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 and gaming and Cinebench 2024 productivity benchmarks, plus every retailer’s current price.
Prices update regularly and may differ at the retailer. This page contains affiliate links.
Gaming & productivity performance
Gaming score: CPU-bound 1080p rating, normalized to 100. Cinebench 2024: multi- and single-core points (Cinebench 2024 (nanoreview.net)).
1080p Gaming
Cinebench Multi
Cinebench Single
The Core i9-12900K scores 67.4 on our 0–100 CPU gaming scale. In Cinebench 2024 it renders 1,526 points multi-core and 109 single-core — versus 2,482 for the fastest CPU we list (Core Ultra 7 270K Plus).
Performance-per-dollar rank among all CPUs with live pricing
Gaming value
#88
of 134
Productivity value
#55
of 119
Benchmark scores
Cinebench 2024 results from the source cited below.
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.
Where to buy the Core i9-12900K
Every in-stock retailer offer we track, cheapest first.
| Retailer | Availability | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | — | See on Amazon |  |
| Newegg | In stock | $429.99 |  |
The Core i9-12900K starts from $425.99 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.
How the Core i9-12900K compares
Similar CPUs worth a look, based on live prices and 1080p gaming performance.
Matches or beats the Core i9-12900K in 1080p gaming and 15% cheaper ($66.00) — a clear win.
8-core · from $359.99
About 14% more 1080p gaming performance, for 17% more ($73.29).
16-core · from $499.28
Save 61% ($261.04) for roughly 0% less 1080p gaming performance.
6-core · from $164.95
AMD's closest match — within 0% on 1080p gaming, 5% cheaper ($23.00).
12-core · from $402.99
Affiliate 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.