Hybrid 16-Core Desktop Design
Alder Lake architecture combines 16 cores and 24 threads in Intel’s 12th Gen Core i9 desktop lineup.
Updated 4 months ago
Intel
Core i9-12900K
16-core 12th Gen Alder Lake flagship that introduced Intel's hybrid desktop design. Discounted pricing keeps it relevant for high-performance LGA1700 builds.
$299.99
CategoryComputer Processors
Product Highlights
The most important capabilities and tradeoffs at a glance.
High Clock Speeds with Overclocking
The processor has a 3.2 GHz base clock, up to 5.2 GHz max boost clock, and supports overclocking.
Modern Platform Support
LGA1700 compatibility includes support for dual-channel DDR5-4800 or DDR4-3200 memory and PCIe 5.0 and 4.0.
The Intel Core i9-12900K is a 12th Gen Alder Lake desktop processor for LGA1700 builds, featuring 16 cores, 24 threads, Intel 7 manufacturing, integrated graphics, and support for DDR5 or DDR4 memory.
Media Reviews
Independent perspectives and scores from published reviews.
PCMag4/5
Intel Core i9-12900K Review | PCMag
The Core i9-12900K is considered Intel's first truly innovative high-end desktop CPU in years, highlighted by its hybrid performance/efficiency core design and support for DDR5, though it comes with a high initial cost and potential gaming growing pains.
Chris Stobing
PCWorld
Intel Core i9-12900K review: Intel. Is. Back. | PCWorld
The processor is described as a stunning return to greatness that puts Intel back on top for desktop CPUs, offering impressive application and gaming performance along with relatively good value compared to Ryzen, though it can be a power-hungry chip under heavy loads.
Gordon Mah Ung
Trusted Reviews
Intel Core i9-12900K Review - Trusted Reviews
The i9-12900K is identified as an outstanding high-end processor and a powerful consumer chip for gaming that also provides a massive boost in multi-threaded performance, making it a competitive, well-rounded option.
Unknown
TechSpot90/100
Intel Core i9-12900K Review: Alder Lake Arrives
The review analyzes the new Alder Lake architecture and positions the i9-12900K as a strong competitor to AMD's Ryzen 9 5900X and 5950X, concluding with a score of 90/100.
Steven Walton
Video Analysis
Product walkthroughs, comparisons, and long-form video reviews.
31:23
Intel Did It: Core i9-12900K CPU Review & Benchmarks vs. AMD
This
806,640 views · 4 years ago
Gamers Nexus · youtube
14:37
I've been using the Intel 12900k for a month now... Here's how it's been...
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559,910 views · 4 years ago
JayzTwoCents · youtube
26:19
Intel At Its Best: Revisiting the i9-12900K, i7-12700K, i5-12600K, 12400, & i3-12100F in 2024
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305,368 views · 1 year ago
Gamers Nexus · youtube
29:24
Intel Core i9-12900K Review, Gaming, Applications, Power & Temps
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hardwareunboxed Join us on Floatplane: ...
230,183 views · 4 years ago
Hardware Unboxed · youtube
9:10
New Fastest CPU – Intel i9 12900K Review
Check prices on Amazon below Intel i9-12900K: https://geni.us/7o2O Intel i5-12600K: https://geni.us/Ak3LQ Z690 Motherboards: ...
87,459 views · 4 years ago
optimum · youtube
2:44
Don’t Buy the Intel Core i9-12900K Review Until You Watch This!
The Intel
210 views · 7 months ago
Brutal Reviews · youtube
Attributes
Detailed specifications and product characteristics.
ArchitectureAlder Lake (Alder Lake-S; 12th Gen Core i9 hybrid P-cores + E-cores)
Base Clock Speed(GHz)3.2 GHz
Cache Size(MB)30 MB
Core Count(cores)16 cores
Cpu SocketLGA1700
Included CoolerNo
Integrated GraphicsYes
Launch DateNovember 4, 2021
Manufacturing ProcessIntel 7
Max Boost Clock Speed(GHz)5.2 GHz
Memory SupportUp to DDR5-4800 MT/s or DDR4-3200 MT/s (dual-channel)
Overclocking SupportYes
Pci Express VersionPCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0
Price(USD)299.99 USD
Thermal Design Power(W)125 W
Thread Count(threads)24 threads
Purchase Options
All current listings across the base product and its variants.
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