Processor Comparison

Intel Core i9-12900K

Intel Core i9-12900K — 16-core / 24-thread Intel desktop processor (2021) with a boost clock of 5.2 GHz and 125 W TDP.

Key specifications

Cores16
Threads24
Boost clock (GHz)5.2
TDP (W)125
Single-core score2,650
Multi-core score16,400

About Intel Core i9-12900K

The Intel Core i9-12900K is a 16-core / 24-thread Intel processor that boosts to 5.2 GHz within a 125 W power envelope. It scores 2,650 single-core and 16,400 multi-core on our normalized index — a strong mainstream result. Single-core speed drives gaming and responsiveness; multi-core drives rendering and compilation.

The comparisons below show how Intel Core i9-12900K stacks up against the alternatives people most often weigh against it, with the specific numbers laid out side by side.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Intel Core i9-12900K any good?

Intel Core i9-12900K — 16-core / 24-thread Intel desktop processor (2021) with a boost clock of 5.2 GHz and 125 W TDP.

What are the key specs of the Intel Core i9-12900K?

See the specification table above for the full breakdown.

MC
Marcus Chen
Hardware & Product Analyst

Marcus benchmarks processors, GPUs, phones and vehicles and maintains normalized performance databases.

MSc Computer Engineering10+ years review experience
✓ Reviewed by Priya Nair, Data Quality Reviewer.
Last updated 2026-05-15

Compare Intel Core i9-12900K with…