Intel Core i9-12900

VS
Performance
24,31466% of 36,991

The Core i9-12900 has 66% of the performance compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

Performance per dollar
46.8539% of 121.53

The Core i9-12900 has 39% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.

Specs at a glance
Cores / Threads16 / 24
Memory SupportDDR4-3200, DDR5-4800
Clock2.4 GHz / 5.1 GHz
Release DateQ1 2022
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Summary

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About the Intel Core i9-12900 CPU

The Intel Core i9-12900 is a 16-core (24-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q1 2022 with a suggested retail price of $519. It is part of Intel's Core i9 lineup, which is based on the Alder Lake-S microarchitecture. The i9-12900 is compatible with Intel Socket 1700 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 10 nm manufacturing process. It features the UHD Graphics 770 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i9-12900 supports DDR4-3200, DDR5-4800 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i9-12900 has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 80 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 1.25 MB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 30 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i9-12900 features 16 total cores which can process 24 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The 16 cores consist of 8 P-Cores and 8 E-Cores. P-Cores are designed for high-performance tasks and E-Cores are intended for efficiency and lighter tasks. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.4 GHz, and it can boost up to 5.1 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i9-12900 includes an integrated graphics solution called UHD Graphics 770. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Core i9-12900 has the 29th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 65.73% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 24,314 score and $519 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 46.85. This is the 56th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

General Info

General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.

InfoValue
ManufacturerIntel
SeriesCore i9
Market SegmentDesktop
Release DateQ1 2022
Launch Price (MSRP)$519
Production StatusActive
ShopCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

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Performance
24,31466% of 36,991

The Core i9-12900 has 66% of the performance compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

The Core i9-12900 is ranked 29th with a score of 24,314.

Performance per dollar
46.8539% of 121.53

The Core i9-12900 has 39% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.

The Core i9-12900 is ranked 56th with a performance per dollar of 46.85.

Relative Performance

Core i9-12900's average score in the benchmark can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, more powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

CPUBenchmark Performance
Ryzen 5 7600X25,731+6%
Ryzen 5 9600X25,717+6%
Ryzen 9 5950X25,154.5+3%
Core i5-12600K25,017+3%
Core i7-12700K24,947+3%
Core i9-1290024,314
Ryzen 5 760023,854-2%
Core i5-13400F23,820-2%
Core i7-12700F23,748-2%
Ryzen 7 5800X23,703.5-3%

Relative Value For Money

Core i9-12900's average performance per dollar in the benchmark can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score generally implies better value for your moeny.

CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Core i9-13900K52.95+13%
Ryzen 9 7950X3D52.92+13%
Ryzen 7 5800X52.79+13%
Ryzen 9 7900X50.51+8%
Ryzen 9 7950X50.42+8%
Core i9-1290046.85
Core i9-12900K43.78-7%
Core i9-10900K40.1-14%
Core i9-11900K38.33-18%
Ryzen 9 5900X38.33-18%

Benchmark Scores

This table showcases the Core i9-12900's average performance scores across industry-standard CPU benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

  • Popular
BenchmarkValue
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
24,314
3DMark Time Spy CPU
15,095
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
3,299
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
262
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
13,356
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
2,537
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
34,297
CPU Mark Single-Thread
4,048
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

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Manufacturing Details

Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.

SpecValue
ManufacturerIntel
FoundryIntel
Process Size10 nm

Architecture

CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.

SpecValue
SeriesCore i9
MicroarchitectureAlder Lake-S
CodenameAlder Lake-S
Memory SupportDDR4-3200, DDR5-4800
Memory ChannelsDual-channel
ECC MemoryNo

Cores & Clock Speeds

Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.

SpecValue
Cores16
Threads24
Performance Cores (P-cores)8
Efficient Cores (E-cores)8
Clock Speed2.4 GHz
Turbo Clock5.1 GHz
P-core Clock2.4 GHz
P-core Turbo Clock5.1 GHz
E-core Clock Speed1800.0 MHz
E-core Turbo Clock3.8 GHz
Base Clock100 MHz
Multiplier24.0x
Multiplier UnlockedYes

Cache

CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.

SpecValue
L1 Cache80 KB
L2 Cache1.25 MB
L3 Cache30 MB
E-core L1 Cache96 KB
E-core L2 Cache2 MB

Compatibility & Power Consumption

Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.

SpecValue
SocketIntel Socket 1700
PCI ExpressPCIe 5.0 x20
Thermal Design Power (TDP)65 W
Power Limit 1 (PL1)65 W
Power Limit 2 (PL2)202 W
Tcase Max72 °C
TJ Max100 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

Additional CPU features like its bundled cooler, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.

SpecValue
Integrated GraphicsUHD Graphics 770
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, SHA, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, CLMUL, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, ABM, ADX, RdRand, TBT 2.0, TBT 3.0

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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.