Intel Core i9-12900K
12th Gen flagship: 16 cores (8P+8E), 24 threads, max 5.2 GHz. Unlocked. Supports PCIe 5.0, DDR5/DDR4. 125W base, 241W turbo. No cooler. UHD 770.
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Key specifications
Alder Lake (12th Gen Intel Core)
LGA1700
16 Cores (8 Performance + 8 Efficient) / 24 Threads
P-core: 3.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 2.4–3.9 GHz
30 MB Intel® Smart Cache (L3) + 14 MB L2 (44 MB Total)
125 W (Processor Base Power)
241 W (Maximum Turbo Power)
Intel 7 (10nm Enhanced SuperFin)
DDR5-4800 MT/s / DDR4-3200 MT/s (Official); Up to 128 GB
76.8 GB/s
PCIe 5.0 and 4.0
20 (16 PCIe 5.0 + 4 PCIe 4.0)
Intel UHD Graphics 770 (32 EUs, 1.55 GHz Dyn Max)
SSE4.1/4.2, AVX2, Intel 64, VT-x/VT-d, AES-NI, Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0
No (Heatsink not included)
100°C (212°F) Tjunction
Requires a robust liquid cooler (AIO) due to 241W turbo power. Unlocked for overclocking.
Intel 600 and 700 Series (Z690, Z790, etc.)
✓ Pros
- Elite multi-core performance for rendering, editing, and streaming
- Supports both cost-effective DDR4 and high-performance DDR5 motherboards
- High clock speeds (up to 5.2 GHz) ensure top-tier gaming performance
- Integrated graphics useful for troubleshooting or Quick Sync workloads
✗ Cons
- Very high power consumption (241W) requires premium cooling solutions
- Runs hotter than competitors under full load
- LGA1700 platform reaches end-of-life after 14th Gen
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Frequently Asked Questions
+ Is the Intel Core i9-12900K worth buying in 2026?
Yes, the Intel Core i9-12900K is worth it if you prioritize elite multi-core performance for rendering, editing, and streaming. With a 4.5/5 rating, it stands out in the processors category. However, consider that very high power consumption (241w) requires premium cooling solutions. Check our detailed verdict above.
+ What are the main specs of Intel Core i9-12900K?
Key specifications include: Architecture Gen: Alder Lake (12th Gen Intel Core), Socket Platform: LGA1700, Cores Threads: 16 Cores (8 Performance + 8 Efficient) / 24 Threads, Base Boost Clock: P-core: 3.2–5.2 GHz / E-core: 2.4–3.9 GHz. See the full specifications table above for complete technical details.
+ Where is the best place to buy Intel Core i9-12900K?
For US buyers, Amazon offers the best combination of competitive pricing, fast Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. Use our affiliate links above to check current prices and availability.
+ What are the pros and cons of Intel Core i9-12900K?
Pros: Elite multi-core performance for rendering, editing, and streaming; Supports both cost-effective DDR4 and high-performance DDR5 motherboards; High clock speeds (up to 5.2 GHz) ensure top-tier gaming performance. Cons: Very high power consumption (241W) requires premium cooling solutions; Runs hotter than competitors under full load. See our detailed breakdown above for the complete analysis.
+ How does Intel Core i9-12900K compare to alternatives?
We have 18+ detailed comparisons with similar processors. Popular matchups include AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Check the comparison section above.
+ Are PageBen reviews independent and unbiased?
Yes. PageBen is an independent review site. While we use affiliate links for monetization, our recommendations are research-driven and based on objective specifications, user feedback, and real-world performance. We are not sponsored by manufacturers.
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