26score
#48 of 555
Overall rank
Core i9-12900KS
16 cores · 24 threads · up to 5.3 GHz on FCLGA1700.
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Cores
16
Threads
24
Boost
5.3 GHz
L3 cache
30 MB
TDP
150W
Socket
FCLGA1700
Performance breakdown
Gaming27
Productivity27
Single-core27
Multi-core67
Power efficiency22
Lab scores
Performance score26
Cores16
Threads24
Boost clock (GHz)5.3 GHz
Estimated gaming FPS
Paired with a high-end GPU. CPU impact is largest at 1080p.
1080p59 fps
1440p47 fps
4K32 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
- 3.4 GHz
- Boost clock
- 5.3 GHz
- L1 cache
- 1280 KB
- L2 cache
- 20 MB
- L3 cache
- 30 MB
Memory & platform
- Memory support
- DDR5-4800
- Max capacity
- 128 GB
- Channels
- 2
- Max bandwidth
- 76.8 GB/s
- Base power (TDP)
- 150W
- Max temperature
- 90°C
- PCIe
- PCIe 5.0 and 4.0
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 blistering gaming speed and how it handles heavy multitasking without breaking a sweat. The usual complaint is it runs hot and drinks power, needing a top-tier cooler to keep it in check.
Pros
- Super fast for gaming and work
- Handles heavy multitasking without stutter
- Overclocks well with good cooling
- Runs hot but undervolts easily
Cons
- Needs a very serious cooler
- Motherboard compatibility can be fussy
- Not great value for gamers
Verdict
Our verdict on the Core i9-12900KS
The Intel Core i9-12900KS is a hot, power-hungry special edition chip that runs faster than the standard model straight out of the box.
Get it if you want the absolute fastest gaming performance in 2022 and have a top-tier cooler to handle its heat. Skip it if you're on a budget or need a CPU for heavy multi-core work, as cheaper options run cooler and quieter.
Buy it if…
- You're building an all-out gaming rig with no budget ceiling.
- You need top single-core speed for competitive esports and simulation.
- You want a prestige CPU for a high-end workstation that also games like a champ.
Leaderboard
Its place in the overall top
3.7
42 votes
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