Intel

Intel Core i9-12900KS

Expert rating8.7 / 10

Brand:: Intel
Form Factor:: Desktop
CPU Socket:: LGA 1700
Core/Thread Count:: 16C/24T
TDP:: 125W
iGPU:: Intel UHD Graphics 770
CPU Series:: Core i9

Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more

Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.

Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: 2026-09-12

Intel Core i9-12900KS Review

Intel Core i9-12900KS 16-core 24-thread desktop processor, 3.4GHz base / 5.8GHz boost, 125W TDP, Alder Lake, LGA 1700 socket

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is an unlocked flagship desktop processor for overclocking and high-end gaming. Built on Intel's Alder Lake architecture, it pairs 16 cores and 24 threads with a 3.4GHz base clock that boosts up to 5.8GHz and Intel UHD Graphics 770 graphics, all within a 125W envelope.

Performance and Architecture

With 16 cores and 24 threads, the Intel Core i9-12900KS is built on Intel's Alder Lake generation. Its 3.4GHz base clock boosts up to 5.8GHz, and Intel UHD Graphics 770 graphics handle everyday display and light content-creation tasks.

Platform and Efficiency

The Intel Core i9-12900KS uses the LGA 1700 platform in a 125W envelope, positioned as an unlocked flagship desktop processor for overclocking and high-end gaming.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Core i9 lineup in this catalog, the Intel Core i9-12900KS 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.

Specifications

Identity

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

Segment and platform

Market Segment	Desktop
Microarchitecture	Alder Lake
Socket	LGA 1700
Socket	LGA 1700
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	3.4 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock	5.5 GHz
E-Core Base Clock	2.5 GHz
E-Core Boost Clock	4.0 GHz
Unlocked Multiplier	Yes

Cache

L2 Cache	14 MB
L3 Cache	30 MB

Power and thermal

Base Power	150 W
Max Turbo Power	241 W
Bundled Cooler	None

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	739 USD
Retail Availability	Boxed Retail

Form Factor	Desktop
TDP	125 W
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 770

Expert Review

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

Expert rating8.7 / 10

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is an unlocked flagship desktop chip, a top pick for enthusiasts who want to overclock.

Best for

Enthusiast desktop gaming
Overclocking
High-end productivity

Not for

Laptops
Fanless designs
Extreme power efficiency needs

FAQs

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

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is a processor from Intel. Key specs: Cores 16, Threads 24, Base Clock 3.4 GHz, Boost Clock 5.8 GHz, L3 Cache 30.

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

The Intel Core i9-12900KS lists Socket is LGA 1700. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.