Core i9-12900K
The Core i9-12900K is Intel’s 16-core, 24-thread processor for the LGA1700 platform, built on the Alder Lake architecture. Below you’ll find its full spec sheet with gaming and productivity benchmarks, plus every retailer’s current price.
Prices update regularly and may differ at the retailer. This page contains affiliate links.
Gaming performance
CPU-bound gaming score: a 1080p rating normalized so the fastest gaming CPU we track = 100. Productivity scores are in the Benchmarks section below.
1080p Gaming
The Core i9-12900K scores 67.4 on our 0–100 CPU gaming scale, tested at 1080p where the processor, not the graphics card, sets the frame rate. At 1440p and 4K the gap between CPUs shrinks as the GPU takes over.
Performance-per-dollar rank among all CPUs with live pricing
Gaming value
#105
of 151
Productivity value
#58
of 108
Benchmarks
Standardized productivity scores for this chip, each compared to the fastest CPU we track and linked to its source. Multi-core tracks heavy parallel work like rendering and encoding; single-core tracks everyday responsiveness.
Multi-core
Single-core
Where to buy the Core i9-12900K
Every in-stock retailer offer we track, cheapest first.
| Retailer | Availability | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | In stock | $429.97 |  |
| Newegg | In stock | $429.99 |  |
The Core i9-12900K starts from $429.97 across 2 retailers. Prices update daily from live stock.
Complete the build
The cheapest in-stock parts that actually fit the Core i9-12900K — matched on socket and power delivery using the same rules as our PC Builder, priced live.
The most affordable LGA1700 board in stock whose power delivery can reliably run the Core i9-12900K.
The Core i9-12900K doesn't include a cooler, so you'll need to add one. This is the cheapest air cooler in stock that fits LGA1700 and handles its heat.
Contains affiliate links. Prices update regularly and may differ at the retailer.
Specifications
Cores & Clocks
- Cores / Threads
- 16 / 24
- P-cores
- 8
- E-cores
- 8
- Base clock
- 3.2 GHz
- Boost clock
- 5.2 GHz
- Architecture
- Alder Lake
Cache & Process
- L3 cache
- 30 MB
- L2 cache
- 14 MB
- Process node
- Intel 7
- Released
- 2021-11-04
Memory & Platform
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory channels
- 2
- Max memory
- 128 GB
- Memory support
- DDR5, 4800; DDR4, 3200
- Chipsets
- Z690, H670, B660, H610, Q670, W680, Z790, H770, B760
- PCIe
- PCIe 5.0
- ECC support
- Yes
Power & Extras
- TDP
- 125W
- Max power
- 300W
- Integrated graphics
- Intel UHD 770
- MSRP
- $648.00
The Core i9-12900K pairs 16 cores with 30 MB of L3 cache on the Intel 7 process. Compare the Core i9-12900K against the full CPU lineup on the CPU comparison table, or build a compatible system around it with the PC Builder.
How the Core i9-12900K compares
Similar CPUs worth a look, based on live prices and 1080p gaming performance. Open any head-to-head for the full specs, benchmark and price breakdown.
Matches or beats the Core i9-12900K in 1080p gaming and 3% cheaper ($14.98) — a clear win.
8-core · from $414.99
Core i9-12900K vs Ryzen 7 9800X3DAbout 7% more 1080p gaming performance, for 5% more ($20.02).
16-core · from $449.99
Core i9-12900K vs Core i7-13700KAffiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links — MaxMyBuild may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you buy through them. As an Amazon Associate, MaxMyBuild earns from qualifying purchases. For Amazon, current price and availability are shown on the Amazon product page; product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time of purchase and are subject to change. Prices shown for other retailers are approximate and may differ at checkout. “Search” links are non-affiliate and provided for convenience only.