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Intel Core i9-12900E vs Intel Core i9-12900KF: Comparison
Core i9-12900E vs Core i9-12900KF: the p-core boost clock difference
The first real difference is p-core boost clock: Core i9-12900E 5.0 GHz against Core i9-12900KF 5.1 GHz. Socket is not the same on both, LGA 1700 on the Core i9-12900E versus FCLGA1700 on the Core i9-12900KF. There is a split on release year as well, 2022 on the Core i9-12900E versus 2021 on the Core i9-12900KF. They differ on igpu too, Intel UHD Graphics 770 on the Core i9-12900E versus None on the Core i9-12900KF. Market segment is not the same on both, Embedded on the Core i9-12900E versus Desktop on the Core i9-12900KF. Base power is not the same on both, 65 W on the Core i9-12900E versus 125 W on the Core i9-12900KF.
Who each one is for
Buy the Core i9-12900E for embedded systems and long-lifecycle industrial PCs, though it is the wrong buy for laptops and fanless designs. The Core i9-12900KF suits enthusiast desktop gaming and overclocking with discrete GPU, though it is not the pick for systems without a discrete GPU and fanless designs. Our rating of the Core i9-12900E (7.9/10): the Intel Core i9-12900E is an embedded/IoT desktop variant built for long-lifecycle commercial and industrial systems. Our rating of the Core i9-12900KF (7.8/10): the Intel Core i9-12900KF is an unlocked, GPU-less chip aimed at enthusiasts already running a discrete graphics card.
What Core i9-12900E and Core i9-12900KF have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: total cores, performance cores, efficiency cores, total threads and l3 cache are identical here. They match on 3 further specifications as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Core i9-12900E and Core i9-12900KF differ on p-core base clock?
Yes. P-Core Base Clock reads 2.3 GHz on the Core i9-12900E versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i9-12900KF.
Is the Form Factor the same on the Core i9-12900E and Core i9-12900KF?
It is. Both are listed at Desktop, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- Desktop
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- Desktop
Codename
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- Alder Lake
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- Alder Lake
Release Year
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 2022
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- 2021
TDP
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 65 W
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- 125 W
iGPU
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- Intel UHD Graphics 770
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- None
Market Segment
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- Embedded
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- Desktop
Microarchitecture
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- Alder Lake
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- Alder Lake
Socket
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- LGA 1700
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- FCLGA1700
Process Node
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 7 nm
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- 10 nm
Total Cores
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 16
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- 16
Performance Cores
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 8
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- 8
Efficiency Cores
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 8
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- 8
Total Threads
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 24
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- 24
SMT Enabled
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- Yes
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- Yes
P-Core Base Clock
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 2.3 GHz
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- 3.2 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 5.0 GHz
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- 5.1 GHz
L3 Cache
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 30 MB
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- 30 MB
Base Power
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- 65 W
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- 125 W
Memory Type
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- DDR5, DDR4
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- DDR5 or DDR4
Integrated Graphics
- Intel Core i9-12900E
- Yes
- Intel Core i9-12900KF
- No
Which one should you pick?
Choose 12900E if you want the higher L3 cache (30 MB vs 30 MB).
Choose 12900KF if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Intel Core i9-12900E | Intel Core i9-12900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $564.00 View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| B&H Photo | View on B&H Photo |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Intel Core i9-12900E
7.9 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i9-12900E is an embedded/IoT desktop variant built for long-lifecycle commercial and industrial systems.
Intel Core i9-12900KF
7.8 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i9-12900KF is an unlocked, GPU-less chip aimed at enthusiasts already running a discrete graphics card.