Core i9-12900KS

Released April 2022

An unlocked 16-core Alder Lake desktop processor with a 5.5 GHz maximum turbo clock and support for DDR4 or DDR5 memory.

Cores: 16/24
Boost: 5.5 GHz
L3: 30 MB
Power: 150 W
Socket: LGA1700

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviews found strong all-round performance but higher power use and only modest gains over the 12900K. TechSpot rejected its premium for most buyers, while HotHardware considered it defensible for enthusiasts; both required substantial cooling, and HotHardware's later gaming tests favoured the 5800X3D.

From techspot.com and hothardware.com

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 16 (8 performance, 8 efficiency)
Threads: 24
Base clock: 3.4 GHz
Boost clock: 5.5 GHz
L3 cache: 30 MB
Cores: Alder Lake; 8 Performance-cores with Hyper-Threading and 8 Efficient-cores
Clocks: P-core base 3.4 GHz and turbo 5.2 GHz; E-core base 2.5 GHz and turbo 4 GHz; Turbo Boost Max 3.0 5.3 GHz; Thermal Velocity Boost up to 5.5 GHz
Cache: 14 MB L2 cache

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: Yes
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 770; 32 execution units; 300 MHz base and 1.55 GHz maximum dynamic clock

Platform

Socket: LGA1700
Base power: 150 W
Maximum power: 241 W
Unlocked: Yes
Cooler in the box: No
Memory support: Up to 128 GB; two channels; DDR5-4800 or DDR4-3200; ECC support depends on the motherboard and configuration
PCIe: 20 CPU lanes; PCIe 5.0 and 4.0
Chipsets: Z690 with the latest BIOS; maker retail and OEM availability began on 5 April 2022, rather than the Q1 launch quarter listed in ARK
Process: Intel 7
Cooler: No cooler included, as explicitly reported by TechSpot and HotHardware; a separate cooler is required

Pros and cons

Pros

8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores
Supports DDR4 or DDR5 memory
Includes UHD Graphics 770

Cons

241 W maximum turbo power
Requires a separate cooler
Uses the older LGA1700 platform

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
AMDRyzen 9 7950X	16/32	5.7 GHz	64 MB	170 W	AM5	Sept 2022
IntelCore i7-13700K	16/24	5.4 GHz	30 MB	125 W	LGA1700	Oct 2022
AMDRyzen 9 7950X3D	16/32	5.7 GHz	128 MB	120 W	AM5	Feb 2023

Newer model: Core i9-13900KS.

Sources

Photo: Intel Corporation, exact Core i9-12900KS launch press pack member intel-core-i9-12900ks-1-16x9.jpg. Special Edition premium retail package, front-left view. Exterior white studio floor and reflection removed with reviewed alpha; original packaging pixels retained.

Core i9-12900KS Special Edition premium retail package, reverse angle showing the golden wafer case: Intel Corporation, exact Core i9-12900KS launch press pack member intel-core-i9-12900ks-2-16x9.jpg. Distinct reverse-side photograph; reviewed exterior alpha preserves original package and wafer-case pixels.

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