IntelExcellentDesktop

Intel Core i9-12900K

Explore Intel Core i9-12900K technical reviews, specifications and benchmark results, with practical context for performance, compatibility and upgrade comparisons.

Last updated: 2026-10-20
9.0/ 10
Technical rating

Excellent

Intel Core i9-12900K is a Desktop processor with 16 cores and 0 threads. It records a PassMark CPU Mark of 41094 and a single-thread rating of 4128. Its stated TDP is 241 W.

CPU Mark41,094
11,643 samples
Single Thread4,128
Overall rank#367
of 6,054
Reference price$389.34

Technical assessment

A summary based on specifications and results.

Excellent
9.0Excellent

Intel Core i9-12900K is a Desktop processor with 16 cores and 0 threads. It records a PassMark CPU Mark of 41094 and a single-thread rating of 4128. Its stated TDP is 241 W.

Specification context

What do these specifications mean in practice?

The Intel Core i9-12900K is a Desktop released in 2021. Recorded specifications include a 241 W reference TDP, a 41,094 CPU Mark. Use these figures to understand its position, then compare the results with your software and the complete platform.

Reading guide

Read the performance results

The 41,094 CPU Mark is a broad overall-performance measure, while the 4,128 single-thread result adds context for less-parallel work. Compare the nearby alternatives on this page and do not treat one score as a verdict for every application.

Platform and compatibility

No confirmed socket is recorded for this processor. Verify the exact device or motherboard with the manufacturer before planning an upgrade.

Memory and power

Recorded memory support: DDR5-4800. The 241 W TDP helps size the cooling class, but it is not the same as peak wall-power consumption.

FAQ

Common processor questions

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

The main recorded details are a 241 W reference TDP, a 41,094 CPU Mark. The tables on this page show socket, memory, cache and graphics data when available.

Is the Intel Core i9-12900K good for gaming?

The product name or CPU Mark alone cannot answer that. Check single-thread performance, core count, the target graphics card, gaming resolution and results from the games you play.

Which motherboards support the Intel Core i9-12900K?

A confirmed socket is not recorded here. Use the device model or manufacturer specifications to identify compatible hardware.

How much power does the Intel Core i9-12900K use?

The recorded reference TDP is 241 W. Real consumption can be lower or higher depending on power limits, motherboard, workload and cooling.

This guidance interprets recorded specifications and results; it does not claim hands-on device testing. Results can vary with motherboard, power, memory and cooling.

Multi-axis comparison

How does this processor compare?

A direct comparison with nearby processors from the same brand and a similar core count.

5 CPU

Overall and multi-core performance

A higher CPU Mark indicates stronger overall performance.

01AMD Ryzen 7 7840HXAMD41,530 points
02Apple M1 Ultra 20 CoreApple41,396 points
03AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3DAMD41,295 points
04Intel Core i7-14700FIntel41,241 points
05Intel Core i9-12900KThis CPU41,094 points

Single-thread performance

Measures speed in tasks that depend on one CPU thread.

01AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3DAMD4,705 points
02Intel Core i7-14700FIntel4,254 points
03Intel Core i9-12900KThis CPU4,128 points
04Apple M1 Ultra 20 CoreApple3,860 points
05AMD Ryzen 7 7840HXAMD3,693 points

Performance per watt

Estimated as CPU Mark divided by TDP.

01AMD Ryzen 7 7840HXAMD755.1 Mark/W
02Apple M1 Ultra 20 CoreApple689.9 Mark/W
03Intel Core i7-14700FIntel634.5 Mark/W
04AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3DAMD344.1 Mark/W
05Intel Core i9-12900KThis CPU170.5 Mark/W

Bars are relative to the processors shown here, not a global ranking of every CPU.

Detailed benchmark results

Snapshot from 2026-10-20

Data CompressionKBytes/Sec
536,716.00
Data EncryptionMBytes/Sec
29,539.00
Extended InstructionsMillion Matrices/Sec
33,627.00
Find Prime NumbersMillion Primes/Sec
145.00
Floating Point MathMOps/Sec
105,427.00
Integer MathMOps/Sec
139,288.00
PhysicsFrames/Sec
2,196.00
Random String SortingThousand Strings/Sec
57,109.00

Core specifications

BrandIntel
CategoryDesktop
Release year2021
Socket—
Cores / threads16 / —
Base clock—
Max turbo—
TDP241 W
Integrated graphicsIntel UHD Graphics 770

Memory support

DDR4
Memory typeDDR4 / DDR5
Official speedDDR4-3200 / DDR5-4800
Maximum capacity128 GB

Cache hierarchy

L1I8 x 32 KB
L1D8 x 48 KB
L28 x 1280 KB
L330 MB