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Intel Core i9 12900KS Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£330
Avg. price in US: ~$450
PassMark benchmark result: 43452
N. of physical cores: 16
CPU boost clock speed: 5.5 GHz

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

8.0

Excellent

7.8

Very good

9.4

Exceptional

7.8
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
8.4
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
7.9
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
9.1
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
5.2
L3 cache
8.0%
6.7
N. of physical cores
7.7
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
9.0
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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Verdict

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is a flagship, special-edition 'Alder Lake' processor featuring 16 cores (8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores) and 24 threads, built on the Intel 7 process. It is characterized by its high clock speeds, reaching a 5.5 GHz max turbo frequency via Intel Thermal Velocity Boost, with a 3.4 GHz base frequency for P-cores and a 150W processor base power. Main pros include being among the world's fastest desktop processors for single-core tasks, excellent gaming and CAD performance, and using highly binned silicon for better stability. However, it suffers from very high power consumption (up to 241W turbo), extreme heat output requiring premium cooling solutions, and a significant price premium for only marginal performance gains over the standard i9-12900K.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 12900KS

Overall score

8.0

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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.

Platform

8.5

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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

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

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

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

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Performance

8.2

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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+

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+

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

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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

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

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Cache & Architecture

8.1

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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

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

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

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

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

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Memory & PCIe

8.4

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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

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

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

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

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Integrated Graphics

7.4

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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

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

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

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

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

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Power & Thermal

2.3

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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

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

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

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

N/A

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

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Intel Core i9 12900KS vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i9 12900KS better than the average processor?

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3.86x better multi-core performance
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (10,744 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 12900KS has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (10,744 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.10,744 vs 2,783
74.2% better single-core performance
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,326 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 12900KS has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,326 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.4,326 vs 2,483
4.13x higher PassMark score
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (43,452 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 12900KS has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (43,452 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.43,452 vs 10,532.5
27.9% higher boost clock
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
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
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.5.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
84.4% higher single-core score
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,713 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 12900KS has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,713 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.2,713 vs 1,471
10 more CPU cores
Intel Core i9 12900KS 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 12900KS has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.16 vs 6
16 more CPU threads
Intel Core i9 12900KS 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 12900KS has more CPU threads than the average processor (24 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.24 vs 8
Newer PCIe version
Intel Core i9 12900KS 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 12900KS 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 12900KS uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1700 vs FP2).
Supports HMP
Intel Core i9 12900KS supports HMP, the average processor does not.
Includes crypto acceleration
Intel Core i9 12900KS includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
3.86x better multi-core performance
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (10,744 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
74.2% better single-core performance
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,326 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
4.13x higher PassMark score
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (43,452 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
27.9% higher boost clock
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
84.4% higher single-core score
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,713 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
10 more CPU cores
Intel Core i9 12900KS has more CPU cores than the average processor (16 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
16 more CPU threads
Intel Core i9 12900KS has more CPU threads than the average processor (24 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i9 12900KS has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
2 wider front-end design
Intel Core i9 12900KS 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 12900KS 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 12900KS 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 12900KS 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 12900KS uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
More advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i9 12900KS uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Alder Lake vs Kaby Lake).
More advanced foundry
Intel Core i9 12900KS uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 7 vs Intel 14 nm).
16.7% smaller process node
Intel Core i9 12900KS 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 12900KS supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (5.0 + 4.0 vs 3.0).
Newer DDR support
Intel Core i9 12900KS supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/DDR5 vs DDR4).
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i9 12900KS supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
4 more PCIe lanes
Intel Core i9 12900KS 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 12900KS 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 12900KS 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 12900KS supports ECC memory, the average processor does not.
63.7% higher memory speed
Intel Core i9 12900KS 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 12900KS has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
10 °C lower CPU temperature
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (90 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Why is Intel Core i9 12900KS worse than the average processor?

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20.8% larger die size
Intel Core i9 12900KS 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 12900KS 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)).
3.77x higher boost power
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (241 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
3.33x higher base power
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher base power draw than the average processor (150 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
3.33x higher TDP
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher TDP than the average processor (150 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i9 12900KS does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
3.77x higher boost power
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (241 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 12900KS has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (241 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.241 W vs 64 W
3.33x higher base power
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher base power draw than the average processor (150 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 12900KS has a higher base power draw than the average processor (150 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.150 W vs 45 W
3.33x higher TDP
Intel Core i9 12900KS has a higher TDP than the average processor (150 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 12900KS has a higher TDP than the average processor (150 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.150 W vs 45 W
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i9 12900KS 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 12900KS does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
20.8% larger die size
Intel Core i9 12900KS 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 12900KS 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 12900KS 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 12900KS 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)
32% more expensive
Intel Core i9 12900KS is more expensive than the average processor (£330 vs £250).
Intel Core i9 12900KS is more expensive than the average processor (£330 vs £250).£330 vs £250

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 12900KS and other processors

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i9 12900KS?

