🚀 CPU Launch

Intel Core i9-12900KS vs AMD Athlon II X4 655

Table of Contents



Overview:

Comparison between Intel Core i9-12900KS and AMD Athlon II X4 655

Intel Core i9-12900KS is manufactured by Intel, while AMD Athlon II X4 655 is manufactured by AMD. AMD Athlon II X4 655 has a higher base speed of 3.3 GHz compared to Intel Core i9-12900KS's GHz. Both CPUs have the same turbo speed of GHz. Intel Core i9-12900KS has more cores (16) compared to AMD Athlon II X4 655's 4 cores. AMD Athlon II X4 655 supports more threads (4) compared to Intel Core i9-12900KS's threads.

Both CPUs belong to the same class: Desktop. Intel Core i9-12900KS uses the LGA socket, while AMD Athlon II X4 655 uses the AM2+ socket. Intel Core i9-12900KS was launched in Q2 2022, while AMD Athlon II X4 655 was launched in Q1 2014. Intel Core i9-12900KS has a larger L3 cache of 30 MB compared to AMD Athlon II X4 655's MB.

Specification Summary

The Intel Core i9-12900KS and AMD Athlon II X4 655 are two processors with distinct specifications. Below is a detailed comparison of their key features:

  • Manufacturer: Both processors are manufactured by Intel.
  • Speed: The Intel Core i9-12900KS has a base speed of GHz, while the AMD Athlon II X4 655 runs at 3.3 GHz.
  • Turbo Boost: The Intel Core i9-12900KS supports a turbo speed of GHz, compared to GHz for the AMD Athlon II X4 655.
  • Cores: The Intel Core i9-12900KS has 16 cores, while the AMD Athlon II X4 655 has 4 cores.
  • Threads: The Intel Core i9-12900KS supports threads, compared to 4 threads for the AMD Athlon II X4 655.
  • Class: Both processors are designed for Desktop use.
  • Socket: The Intel Core i9-12900KS uses the LGA, while the AMD Athlon II X4 655 uses the AM2+.
  • Launch Date: The Intel Core i9-12900KS was launched on Q2 2022, while the AMD Athlon II X4 655 was released on Q1 2014.
  • L3 Cache: The Intel Core i9-12900KS has 30 MB of L3 cache, compared to MB for the AMD Athlon II X4 655.

Detailed Specifications:

Specs Intel Core i9-12900KS AMD Athlon II X4 655
Intel AMD
Manufacturer Intel AMD
Speed GHz 3.3 GHz
Turbo GHz GHz
Cores 16 4
Threads 4
Class Desktop Desktop
Socket LGA AM2+
Launched Q2 2022 Q1 2014
L3 Cache 30 MB MB

Review:

Single Core Performance:


CPU Performance in single-threaded applications

Intel Core i9-12900KS:



72%
AMD Athlon II X4 655:
24%
* More is Better

Multi Core Performance:


CPU Performance in multi-threaded applications

Intel Core i9-12900KS



63%
AMD Athlon II X4 655:
3%
* More is Better

Power Efficiency:


Power Consumption of CPU under full load

Intel Core i9-12900KS: 150 watts



37.5%
AMD Athlon II X4 655: 95 watts
23.75%
* Lower is Better

Launched Date:


Time when the CPU was launched


Intel Core i9-12900KS : Q2 2022 ✅

AMD Athlon II X4 655 : Q1 2014 ✅

* Newer is Better

CPU Launch FINAL SCORE:

CPU Final Rating Ratings

Intel Core i9-12900KS



AMD Athlon II X4 655


Pro's and Con's

Intel Core i9-12900KS – Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Newer Release: The Intel Core i9-12900KS was launched more recently (Q2 2022) compared to the AMD Athlon II X4 655 (Q1 2014). This means it benefits from the latest advancements in technology, improved efficiency, and potentially better software optimization.
  • Faster Single-Core Performance: With a single-threaded performance score of 4340, the Intel Core i9-12900KS outperforms the AMD Athlon II X4 655 (score: 1473). This makes it better suited for tasks that rely on single-core performance, such as gaming or everyday productivity.
  • Larger L3 Cache: The Intel Core i9-12900KS features a larger L3 cache of 30MB compared to the AMD Athlon II X4 655's MB. A larger cache improves performance in memory-intensive tasks, such as video editing or 3D rendering, by reducing latency and speeding up data access.

Cons:

  • Fewer Threads: The Intel Core i9-12900KS has threads, which is fewer than the AMD Athlon II X4 655's 4 threads. This may limit its ability to handle highly parallel workloads efficiently.
  • Higher Power Consumption: The Intel Core i9-12900KS has a higher TDP of 150W compared to the AMD Athlon II X4 655's 95W. This means it may consume more power, leading to higher energy costs and potentially more heat generation, which could require better cooling solutions.

AMD Athlon II X4 655 – Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Higher Base Clock Speed: The AMD Athlon II X4 655 has a higher base clock speed of 3.3 GHz compared to the Intel Core i9-12900KS's GHz. This results in better performance for single-threaded tasks and general responsiveness.
  • Higher CPU Mark Score: The AMD Athlon II X4 655 has a higher CPU Mark score of NA compared to the Intel Core i9-12900KS's 146.92. This indicates better overall performance across a wide range of tasks.

Cons:

  • Fewer Cores: The AMD Athlon II X4 655 has 4 cores, which is fewer than the Intel Core i9-12900KS's 16 cores. This could impact performance in multi-threaded workloads, such as rendering, compiling code, or running virtual machines.
  • Lower Multi-Core Performance: In multi-threaded tasks, the AMD Athlon II X4 655 scores 2078, which is lower than the Intel Core i9-12900KS's score of 43928. This makes the Intel Core i9-12900KS a better choice for heavy multitasking or parallel processing.


Productivity


Intel Core i9-12900KS
This cpu Handles Mid Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease. It can also be used for Mid Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.

AMD Athlon II X4 655
This cpu Handles Entry Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease. It can also be used for Entry Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.


Gaming

Intel Core i9-12900KS
Ideal for Mid Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Mid Level level computing.

AMD Athlon II X4 655
Ideal for Entry Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Entry Level level computing.



Verdict

Intel Core i9-12900KS

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is a reliable and Mid Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Mid Level computing needs or those building a New PC.

AMD Athlon II X4 655

The AMD Athlon II X4 655 is a reliable and Entry Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Entry Level computing needs or those building a New PC.