Core i9-12900K: specs and comparison

Performance score

Core i9-12900K 2021, $589 · 16/24 cores/threads, 125 W

56.63

Single-core	55.05
Multi-core	50.56

Core i9-12900K scores 56.63 out of 100 by our estimate and ranks #45 of 532 CPUs in our database.

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)

Core i9-12900K

354

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.

Description

Core i9-12900K is a desktop Intel processor based on the Alder Lake architecture, released on 2021-11-04, launch price $589. It has 16 cores and 24 threads running at 3.2–5.2 GHz, 30 MB of L3 cache and the Intel 7 process. It fits the LGA1700 socket, has a 125 W TDP and supports DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory.

Overview

Score (0–100)	56.63
Ranking position	45
Price/performance (0–100)	34.5
Power efficiency (0–100)	23.68
Type	Desktop
Manufacturer	Intel
Architecture	Alder Lake
Release date	2021-11-04
Launch price	$589

Specifications

Cores	16
Threads	24
P + E cores	8 + 8
Base clock	3.2 GHz
Boost clock	5.2 GHz
L2 cache	14 MB
L3 cache	30 MB
Process node	Intel 7
Unlocked multiplier	yes
Integrated graphics	Intel UHD Graphics 770
NPU (AI accelerator)	no

Compatibility

Socket	LGA1700
TDP	125 W
Max temperature	100 °C

Memory and PCI Express

Memory type	DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200
Memory channels	2
Max memory	128 GB
PCI Express version	5.0
PCIe lanes	20

Games

Core i9-12900K meets 100% of minimum and 100% of recommended requirements of the games in our database (compared with the models named in official requirements).

Can my PC run it? →

Equivalent from the other brand

The closest AMD CPU in performance is the Ryzen 7 9700X. Core i9-12900K vs Ryzen 7 9700X →

Similar performance

Other comparisons

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Core i9-12900K: specifications