Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX
64C/128T · 5.4 GHz · 350 W · sTR5 · PassMark #9
Core i9-12900K
Alder Lake · 16C/24T · 125 W · LGA1700
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX lands at 84 and Core i9-12900K at 84. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX if…
- ✓PassMark top-10 multi-thread performance (151,322 CPU Mark)
- ✓Workstation-tier core counts for rendering and compilation
- ✓Current PassMark-tracked street price around $7,999
Pick Core i9-12900K if…
- ✓Strong per-core performance
- ✓Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- ✓Wide platform availability
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testValue for money
Core i9-12900KSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Core i9-12900K more score per dollar ($589 vs $7,999).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX | Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | ▲ 64 | 16 |
| Threads | ▲ 128 | 24 |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz | — |
| Boost clock | 5.4 GHz | — |
| L3 cache | 256 MB | — |
| TDP | 350 W | 125 W |
| Socket | sTR5 | LGA1700 |
| Platform | WRX90 or TRX50 | — |
| Memory | 8-channel DDR5-6400 ECC RDIMM, up to 2TB (on WRX90) | — |
| PCIe | 128x PCIe 5.0 + 8x PCIe 4.0 from CPU (on WRX90) | — |
| PassMark rank | #9 of 5,901 | — |
| PassMark CPU Mark | 151,322 | — |
| Architecture | — | Alder Lake |
| Release year | — | 2021 |
Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX
- +PassMark top-10 multi-thread performance (151,322 CPU Mark)
- +Workstation-tier core counts for rendering and compilation
- +Current PassMark-tracked street price around $7,999
- −Workstation platform — overkill for gaming-only builds
Core i9-12900K
- +Strong per-core performance
- +Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- +Wide platform availability
- −Power draw on top SKUs
- −Frequent socket changes
- −Arrow Lake gaming regressions
FAQ: Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX vs Core i9-12900K
Which is better, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX or Core i9-12900K? +
Both score 84 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX worth the price? +
At $7,999, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in passmark.
Is Core i9-12900K worth the price? +
At $589, Core i9-12900K delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in single.
Does Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX or Core i9-12900K last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is the better value, Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX or Core i9-12900K? +
Core i9-12900K — more score per dollar ($589 vs $7,999). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.