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#124 of 555
Overall rank

Core i9-12900E

16 cores · 24 threads · up to 5.0 GHz on 1700.

2.3 · 12 votes

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Cores
16
Threads
24
Boost
5.0 GHz
L3 cache
30 MB
TDP
65W
Socket
1700

Performance breakdown

Gaming17
Productivity18
Single-core18
Multi-core67
Power efficiency14

Lab scores

Performance score17
Cores16
Threads24
Boost clock (GHz)5.0 GHz

Estimated gaming FPS

Paired with a high-end GPU. CPU impact is largest at 1080p.

1080p37 fps
1440p30 fps
4K20 fps

Full specifications

Processor & cores
Architecture
Alder Lake-S
Process node
10 nm
Socket
1700
Release year
2022
Total cores
16
Threads
24
Integrated graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 770
Clocks & cache
Base clock
2.3 GHz
Boost clock
5.0 GHz
L1 cache
1280 KB
L2 cache
20 MB
L3 cache
30 MB
Memory & platform
Memory support
DDR4
Base power (TDP)
65W
Max temperature
72°C
PCIe
PCIe 5.0
Technologies
Extensions
AES-NI, AVX, VT-x, VT-d, TXT, TSX
Community Feedback

What Owners Say

Owners love the strong multi-core performance and good efficiency for mixed workloads. The common gripe is that it runs hotter than expected under sustained load.

Pros
  • Blends high performance with low heat
  • Fits existing LGA 1700 motherboards
  • Handles heavy multitasking without slowdowns
  • Stays cool on modest air cooling
Cons
  • Fan is not included in box
  • Requires expensive DDR5 memory
  • Limited motherboard upgrade path
Verdict

Our verdict on the Core i9-12900E

A 65-watt Alder Lake chip that trades peak speed for much lower power draw, making it a quiet workhorse.

Get it if you need a low-power, high-performance chip for a compact office PC or server that can handle heavy multitasking without overheating. Skip it if you're building a gaming rig or overclocking machine where a faster, unlocked K-series chip gives you more performance for the same money.

Buy it if…

  • You need a cool and quiet office PC that handles heavy multitasking.
  • You want a powerful workstation that sips power instead of guzzling it.
  • You are building a compact PC for professional work without a loud fan.
2.3

12 votes

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