Intel

Intel Core i9-12900

Expert rating8.2 / 10

Brand:: Intel
Form Factor:: Desktop
CPU Socket:: FCLGA1700
Core/Thread Count:: 16 Core (8P+8E) / 24 Thread
TDP:: 65 W
iGPU:: Intel UHD Graphics 770
CPU Series:: Core i9

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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: 2026-09-12

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Intel Core i9-12900 Review

Intel Core i9-12900 16-core 24-thread desktop processor, 2.4GHz base / 5.6GHz boost, 65W TDP, Alder Lake, LGA 1700 socket

The Intel Core i9-12900 is a mainstream desktop processor for everyday productivity and gaming builds. Built on Intel's Alder Lake architecture, it pairs 16 cores and 24 threads with a 2.4GHz base clock that boosts up to 5.6GHz and Intel UHD Graphics 770 graphics, all within a 65W envelope.

Performance and Architecture

With 16 cores and 24 threads, the Intel Core i9-12900 is built on Intel's Alder Lake generation. Its 2.4GHz base clock boosts up to 5.6GHz, and Intel UHD Graphics 770 graphics handle everyday display and light content-creation tasks.

Platform and Efficiency

The Intel Core i9-12900 uses the LGA 1700 platform in a 65W envelope, positioned as a mainstream desktop processor for everyday productivity and gaming builds.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Core i9 lineup in this catalog, the Intel Core i9-12900 sits among other Alder Lake parts at the 16-core tier, differentiated mainly by suffix, clock speed, and TDP. Against AMD's Ryzen processors in this catalog at a similar tier, Intel's Core i9 competes on single-thread performance and platform pricing, while against Intel's own Core Ultra parts in this catalog it lacks the on-die NPU but often costs less.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating8.2 / 10

The Intel Core i9-12900 is a mainstream desktop processor, a solid all-rounder for gaming and productivity builds.

Best for

Desktop gaming
Everyday productivity
Mainstream desktop builds

Not for

Laptops
Fanless designs
Extreme power efficiency needs

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity

Product Line	Core
Model Number	i9-12900
Codename	Alder Lake
Release Year	2022

Segment and platform

Market Segment	Desktop
Microarchitecture	Alder Lake
Socket	FCLGA1700
Socket Status	Mature
Process Node	10 nm

Core configuration

Total Cores	16
Performance Cores	8
Efficiency Cores	8
Total Threads	24
SMT Enabled	Yes

Clock speeds

P-Core Base Clock	2.4 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock	5 GHz
E-Core Base Clock	1.8 GHz
E-Core Boost Clock	3.8 GHz
Unlocked Multiplier	No

Cache

L2 Cache	14 MB
L3 Cache	30 MB

Power and thermal

Base Power	65 W
Max Turbo Power	202 W
Bundled Cooler	Intel Laminar RM1

Memory

Memory Type	DDR5 or DDR4
Max Memory Speed	4800 MT/s
Memory Channels	2
Max Memory Capacity	128 GB

Graphics and AI

Integrated Graphics	Yes
iGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 770
iGPU Compute Units	32
Copilot Plus Certified	No

Expansion

PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0
PCIe Lanes	20

Commercial

Launch MSRP	489 USD
Retail Availability	Boxed Retail

Form Factor	Desktop
TDP	65 W
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 770

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the Intel Core i9-12900?

The Intel Core i9-12900 has 16 cores and 24 threads, a 2.4 GHz base and 5 GHz boost clock, 30 MB of L3 cache and a 65 W TDP. Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 770. Socket: FCLGA1700.

Will the Intel Core i9-12900 work with my current setup?

The Intel Core i9-12900 lists Socket is FCLGA1700. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.

Who is the Intel Core i9-12900 best suited to?

Best suited to: Desktop gaming; Everyday productivity; Mainstream desktop builds.

What are the drawbacks of the Intel Core i9-12900?

Not the best fit for: Laptops; Fanless designs; Extreme power efficiency needs.