Core i9-12900K

Core i9-12900K Specifications

The Core i9-12900K 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.

For users who require integrated graphics, this CPU includes the UHD Graphics 770, which features 32 GPU cores. It operates at a base clock of 0.30 GHz and boosts up to 1.55 GHz. This makes it suitable for systems without a dedicated GPU, capable of handling everyday tasks and running older or less demanding games. Integrated graphics can also accelerate specific workloads even when a discrete GPU is installed.

Core i9-12900K Application Performance and Gaming Benchmark Analysis

Core i9-12900K 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.

The application performance-per-price ratio of Core i9-12900K is 33.3%, indicating lower value in this category. This CPU does not offer high application performance and has a low performance-to-price ratio, making it a poor value proposition. There are better alternatives available in this price range.

Core i9-12900K 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 22.5%, 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.