Intel Core i9-12900K
If you’re just gaming, the 12900K is great, but it’s not amazing as it does cost 25% more than the 5900X and we saw a 4% performance increase on average, in a suite of mostly CPU intensive gaming. So if you’re seeking high-end gaming performance without venturing beyond the point of diminishing returns, the 5900X may be a better deal or really even the 5800X or one of the lesser Alder Lakes. But if you’re seeking ultimate gaming performance then sure, the Core i9-12900K is it.
- As reviewed by TechSpot on Nov 2021
16
Cores
24
Threads
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
5.2 GHz
Boost Clock
Socket LGA 1700
Socket
125 W
TDP
Intel UHD Graphics 770
Integrated Graphics
$286
Price
| Release date: | Nov 4, 2021 | Price at Launch: | $648 |
| Cores: | 16 | Threads: | 24 |
| Base Clock: | 3.2 GHz | Boost Clock: | 5.2 GHz |
| Performance Cores: | 8 | Efficient Cores: | 8 |
| Efficiency Core Clock: | 2.4 GHz | Efficiency Core Boost Clock: | 3.9 GHz |
| Type: | Desktop | Multithreading: | Yes |
| L2 Cache: | 14 MB | L3 Cache: | 30 MB |
| Box Cooler: | No | TDP: | 125 W |
| Socket: | Socket LGA 1700 | Memory Support: | DDR4-3200 or DDR5-4800 |
| Codename: | Alder Lake-S | Process Size: | Intel 7 |
| Integrated Graphics: | Yes | iGPU Model: | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| NPU: | No | PCIe Support: | PCIe 5.0 16 lanes + PCIe 4.0 4 lanes |
Performance Benchmarks
All benchmark data reflects aggregated results from dozens of tests conducted in TechSpot’s labs and compiled from our full library of CPU reviews. Single-core productivity scores are based primarily on Cinebench and Adobe Photoshop workloads. Multi-core results draw from Cinebench, Blender, Corona Benchmark, 7-Zip, Adobe Premiere Pro, and shader compilation tests. CPU gaming benchmarks are all 1080p runs (explainer) as published on TechSpot.
Single-Core Productivity
Multi-Core Productivity
Gaming Performance
Price History
Intel Core i9-12900K pricing
| Price | Date | |
| Current | $286 | Dec 15, 2025 |
| Highest* | $313 | Nov 27, 2025 |
| Lowest* | $250 | Mar 15, 2025 |
| Average | $288 | |
* Prices are based on listings from Newegg and other major retailers over the past 12+ months.
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