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Core Ultra 7 251HX vs Core i9-12900K

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Performance score

Core Ultra 7 251HX 2026 · 18/18 cores/threads
55.34
Core i9-12900K 2021, $589 · 16/24 cores/threads, 125 W
56.63

Core Ultra 7 251HX and Core i9-12900K are almost equally fast (under 3% apart) — choose by price, socket and platform.

The score is our own estimate from the specs (cores, threads, clocks, architecture generation), not a benchmark run. 100 = the fastest CPU in our database.

Real tests

What the test measures

Blender is a popular free 3D graphics program. The test makes the device render three ready-made 3D scenes (light, shadows, reflections) and counts how many render passes it finishes per minute. The higher the number, the faster the device handles heavy work: 3D, video editing, photo processing. On a CPU the test loads all cores at once, so it shows the chip's full power; on a graphics card it shows its compute strength.

CPU rendering (Blender)

faster than 91% of tested · runs: 68

Median of real test runs on users' computers. It does not show FPS in games. Data updated: 31.10.2026.

Overview

Core Ultra 7 251HXCore i9-12900K
Score (0–100) 55.34 56.63
Ranking position 47 45
Price/performance (0–100) no data 34.5
Power efficiency (0–100) no data 23.68
Type Laptop Desktop
Manufacturer Intel Intel
Architecture Arrow Lake Alder Lake
Release date Q2 2026 2021-11-04
Launch price no data $589

Specifications

Core Ultra 7 251HXCore i9-12900K
Cores 18 16
Threads 18 24
P + E cores 6 + 12 8 + 8
Base clock no data 3.2 GHz
Boost clock 5.1 GHz 5.2 GHz
L2 cache no data 14 MB
L3 cache 30 MB 30 MB
Process node no data Intel 7
Unlocked multiplier no yes
Integrated graphics no Intel UHD Graphics 770
NPU (AI accelerator) no no

Compatibility

Core Ultra 7 251HXCore i9-12900K
Socket no data LGA1700
TDP no data 125 W
Max temperature no data 100 °C

Memory and PCI Express

Core Ultra 7 251HXCore i9-12900K
Memory type no data DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Memory channels no data 2
Max memory no data 128 GB
PCI Express version no data 5.0
PCIe lanes no data 20

Pros and cons

Core Ultra 7 251HX

  • 8% faster single core
  • more cores: 18 vs 16
  • newer: released in 2026

Core i9-12900K

  • more threads: 24 vs 18
  • has integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770)
  • unlocked multiplier (can be overclocked)

Other comparisons

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