.9% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Core i9 12900KF draws less power (125W vs 140W base TDP).
Gaming and single-threaded work
Games and everyday responsiveness lean on single-core speed. The M3 Ultra leads there with a single-core score of 133 versus 115, so it is the marginally better pick for high-refresh gaming — though at typical resolutions the GPU usually decides frame rates.
Content creation and multitasking
For rendering, compilation, video export and other all-core workloads, the M3 Ultra is stronger, posting 2,753 multi-core against 1,463 in Cinebench 2024. Its 32 cores (24 performance + 8 efficiency) give it real headroom for heavy parallel jobs.
Power and platform
The Core i9 12900KF is the more efficient chip at 125 W versus 140 W, which means less heat, quieter cooling and lower running costs under sustained load.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the processor comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i9 12900KF better than the M3 Ultra?
M3 Ultra is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. Core i9 12900KF is slower than M3 Ultra by 13.5% in single-core and slower by 46.9% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
What is the main difference between the Core i9 12900KF and the M3 Ultra?
Core i9 12900KF is slower than M3 Ultra by 13.5% in single-core and slower by 46.9% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Core i9 12900KF draws less power (125W vs 140W base TDP).
Which should I choose?
Choose the Core i9 12900KF if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build. Choose the M3 Ultra if you mainly game or want snappy everyday responsiveness.
Methodology
Processors are compared on Cinebench 2024 single-core and multi-core scores from published leaderboard results, alongside core configuration (performance + efficiency cores), base TDP, L3 cache, PassMark CPU Mark, 1080p gaming scores and street pricing where measured. Cinebench reflects rendering-style workloads; gaming performance depends heavily on the GPU and the specific title, so treat single-core standing as directional. Figures reflect the leaderboard snapshot on the page date.