Intel

Core i9-12900KS

The Core i9-12900KS 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.

Core i9-12900KS processor

Gaming & productivity performance

Gaming score: CPU-bound 1080p rating, normalized to 100. Cinebench 2024: multi- and single-core points.

Core i9-12900KSBest CPU
67.4
100.0

1080p Gaming

2,482

Cinebench Multi

145

Cinebench Single

The Core i9-12900KS scores 67.4 on our 0–100 CPU gaming scale.

Performance-per-dollar rank among all CPUs with live pricing

Gaming value

#99

of 134

Productivity value

Specifications

Cores & Clocks

Cores / Threads
16 / 24
P-cores
8
E-cores
8
Base clock
3.4 GHz
Boost clock
5.5 GHz
Architecture
Alder Lake

Cache & Process

L3 cache
30 MB
L2 cache
14 MB
Process node
Intel 7
Released
2022-04-05

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
150W
Max power
300W
Integrated graphics
Intel UHD 770
MSRP
$813.00

The Core i9-12900KS pairs 16 cores with 30 MB of L3 cache on the Intel 7 process. Compare the Core i9-12900KS 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 i9-12900KS

Every in-stock retailer offer we track, cheapest first.

RetailerAvailabilityPriceBuy
AmazonSee on Amazon
Buy

The Core i9-12900KS starts from $476.15 across 1 retailer. Prices update daily from live stock.

Complete the build

The cheapest in-stock parts that actually fit the Core i9-12900KS — matched on socket and power delivery using the same rules as our PC Builder, priced live.

Cheapest compatible
Motherboard
Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi
Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi
MSI · LGA1700 · 300W VRM

The most affordable LGA1700 board in stock whose power delivery can reliably run the Core i9-12900KS.

from
$129.99
at Newegg
Buy
Cheapest compatible
CPU Cooler
Frozn A620 PRO SE
Frozn A620 PRO SE
ID-Cooling · Air · 260W

The Core i9-12900KS 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.

price
See on Amazon
Buy

Contains affiliate links. Prices update regularly and may differ at the retailer.

How the Core i9-12900KS compares

Similar CPUs worth a look, based on live prices and 1080p gaming performance.

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.