20score
#87 of 555
Overall rank
Core i9-12900
16 cores · 24 threads · up to 5.1 GHz on FCLGA1700.
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Cores
16
Threads
24
Boost
5.1 GHz
L3 cache
30 MB
TDP
65W
Socket
FCLGA1700
Performance breakdown
Gaming20
Productivity21
Single-core21
Multi-core67
Power efficiency17
Lab scores
Performance score20
Cores16
Threads24
Boost clock (GHz)5.1 GHz
Estimated gaming FPS
Paired with a high-end GPU. CPU impact is largest at 1080p.
1080p44 fps
1440p35 fps
4K24 fps
Full specifications
Processor & cores
- Architecture
- Alder Lake-S
- Process node
- Intel 7 nm
- Socket
- FCLGA1700
- Release year
- 2022
- Total cores
- 16
- Threads
- 24
- Integrated graphics
- Intel UHD Graphics 770
Clocks & cache
- Base clock
- 2.4 GHz
- Boost clock
- 5.1 GHz
- L1 cache
- 1280 KB
- L2 cache
- 20 MB
- L3 cache
- 30 MB
Memory & platform
- Memory support
- DDR4
- Max capacity
- 128 GB
- Channels
- 2
- Max bandwidth
- 76.8 GB/s
- Base power (TDP)
- 65W
- Max temperature
- 100°C
- PCIe
- PCIe 5.0 and 4.0
- Launch price
- $489
Technologies
- Instruction sets
- SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2
- Extensions
- AES-NI, AVX, VT-x, VT-d, Turbo Boost Max 3.0, TXT, TSX
Community Feedback
What Owners Say
Owners love the huge performance jump from older chips for everyday work and gaming. The main gripe is that it still runs hot and demands a serious cooler, even at stock settings.
Pros
- Stays cool under heavy loads
- Handles everyday tasks with ease
- Quiet enough for a work PC
- Great for multi-tasking work flows
Cons
- No overclocking support at all
- Stock cooler is barely adequate
- Runs warm under heavy load
Verdict
Our verdict on the Core i9-12900
Intel's Core i9-12900 is a low-power Alder Lake desktop chip that trades top-end speed for better efficiency under a 65-watt limit.
Get it if you need a fast, efficient processor for heavy multitasking or content creation without the heat of a high-power chip. Skip it if you're gaming and can get better performance for less money from a newer mid-range model.
Buy it if…
- Buy it if you need strong multi-core work without the high power draw.
- Buy it if you want a fast office PC that stays cool and quiet.
- Buy it if you are upgrading an older motherboard and want solid all-around speed.
Leaderboard
Its place in the overall top
3.9
25 votes
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