Extreme out-of-the-box clock speeds reaching up to 5.5GHz on favored cores.
Superior single-core performance, making it one of the fastest chips for gaming and modeling tasks.
Highly binned silicon offers better stability and headroom for enthusiast overclocking.
Features integrated graphics (Xe LP iGPU), unlike some high-end competitors.
Excellent for professional multitasking and heavy content creation in apps like Adobe Creative Cloud.
Includes a unique 'Special Edition' collectors' tin packaging.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 12900KS?

Requires high-end cooling solutions (360mm AIO or custom loop) due to extreme heat output.
High power consumption with a base power draw increased to 150W.
Poor value for money, with a significant price premium for only 2-5% performance gains over the standard i9-12900K.
Prone to thermal throttling under heavy sustained loads even with robust cooling.
Does not include a stock cooler, adding to the total system cost.
Niche appeal; difficult for average users or gamers to justify over more affordable alternatives like the i7-12700K.

Expert reviews

lowyat.net

09/06/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS Review Would you like me to find more technical benchmarks or comparison data for this specific processor?

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is a pre-binned "special edition" processor designed for maximum performance, featuring 16 cores (8P + 8E) and 24 threads with boosted clock speeds up to 5.5GHz. While providing superior single-threaded performance and support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, the review notes only marginal, non-groundbreaking gains in gaming frame rates compared to the standard...Read more

wepc.com

18/12/2024

Core i9 12900KS review: The fastest gaming CPU

The WePC review defines the Intel Core i9-12900KS as a high-performance, "Special Edition" Alder Lake processor featuring 16 cores and a 5.5GHz boost clock, positioned as a faster, higher-binned alternative to the i9-12900K. It provides marginal performance gains of roughly 2% in gaming and 4-5% in synthetic tasks over the standard model, targeting users seeking maximum speed....Read more

hothardware.com

28/06/2022

Core i9-12900KS Review: Intel's Fastest Alder Lake CPU Tested

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is a 16-core, 24-thread "Special Edition" Alder Lake flagship, boasting 5.5GHz max turbo frequencies on its P-cores, a 300MHz increase over the i9-12900K. It serves as a new performance leader, outperforming rivals in productivity, while supporting DDR5 and PCIe Gen 5.0, though it requires significant power and high-end cooling. Despite its superior speed,...Read more

uk.pcmag.com

15/06/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS - Review 2022

The PCMag review characterizes the Intel Core i9-12900KS as a "Special Edition" flagship, highlighting its blistering 5.5GHz boost speed on two performance cores and a versatile 16-core design. Despite the high performance, significant cons include extreme thermal and power demands, with the chip frequently hitting 99 degrees Celsius and triggering thermal throttling even with...Read more

techspot.com

05/04/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS Review - TechSpot

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is identified by TechSpot as a special edition, top-tier processor that sets a new performance bar for desktop CPUs, featuring a 5.5 GHz boost clock. Despite achieving best-in-class performance in both single-core and multi-core applications, performance gains are marginal at only 1% to 6% over the standard i9-12900K, offering, according to TechSpot,...Read more

cgmagonline.com

01/07/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS CPU Review - CGMagazine

CGMagazine describes the Intel Core i9-12900KS as a "new performance king" of the 12th-gen family, utilizing a higher-binned design to achieve 5.5GHz speeds and superior gaming performance. The chip outperforms its predecessor, the 12900K, offering marginal FPS increases in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and significant improvements in productivity, such as 25% faster speeds in Adobe...Read more

tweaktown.com

20/04/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS "Alder Lake" CPU Review - TweakTown

The Intel Core i9-12900KS "Alder Lake" review by TweakTown highlights this "Special Edition" processor as a highly binned, elite chip designed for maximum performance, featuring a 5.5GHz peak boost clock and delivering top-tier single-core scores in benchmarks like Cinebench R23. While establishing itself as the fastest desktop processor at launch, the review notes the performance...Read more

kitguru.net

29/04/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS Review – Fast, Juicy, Hot and Dumb

