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Intel Core i9 (12th Gen) i9-12900KS Gaming Desktop Processor with Integrated Graphics and Hexadeca-core (16 Core) 2.50 GHz

Intel Core i9 (12th Gen) i9-12900KS Gaming Desktop Processor

Bottom line: The Intel Core i9 i9-12900KS Gaming Desktop Processor ($589.95 on Amazon as of 2026-11-07 23:22 UTC): 16 cores / 24 threads via 8 P-core + 8 E-core hybrid design; main trade-off: 150 W TDP runs hot; plan for a 240mm+ AIO.

$589.95 on Amazon, checked (price may vary)

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Buy on Amazon — $589.95 Compare to similar processors

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

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.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-11-07. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 16 cores / 24 threads via 8 P-core + 8 E-core hybrid design
  • ✓ Unlocked multiplier hits 5.5 GHz max overclock speed
  • ✓ 44 MB total cache (30 MB L3 + 14 MB L2) for high hit rates
  • ✓ Integrated UHD 770 graphics boots without a discrete GPU

Cons

  • ✗ 150 W TDP runs hot; plan for a 240mm+ AIO
  • ✗ LGA-1700 only; needs a 600/700-series motherboard
  • ✗ No stock cooler bundled in the box
  • ✗ Modest 2.5 GHz base clock leans on boost for speed

Manufacturer description

Intel Core i9 (12th Gen) i9-12900KS Hexadeca-core (16 Core) 2.50 GHz Processor, 30 MB L3 Cache, 14 MB L2 Cache, 64-bit Processing, 5.50 GHz Overclocking Speed, Socket LGA-1700, UHD Graphics 770 Graphics, 150 W, 24 ThreadsChipset Compatibility: Find compatible motherboards by accessing the Intel® Product Compatibility Tool, click Desktop and Workstation Processors , and choose the processor to find available compatible motherboards and other related information.

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Intel Core i9 i9-12900KS Gaming Desktop Processor using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews 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.

Key Features

  • Built for the Next Generation of Gaming. Game and multitask without compromise powered by Intel’s performance hybrid architecture on an unlocked processor.
  • Integrated Intel UHD 770 Graphics
  • Compatible with Intel 600 series and 700 series chipset-based motherboards
  • 14 MB L2 + 30 MB L3 cache memory provides excellent hit rate in short access time enabling improved system performance

Full Specifications

BrandIntel
Wattage150 watts
PlatformWindows 11
CPU ModelCore i9
CPU Speed2.5 GHz
CPU SocketSocket LGA-1700
Model NumberBX8071512900KS
Item Type NameProcessor
Mfr Part NumberBX8071512900KS
Processor BrandIntel
Processor Count16
Processor Speed2.5 GHz
Secondary Cache14 MB
CPU ManufacturerIntel
Processor SeriesCore i9
Processor SocketSocket LGA-1700
Processor Core Count16
Warranty DescriptionInformation Not Available
Item Dimensions L x W5.47"L x 5.12"W
Cache Memory Installed Size30 MB
Full listing titleIntel Core i9 (12th Gen) i9-12900KS Gaming Desktop Processor with Integrated Graphics and Hexadeca-core (16 Core) 2.50 GHz

Benchmark data for other processors

Ready to buy?

Intel Core i9 (12th Gen) i9-12900KS Gaming Desktop Processor with Integrated Graphics and Hexadeca-core (16 Core) 2.50 GHz is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $589.95

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-11-07. Price and availability subject to change.

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Intel Core i9 (12th Gen) i9-12900KS Gaming Desktop Processor with Integrated Graphics and Hexadeca-core (16 Core) 2.50 GHz
$589.95
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