Core i9-12900KF

Core i9-12900KF Specifications

The Core i9-12900KF is built on the Alder Lake architecture and manufactured using the 10 nm process. It is compatible with the LGA 1700 socket and supports DDR4 / DDR5 memory with speeds of up to 4800 MT/s. This processor features 8 performance cores operating at a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.10 GHz , along with 8 efficiency cores running at a base clock of 2.40 GHz and boosting up to 3.90 GHz , and includes 24 threads. It also comes equipped with 14 MB of L2 cache and 30 MB of L3 cache.

This CPU has a very high base TDP of 125 W and a maximum TDP of 241 W. A high-performance air cooler is the bare minimum, but a premium liquid cooling solution is strongly recommended. Additionally, a PC case with excellent airflow and a high-quality power supply are essential for stable operation.

This CPU does not include integrated graphics. A discrete graphics card is required for display output.

Core i9-12900KF Application Performance and Gaming Benchmark Analysis

Core i9-12900KF is an upper mid-range CPU, achieving a relative application performance score of 63.22% of the best possible desktop CPU performance. This CPU is ideal for multitasking and can handle professional applications such as 3D rendering, video editing, and other heavy workloads, though not at the same speed or efficiency as higher-end models.

Core i9-12900KF delivers a balanced application performance-per-price ratio of 65.6%. It provides good value for users looking for a practical balance between cost and performance.

Core i9-12900KF is a mid-range gaming CPU, achieving a relative gaming performance score at 1080p resolution of 77.12% of the best possible desktop CPU gaming performance. This CPU provides solid mid-level gaming performance and is best paired with corresponding mid-range graphics cards. Note that CPU-related performance limitations decrease as GPU performance lowers—particularly at higher resolutions—since the GPU becomes the bottleneck.

With a gaming performance-per-price score of 44.2%, this CPU does not offer strong value in this category. As this CPU does not deliver top-tier gaming performance and also has a low gaming performance-to-price ratio, it represents poor value. More competitive options are available at a similar price point.