Leo Waldock’s review for KitGuru describes the Intel Core i9-12900KS as a high-performance "white elephant" that pushes clock speeds to 5.5GHz on two cores and 5.2GHz on all cores at an extreme cost in power and heat. While offering top-tier performance, the CPU is criticized for inefficiently achieving these speeds by maxing out thermal limits and, in some cases, demanding a custom...Read more

pcmag.com

15/06/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS Review - PCMag

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is a "Special Edition" 16-core processor designed for maximum performance, featuring a 5.5GHz boost clock that provides marginal gains in specific workloads over the standard i9-12900K. The chip demands intense thermal management, frequently hitting 99 degrees Celsius and requiring top-tier liquid cooling to avoid performance-sapping thermal throttling...Read more

pcwelt.de

13/04/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS benchmark test - PC-WELT", "Intel Core i9-12900KS in benchmark testing - PC-WELT

The PC-WELT review identifies the Intel Core i9-12900KS as a specialized, high-bin processor that reaches 5.5GHz to secure the title of fastest desktop CPU, offering 3–6% better performance over the standard i9-12900K in specific tasks. While delivering top-tier performance for applications and gaming, the CPU requires immense power and generates significant heat, often drawing over...Read more

computerbase.de

12/04/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS Review - ComputerBase", "Intel Core i9-12900KS Tested - ComputerBase

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is a pre-binned, factory-overclocked Alder Lake processor reaching 5.5 GHz on up to two cores and 5.2 GHz on all cores, with base power raised to 150W. While it is the fastest desktop CPU at launch, performance gains are limited to a 2% to 5% improvement over the standard 12900K, making the increase in games and applications minor. The chip suffers from...Read more

hardwarecooking.fr

26/05/2022

Review: Intel Core i9-12900KS, a very hot CPU for gaming

The Intel Core i9-12900KS, as tested by HardwareCooking, is a "Special Edition" Alder Lake processor, functioning as a pre-binned 12900K with boosted clocks up to 5.5 GHz and 16 cores (8 E). It offers marginal, roughly 3% to 6% performance gains in productivity and gaming over the standard 12900K, making it a niche product for maximum, out-of-the-box performance enthusiasts. Key...Read more

elchapuzasinformatico.com

07/04/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS Review: Higher performance at the cost of power consumption and temperatures

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is a specially binned, factory-overclocked 16-core processor designed to reach 5.5 GHz, offering marginal performance gains of 2% to 7% over the standard i9-12900K. Achieving these speeds requires a 150W base TDP, with power consumption peaking near 270W and necessitating high-end liquid cooling to prevent thermal throttling, as temperatures frequently...Read more

profesionalreview.com

16/04/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS: Review and Performance Comparison

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is a "Special Edition" 16-core Alder Lake processor, utilizing high-quality "binned" silicon to achieve a 5.5 GHz boost frequency, targeting extreme enthusiasts and creators. Pros include best-in-class performance in professional applications like Photoshop (up to 6% faster than the 12900K) and robust platform support with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5. Cons center on...Read more

digitec.ch

05/04/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS Review Roundup

The Intel Core i9-12900KS, highlighted in the Digitec review roundup, acts as a pre-binned, higher-clocked "Special Edition" of the Alder Lake lineup, boasting peak P-core frequencies of 5.5 GHz to secure top-tier single-core performance. While offering 16 cores (8P + 8E) for strong content creation, the processor is targeted at enthusiasts rather than average users, with high power...Read more

tvtech.it

20/04/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS, Alder Lake at dizzying frequencies: test and verdict

The Intel Core i9-12900KS, a "binned" version of the 12900K, reaches 5.5 GHz on two cores and maintains 16 cores/24 threads, offering marginal 1-9% performance gains over the standard model. Pros include record-breaking frequencies and superior single-threaded performance for enthusiasts, while cons feature extreme power draw, high thermal output requiring top-tier cooling, and a...Read more

tomshw.it

28/02/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS: Record-breaking performance in first benchmarks

The Intel Core i9-12900KS, a "Special Edition" 12th Gen Alder Lake processor, is a binned version of the i9-12900K, reaching record-setting frequencies of 5.5 GHz on two P-cores and 5.2 GHz across all P-cores. While offering unparalleled single-threaded performance and being a top-tier gaming choice, its gains over the standard 12900K are marginal, typically yielding only 1-3 FPS...Read more

hwupgrade.it

20/04/2022

Intel Core i9-12900KS Review: Testing the Most Extreme Alder Lake CPU

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is a pre-binned Alder Lake processor designed for maximum performance, featuring a 5.5 GHz single-core and 5.2 GHz all-core boost frequency. It offers unrivaled speeds and plug-and-play performance for gaming and content creation, with support for DDR4/DDR5 and PCIe 5.0. However, the chip requires extreme cooling due to high power consumption (exceeding...Read more

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