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Intel Core i9 12900 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£380
  • Avg. price in US: ~$420
  • PassMark benchmark result: 33666
  • N. of physical cores: 16
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.1 GHz

Intel Core i9 12900 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

7.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

7.4

Technical Score

10.0%

7.6

User score

Very good
7.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

7.2

Performance

18.0%

8.1

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

8.4

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.0

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.4

Platform

1.0%

7.4

Integrated Graphics

Very good
7.6

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

4.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(34)
amazon
4.8
(13)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 7.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    7.7

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    7.3

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    7.9

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    5.2

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    6.7

    N. of physical cores

  • 6.4
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    6.1

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    6.7

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    7.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    5.2

    L3 cache

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i9-12900 is a high-end 12th Gen 'Alder Lake' desktop processor featuring a hybrid architecture with 16 cores (8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores) and 24 threads. It operates at a base power of 65W with a maximum turbo power of 202W, reaching boost speeds up to 5.1 GHz on its P-cores and 3.8 GHz on its E-cores. Key technical advantages include 30 MB of Intel Smart Cache, support for both DDR5 (up to 4800 MT/s) and DDR4 (up to 3200 MT/s) memory, and PCIe 5.0 connectivity. Main pros include exceptional single-core performance for gaming, robust multi-threaded capabilities for content creation, and an integrated UHD Graphics 770 chip. However, notable cons include significant heat generation under heavy load, high power consumption during turbo bursts, and the requirement for a newer LGA 1700 socket motherboard.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 12900

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

7.2

Performance

18.0%

8.1

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

8.4

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.0

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.4

Platform

1.0%

7.4

Integrated Graphics

7.4
Intel Core i9 12900 has a technical score of 7.38 points, which is higher than that of 90.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

4.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(34)
amazon
4.8
(13)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.6
Intel Core i9 12900 has a user score of 7.65 points, which is lower than that of 88.5% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
4.1
Intel Core i9 12900 has a popularity of 4.1 points, which is higher than 81.1% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.4

Overall score

40.0%

8.5

Price

7.7
Intel Core i9 12900 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.7 points, which is higher than 89.2% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i9 12900 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1700
Intel Core i9 12900 uses the LGA1700 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 86.1% of processors and equal to that of 7.4% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Z790, H770, B760, Z690, H670, B660, H610, Q670, W680
Intel Core i9 12900 supports Z790, H770, B760, Z690, H670, B660, H610, Q670, W680 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 86.2% of processors and equal to that of 2.2% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i9 12900 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

16
Intel Core i9 12900 has 16 CPU cores, which is more than 91.5% of processors and equal to 4% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

24
Intel Core i9 12900 offers 24 CPU threads, which is more than 90.3% of processors and equal to 4% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

?
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

5.1 GHz
Intel Core i9 12900 reaches a boost clock of 5.1 GHz which is higher than that of 86.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.1% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

8 x 2.4 GHz & 8 x 1.8 GHz
Intel Core i9 12900 has a base clock of 8x2.4 GHz & 8x1.8 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

10 nm
Intel Core i9 12900 uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of processors and equal to that of 19.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 7
Intel Core i9 12900 is built on the Intel 7 foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 66.2% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

30 MB
Intel Core i9 12900 has an L3 cache of 30 MB which is larger than that of 88.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

14 MB
Intel Core i9 12900 has an L2 cache of 14 MB which is larger than that of 87.5% of processors and equal to that of 2.2% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

1,433.6 KB
Intel Core i9 12900 has an L1 cache of 1,433.6 KB which is larger than that of 94.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4/DDR5
Intel Core i9 12900 supports DDR DDR4/DDR5, which is newer than that of 79.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

4,800 MHz
Intel Core i9 12900 supports memory speeds up to 4,800 MHz, which is higher than that of 66.4% of processors and equal to 5.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR5-4800 MHz
Intel Core i9 12900 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-4,800 MHz, which is higher than that of 66.5% of processors and equal to 5.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

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Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i9 12900 supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i9 12900 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i9 12900 uses the Intel UHD Graphics 770 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 56.9% and equal to that in 4.9%.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

32
Intel Core i9 12900 has 32 GPU execution units, which is more than 70.8% of processors and equal to 9.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

300 MHz
Intel Core i9 12900 has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

AV1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i9 12900 supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 63.1% of processors and equal to 10.8% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i9 12900 has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i9 12900 has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

202 W
Intel Core i9 12900 has a boost power of 202 W which is higher than that of 92.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i9 12900 has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i9 12900 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i9 12900 vs the average processor

  • 3.63x better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (10,097 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (10,097 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.10,097 vs 2,783
  • 61.3% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,005 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,005 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.4,005 vs 2,483
  • 10 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 12900 has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i9 12900 has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.16 vs 6
  • 3.2x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (33,666 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (33,666 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.33,666 vs 10,532.5
  • 2.75x higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (13,160 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (13,160 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.13,160 vs 4,793
  • 16 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 12900 has more CPU threads than the average processor (24 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i9 12900 has more CPU threads than the average processor (24 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.24 vs 8
  • 70.6% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,510 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,510 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.2,510 vs 1,471
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i9 12900 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0).
    What it is: The newest PCIe generation the processor can use directly for graphics cards, SSDs, and other high-speed expansion devices.
    When it matters: When you want support for newer GPUs or SSDs, or more bandwidth for high-speed expansion hardware.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 4.0

