H2H

Intel Core i9-11900KF vs Intel Core i9-12900E

Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks

Aggregate performance score

We've compared Core i9-11900KF and Core i9-12900E across specs and all relevant benchmarks.

Core i9-12900E outperforms Core i9-11900KF by 3% based on our aggregate benchmark results.+3%

Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better.
QUICK COMPARISON ANALYSIS

Intel Core i9-11900KF vs Intel Core i9-12900E: key takeaway

The comparison of Core i9-11900KF and Core i9-12900E shows a 6% advantage for Core i9-12900E in gaming performance, while Core i9-11900KF may still be stronger in value for money. Use the sections below to check whether that lead comes from real FPS, specifications, efficiency, price or platform features.

SUMMARY PROFILE

Verified-metrics radar

Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.

H2H
Performance
Single-core
Multi-core
L3 cache
Efficiency
Performance
1617
Single-core
8883
Multi-core
4352
L3 cache
01
Efficiency
1611
Missing values are never replaced with zero or an average.Model: H2H 2026.07 fixed scale.
COMPARISON RESULT

The devices received the same overall score

Core i9-11900KF leads in overall performance, while Core i9-11900KF offers better price-to-performance. Check results in your applications before making the final choice.

PERFORMANCE DIFFERENCE0%

Performance is nearly identical

PRICE DIFFERENCE$104

Core i9-12900E costs less

OVERALL SCORE

Overview

Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.

The Summary score section compares Core i9-11900KF and Core i9-12900E with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

CategoryCore i9-11900KFCore i9-12900E
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
16
17Better
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
18
19Better
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
16
16
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
16Better
11
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
16
16
FULL COMPARISON

Specifications

The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.

The Specifications section compares Core i9-11900KF and Core i9-12900E with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

SpecificationCore i9-11900KFCore i9-12900E
Release date20212021
Device classDesktopDesktop
PassMark2526125921Better
PBP / MTP125 WBetter65 / 202 W
Cores / Threads8 / 168P+8E / 24
SocketLGA1200LGA1700Better
ArchitectureRocket LakeAlder Lake
Clock speed3,5 - 5,3 GHzBetterP 2,3 - 5 GHz / E 1.7 - 3,8 GHz
Base clock3500 MHzBetter2300 MHz
Boost clock5300 MHzBetter5000 MHz
L1 cache80 KB per core80 KB per P-core, 96 KB per E-core
L2 cache512 KB per coreBetter1.25 MB per P-core, 2 MB per E-core cluster
L3 cache16 MB30 MBBetter
Power consumption125 W65 / 202 WBetter
Process node14 nm10 nm (Intel 7)Better
Memory supportDDR4-3200DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200Better
Integrated graphicsUHD 770 1,5 GHz
HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX

H2H workload indices

Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.

The Benchmarks section compares Core i9-11900KF and Core i9-12900E with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

IndexCore i9-11900KFCore i9-12900EDifference
H2H Single-core IndexH2H Index / 10088836%
H2H Multi-core IndexH2H Index / 100435219%
H2H Productivity IndexH2H Index / 10050548%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100354116%
H2H Value IndexH2H Index / 100000%

These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.

HEAD TO HEAD · CALCULATED INDEX

H2H AI workload indices

Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.

The Detailed comparison section compares Core i9-11900KF and Core i9-12900E with normalized H2H data, turning specifications, tests and value signals into practical buying context.

IndexCore i9-11900KFCore i9-12900EDifference
H2H ML Preprocessing IndexH2H Index / 10011129%
H2H CPU Inference IndexH2H Index / 10013130%
H2H Local LLM CPU IndexH2H Index / 10091011%
H2H Data Pipeline IndexH2H Index / 10013147%
H2H Computer Vision CPU IndexH2H Index / 10012138%

These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.

AI EXPLAIN · HEAD TO HEAD

Explain this comparison

Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.

Device ACore i9-11900KF16
Device BCore i9-12900E16
What AI will explain

Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.

REAL CONFIGURATIONS

Owner experiences

Real builds, results, and community feedback.

Moderator reviewedHelpful to the community🏅Expert badges
FAQ · CHOOSE BY USE CASE

Frequently asked comparison questions

Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.

01Which is better for gaming: Core i9-11900KF or Core i9-12900E?

Core i9-11900KF has the higher overall gaming score, while Core i9-11900KF offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.

02Which is better for streaming?

Core i9-11900KF is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.

03Which is better for Blender?

Core i9-11900KF is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.

04Which is better for video editing?

Core i9-11900KF offers more overall performance, while Core i9-11900KF offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.

05Which is better for neural networks and AI?

Core i9-11900KF is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.

06Which is better for 1080p?

Core i9-11900KF is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.

07Which is better for 1440p?

Core i9-11900KF leads in combined 1440p performance. Core i9-11900KF can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.

08Which is better for 4K?

Core i9-11900KF is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.

09Which is better for a quiet PC?

Core i9-11900KF is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.

10Which is better without replacing the power supply?

Core i9-11900KF is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.

11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?

Consider upgrading to Core i9-11900KF if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.