Intel · Core i9 · 2021 · LGA1700
The Intel Core i9-12900K is a desktop processor with 16 cores (8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficiency-cores), released in 2021 at an MSRP of $409. It is part of the Core i9 lineup, using the 12th Gen platform, and fits the LGA1700 socket. Internally, it is built on the "Alder Lake" architecture. Only the 8 P-cores support Hyper-Threading, while the 8 E-cores handle a single thread each, together yielding 24 threads: the P-cores tackle latency-sensitive and lightly-threaded work, while the E-cores take on background and highly parallel tasks. The Core i9-12900K has a base clock of 3.2 GHz and can boost up to 5.2 GHz depending on workload and thermal headroom. Intel manufactures the "Alder Lake" silicon on a Intel 7 process node. The multiplier is unlocked, making overclocking straightforward. This processor supports DDR4/DDR5 memory. With a TDP of 125W, the Core i9-12900K sits in a typical power envelope for a modern desktop CPU. Integrated graphics are provided by the UHD 770 solution, so a discrete GPU is not required for display output. The cache hierarchy consists of 80KB/core of L1, 14MB of L2, and 30MB of L3 cache.
Intel's first hybrid-core desktop flagship, introducing the Performance-core/Efficient-core (P-core/E-core) design to the mainstream desktop lineup alongside DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support on the new LGA1700 platform. A significant architectural departure from the monolithic-core Comet Lake and Rocket Lake generations that preceded it.
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Family | Core i9 |
| Series | 12th Gen |
| Architecture | Alder Lake |
| Type | Desktop |
| Launch year | 2021 |
| Cores | 16 (8P + 8E) |
| Threads | 24 |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.2 GHz |
| L1 cache | 80KB/core |
| L2 cache | 14MB |
| L3 cache | 30MB |
| TDP | 125W |
| Socket | LGA1700 |
| Process | Intel 7 |
| Memory type | DDR4/DDR5 |
| Integrated graphics | UHD 770 |
| Chipsets | Z690, H670, B660, H610 |
| Launch MSRP | $409 |
| Part number | BX8071512900K |
| OEM / tray part number | CM8071504549230 |