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Intel Core i9 12900KS

Intel Core i9 12900KS

Codename: Alder Lake Released: April 5, 2022
Total Cores
16
Physical Cores
Total Threads
24
Concurrent Threads
Boost Clock
5200 MHz
Max Turbo Frequency

Technical Highlights

Vendor : Intel
Socket : LGA-1700
Manufacturing Process : 10 nm
TDP (PL1) : 150 W

About this CPU

Alder Lake desktop CPU with 16 cores and 24 threads, up to 5500 MHz Turbo Boost, an unlocked multiplier and Intel UHD Graphics 770.

Last updated: September 11, 2026

Available on

Overall Score Of Intel Core i9 12900KS

This summarizes how Intel Core i9 12900KS scores across single-core performance, multi-core performance, CPU architecture, memory architecture, and energy efficiency.

72
Overall
Single-Core Performance
68
Multi-Core Performance
66
CPU Architecture
63
Memory Architecture
58
Energy Efficiency
74

General Information of Intel Core i9 12900KS

CPU Name

Intel Core i9 12900KS

Vendor

Intel

Release Date

April 5, 2022

Generation

12th Gen Intel Core

Type

Desktop

Instruction Set

x86-64

Codename

Alder Lake

Foundry

Intel

Package and Thermals of Intel Core i9 12900KS

Manufacturing Process

10 nm

20% of the current best Manufacturing Process score

Max Temp (TJMax)

Excellent

90 C

82% of the current best Max Temp (TJMax) score

TDP (PL1)

150 W

Max. Boost TDP (PL2)

241 W

Socket

LGA-1700

CPU Cores of Intel Core i9 12900KS

Performance Cores

P-Cores

8

22% of the current best P-Cores score

P-Threads

16

44% of the current best P-Threads score

P-Core Base Frequency

Good

3400 MHz

72% of the current best P-Core Base Frequency score

P-Core Turbo Frequency

Excellent

5200 MHz

84% of the current best P-Core Turbo Frequency score

Efficient Cores

E-Cores

8

50% of the current best E-Cores score

E-Threads

Good

8

50% of the current best E-Threads score

E-Core Base Frequency

2500 MHz

57% of the current best E-Core Base Frequency score

E-Core Turbo Frequency

Excellent

4000 MHz

85% of the current best E-Core Turbo Frequency score

Total

Total Cores

Good

16

44% of the current best Total Cores score

Total Threads

Excellent

24

67% of the current best Total Threads score

Multiplier

Unlocked

Bus Frequency

Top tier

100 MHz

100% of the current best Bus Frequency score

Unlocked Multiplier

Yes

L1 Cache

64 KB

13% of the current best L1 Cache score

L2 Cache

14 MB

22% of the current best L2 Cache score

L3 Cache

30 MB

16% of the current best L3 Cache score

NPU

No

Memory Support of Intel Core i9 12900KS

Memory Types

Top tier

DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200

90% of the current best Memory Types score

Max Memory Size

Good

128 GB

25% of the current best Max Memory Size score

Memory Channels

2

3% of the current best Memory Channels score

Max Memory Bandwidth

76.8 GB/s

6% of the current best Max Memory Bandwidth score

ECC Support

Yes

Technologies

ABM, ADX, BMI1, BMI2, CLMUL, F16C, SHA, EIST, TBT 2.0, TBT 3.0, TSX, TVB, VT-d, VT-x, RDRAND, TXT, XD bit

Benchmarks of Intel Core i9 12900KS

PassMark CPU

Benchmark results for this category.

Multi-Core:
43,360 (53rd)
60% of max score
Good
Single-Core:
4,321
73% of max score
Good

Performance Charts Of Intel Core i9 12900KS

These charts show how Intel Core i9 12900KS balances CPU benchmark performance and relative score versus current market leaders.

Performance Radar Chart

Category scores overview (0 to 100)
Intel Core i9 12900KS

Performance Benchmarks

Grey is the market top value. Colored bar is Intel Core i9 12900KS.
Market Top
Intel Core i9 12900KS

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Frequently Asked Questions about Intel Core i9 12900KS

The Intel Core i9 12900KS was officially released in April 5, 2022, targeting the Desktop market.

The Intel Core i9 12900KS is equipped with 16 cores and 24 threads, making it a powerhouse for heavily threaded professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.

The Intel Core i9 12900KS uses the LGA-1700 socket. This is a critical specification for compatibility, as it dictates which motherboards can support this processor.

The Intel Core i9 12900KS operates at a base clock frequency of 3400 MHz for its performance cores (and 2500 MHz for E-cores). This is the speed the processor runs at under normal, non-intensive workloads.

The Intel Core i9 12900KS can reach a maximum turbo boost frequency of 5200 MHz on its performance cores (and 4000 MHz for E-cores). This allows the CPU to dynamically increase its speed to handle demanding tasks and gaming workloads.

The Intel Core i9 12900KS has a maximum junction temperature (TjMax) of 90 C. This is the maximum temperature possible before the processor initiates thermal throttling or shuts down to prevent permanent damage.

With an overall performance rating of 72%, the Intel Core i9 12900KS is considered a high-performance processor in our comprehensive CPU database.

The Intel Core i9 12900KS features 30 MB of L3 cache. A larger cache helps the processor access frequently used data faster, which can significantly boost gaming performance.

The Intel Core i9 12900KS has a base power consumption (TDP) of 150 W. This value is important for choosing an adequate CPU cooler and determining your overall system power requirements.

The Intel Core i9 12900KS supports DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 memory, dictating the RAM speeds and capacities you can pair with this processor.

The Intel Core i9 12900KS includes an integrated GPU, meaning you don't strictly need a dedicated graphics card for basic display output.

Disclaimer: Specs, pricing, and benchmarks are sourced from official manufacturer data and verified test results. While we strive for precision, product details and pricing may change. Comparigon may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases.