Intel® Core™ i9-12900K, 16-Core (8P+8E) Desktop Processor up to 5.2GHz, LGA1700, 125W 600 Series Chipset

Status: Intel® Core™ i9-12900K: Unavailable on Amazon as of 2026-10-07 16:14 UTC. SpecPicks has no in-stock listing with matching specs on file; the search below lists current offers. eBay sellers may still list this model new or used.

🛒 Search eBay for this model

Bottom line: The Intel® Core™ i9-12900K: 16 cores / 24 threads from a hybrid 8 P-core + 8 E-core design; main trade-off: LGA1700 socket needs a 600 Series board; older Intel boards won't fit.

Unavailable on Amazon as of 2026-10-07 16:14 UTC

As an Amazon Associate, SpecPicks earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure →

Currently unavailable on Amazon. Not the same product — 3 in-stock alternatives:

Similar: Intel Core i9-12900K Gaming Desktop Processor… — $339.98 on Amazon as of 2026-10-08 12:20 UTC (price may vary).

View Current Price — $339.98

Similar: Intel Core i5-12600KF Desktop Processor 10 — $199.95 on Amazon as of 2026-10-08 04:20 UTC (price may vary).

View Current Price — $199.95

Similar: Intel Core i9-12900KF Gaming Desktop Processor 16 — $325.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-08 12:20 UTC (price may vary).

View Current Price — $325.99

Original listing (currently unavailable) → Compare to similar processors

By Mike Perry, Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated 2026-10-07

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides. About the author →

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓ 16 cores / 24 threads from a hybrid 8 P-core + 8 E-core design
✓ P-cores boost up to 5.2 GHz for high single-thread speed
✓ 30MB L3 + 14MB L2 cache for games and heavy workloads
✓ Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
✓ Intel UHD Graphics 770 built in for GPU-free setup and troubleshooting

Cons

✗ LGA1700 socket needs a 600 Series board; older Intel boards won't fit
✗ 125W rated power calls for a capable CPU cooler
✗ E-cores top out at 3.9 GHz, well below the 5.2 GHz P-cores
✗ Overclocking adds heat and needs a board that supports it

Manufacturer description

The Intel Core i9-12900K is the top chip in Intel's 12th Gen Alder Lake desktop processor lineup, and its hybrid design is the headline. You get 16 cores and 24 threads, split into 8 Performance-cores running from 3.2 GHz to 5.2 GHz and 8 Efficient-cores running from 2.4 GHz to 3.9 GHz. Demanding foreground tasks and lighter background work can each run on the core type that suits them. The cache is large: 30MB of L3 plus 14MB of L2 keeps game engines, compilers and render jobs supplied with data. The multiplier is unlocked, so you can overclock on a compatible board. Intel UHD Graphics 770…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Intel® Core™ i9-12900K using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to our editorial and benchmark analysis across the processors category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the processors category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for processors of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cores and threads does the Intel Core i9-12900K have?

It has 16 cores and 24 threads: 8 Performance-cores clocked from 3.2 GHz to 5.2 GHz and 8 Efficient-cores clocked from 2.4 GHz to 3.9 GHz.

What motherboard do I need for the i9-12900K?

You need an LGA1700 motherboard with a 600 Series chipset. Check your board maker's CPU support list for BIOS compatibility before you buy.

Can I use the i9-12900K without a graphics card?

Yes. It includes Intel UHD Graphics 770, so you can run a display, install an OS and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU. Your motherboard needs video outputs for this to work.

Can the Intel Core i9-12900K be overclocked?

Yes. The multiplier is unlocked for overclocking. You will need a motherboard that supports CPU overclocking and cooling that can handle more than the 125W rated power.

Does the i9-12900K come with a CPU cooler?

Check the product listing for what is in the box. Whether or not a cooler is included, choose one rated for at least the 125W power figure, and more if you plan to overclock.

Key Features

Processor 16 Cores / 24 Threads
8 Performance-Cores (3.2 GHz - 5.2 GHz) + 8 Efficient-Cores (2.4 GHz - 3.9 GHz)
30MB L3 Cache + 14MB L2 Cache
Unlocked (coefficient multiplier unlocked for overclocking)
PGI: Intel UHD Graphics 770

Full Specifications

PGI	Intel UHD Graphics 770
Brand	Intel
Wattage	125 watts
Platform	Windows 10
CPU Model	Core i9-12900K
CPU Speed	3.2 GHz
CPU Socket	LGA 1700
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Connectivity	2.4GHz
Model Number	BX8071512900K
Built-In Media	Intel Core i9-12900K
Mfr Part Number	BX8071512900K
Processor Brand	Intel
Processor Count	16
Processor Speed	3.2 GHz
Secondary Cache	30 MB
CPU Manufacturer	Intel
Processor Series	Core i9-12900K
Processor Socket	LGA 1700
Processor Core Count	16

Performance Data

View gaming FPS, AI inference throughput, and synthetic scores for the Intel Core i9-12900K — the core hardware component in this product. Benchmarks sourced from TechPowerUp, PassMark, and the r/LocalLLaMA community.

Ready to buy?

Amazon shows no buyable offer for Intel® Core™ i9-12900K at the last check. A similar in-stock product is Intel Core i9-12900K Gaming Desktop Processor…. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

View Similar — $339.98