Ryzen 9 9850HX vs Core i9 12900HX
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ryzen 9 9850HX | Core i9 12900HX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench 2024 single-core | 111 | 112 | -0.9% |
| Cinebench 2024 multi-core | 1,479 | 1,269 | +16.5% |
| Cores | 12 | 16 (8P+8E) | — |
| TDP (base W) | 55 | 45 | — |
- Ryzen 9 9850HX is slower than Core i9 12900HX by 0.9% in single-core and faster by 16.5% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
- Core i9 12900HX draws less power (45W vs 55W base TDP).
Verdict: Ryzen 9 9850HX or Core i9 12900HX?
Ryzen 9 9850HX advantages
- Multi-core speed (+14%)
Core i9 12900HX advantages
- Power efficiency (+18%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Ryzen 9 9850HX if you render video, compile code or run heavy multitasking.
- Choose the Core i9 12900HX if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build.
Ryzen 9 9850HX vs Core i9 12900HX: which should you choose?
Ryzen 9 9850HX — 12-core AMD processor scoring 111 single-core and 1479 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 55 W TDP.
Core i9 12900HX — 16-core Intel processor (8P+8E) scoring 112 single-core and 1269 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 45 W TDP.
Ryzen 9 9850HX vs Core i9 12900HX: Ryzen 9 9850HX leads in multi-core performance. Ryzen 9 9850HX is slower than Core i9 12900HX by 0.9% in single-core and faster by 16.5% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Core i9 12900HX draws less power (45W vs 55W base TDP).
Gaming and single-threaded work
Games and everyday responsiveness lean on single-core speed. The Core i9 12900HX leads there with a single-core score of 112 versus 111, 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 Ryzen 9 9850HX is stronger, posting 1,479 multi-core against 1,269 in Cinebench 2024. Its 12 cores give it real headroom for heavy parallel jobs.
Power and platform
The Core i9 12900HX is the more efficient chip at 45 W versus 55 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 Ryzen 9 9850HX better than the Core i9 12900HX?
Ryzen 9 9850HX takes the overall edge, though Core i9 12900HX wins in specific areas worth weighing. Ryzen 9 9850HX is slower than Core i9 12900HX by 0.9% in single-core and faster by 16.5% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
What is the main difference between the Ryzen 9 9850HX and the Core i9 12900HX?
Ryzen 9 9850HX is slower than Core i9 12900HX by 0.9% in single-core and faster by 16.5% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Core i9 12900HX draws less power (45W vs 55W base TDP).
Which should I choose?
Choose the Ryzen 9 9850HX if you render video, compile code or run heavy multitasking. Choose the Core i9 12900HX if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build.
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.