    Intel Core i9 12900 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0).5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 12900 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1700 vs FP2).
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core i9 12900 supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 12900 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • 3.63x better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (10,097 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 61.3% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,005 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 10 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 12900 has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 3.2x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (33,666 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 2.75x higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (13,160 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 16 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 12900 has more CPU threads than the average processor (24 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 70.6% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,510 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 18.6% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 45.2% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (703 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 2 wider front-end design
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 5.6x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 3.75x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (30 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 12900 has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Intel Core i9 12900 uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • 3.73x larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (1,433.6 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i9 12900 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core i9 12900 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a lower process node than the average processor (10 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i9 12900 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0).
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i9 12900 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 12900 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i9 12900 has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 67.7% higher memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 12900 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Supports ECC memory
    Intel Core i9 12900 supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
  • 63.7% higher memory speed
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (4,800 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 1 more supported displays
    Intel Core i9 12900 has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i9 12900 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • 20.8% larger die size
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher die size than the average processor (215 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i9 12900 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • 3.16x higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (202 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 12900 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 3.16x higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (202 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (202 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.202 W vs 64 W
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 12900 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i9 12900 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 20.8% larger die size
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher die size than the average processor (215 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher die size than the average processor (215 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².215 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i9 12900 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
    When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i9 12900 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i9 12900 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
  • 52% more expensive
    Intel Core i9 12900 is more expensive than the average processor (£380 vs £250).
    Intel Core i9 12900 is more expensive than the average processor (£380 vs £250).£380 vs £250
  • 4.6% lower user score
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a lower user score than the average processor (7.65 vs 8,000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Intel Core i9 12900 has a lower user score than the average processor (7.65 vs 8,000).7.65 vs 8
Total
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Cache & Architecture
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 12900 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
34 Reviews
amazon
4.8
13 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i9 12900?

  • Exceptional single-core performance, making it a top-tier choice for gaming and snappiness.
  • Strong multi-threaded capabilities suitable for professional workloads like video editing and RAW photo processing.
  • Support for modern platform features including DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0.
  • Improved energy efficiency during light tasks due to the new hybrid P-core and E-core architecture.
  • Competitive pricing compared to high-end AMD alternatives at the time of its release.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 12900?

  • High power consumption and significant heat generation under heavy sustained loads.
  • Requires a high-end cooling solution (like a 360mm AIO) to prevent thermal throttling.
  • High total cost of ownership when factoring in the need for a new LGA1700 motherboard and expensive DDR5 RAM.
  • Performance is best optimized on Windows 11, which may be a drawback for users preferring older operating systems.
  • Questionable value compared to the i7-12700K, which offers similar gaming performance for a lower price.

Expert reviews

B
browser.geekbench.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core i9-12900 Benchmarks - Geekbench

The Intel Core i9-12900 is a 65W, 16-core (8 E) Alder Lake desktop processor designed for high-end productivity and gaming, featuring 5.1 GHz boost clocks. Key advantages include the Intel Thread Director for optimized scheduling and native support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, offering high performance with lower power consumption than "K" series models. Conversely, the processor requires...Read more

M
madboxpc.com
23/11/2021
Intel Core i9-12900K Review: Alder Lake-S arrives on the LGA-1700 socket

The MadBoxPC review of the Intel Core i9-12900K highlights a 16-core (8 E) hybrid architecture designed for Windows 11, which is crucial for managing its new thread scheduler. The processor delivers top-tier performance, frequently outperforming the Ryzen 9 5950X in gaming and productivity, supported by DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 capabilities. Key drawbacks include high power consumption...Read more

(Translated)Show original
I
itwarelatam.com
08/02/2022
Intel Core i9-12900K Review: The Most Powerful Gaming CPU

The itwarelatam.com review identifies the Intel Core i9-12900K as a top-tier "hybrid" CPU utilizing 8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficiency-cores, delivering exceptional gaming and productivity performance with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support. While offering unmatched speed, the processor runs hot (88°C-100°C) and consumes up to 269W, requiring robust cooling, and necessitates a high...Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
muycomputer.com
04/11/2021
Intel Core i9-12900K Review: Alder Lake-S is the Future Realized

The Intel Core i9-12900K introduces the "Alder Lake" hybrid architecture, utilizing 16 cores (8 P-cores, 8 E-cores) and 24 threads to deliver top-tier performance in both single-threaded gaming and multi-threaded content creation. Pros include leading gaming performance, high IPC improvements, and support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, making it a strong, future-proof option. However, the...Read more

(Translated)Show original
P
profesionalreview.com
04/11/2021
Intel Core i9-12900K Review (Complete Analysis)

The Intel Core i9-12900K review highlights a major architectural shift with the 16-core (8 E) Alder Lake design, offering dominant gaming performance that surpasses AMD's top-tier Ryzen 5000 series. Key advantages include support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and high efficiency in content creation tasks, such as video editing and rendering, thanks to Intel Thread Director. However,...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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