MSI Mainstream
Check on Amazon PRO B760-P WiFi DDR4
$152–$168
B760 platform match
Intel Core i9-12900KS
- Brand
- Intel
- Model
- Intel Core i9-12900KS
Intel Core i9-12900KS (Alder Lake, 16C/24T) launched Apr 5, 2022; flagship LGA1700 chip with UHD 770 and 5.5 GHz TVB; discontinued with final shipments in 2025.
Compute rankTop 15% of CPUs
TierFlagship?GixCore tierWhat a part was built to do — not what it costs.EntryBudgetMainstreamHigh endEnthusiastFlagship A part can be cheap because it is an ageing flagship, or because it is a current entry-level model. The tier tells you which.
ReleasedApr 2022
As an Amazon Associate, GixCore earns from qualifying purchases.Pricing note?This range is based on our last recorded catalog price and is not a quote. Check Amazon for the current price.
Cores16
Threads24
SocketLGA1700
MemoryDDR4
Base clock2.50 GHz
Boost clock5.50 GHz
TDP241 W
L3 cache30 MB
GixCore Editorial
Product overview
Released April 5, 2022, the Core i9-12900KS is a 12th‑Gen Alder Lake special‑edition desktop CPU on Intel 7 with 16 cores (8P+8E) and 24 threads. It targets Intel’s LGA1700 platform and 600‑series motherboards, includes Intel UHD Graphics 770, and boosts up to 5.5 GHz via Intel Thermal Velocity Boost.
Positioned as Intel’s flagship SKU of its generation, it exists for builders who want the fastest stock‑clock Alder Lake chip. It’s well‑suited to 1440p and 4K gaming, plus streaming and heavy creation work such as video editing and 3D rendering. Unique note: this KS is a binned, unlocked‑multiplier variant of the 12900K with higher boost ceilings. Intel has discontinued the 12900KS; last orders were January 24, 2025, with final shipments by July 25, 2025.
LifecycleDiscontinued 2025
Best for
Official product specifications - 1440p gaming
- 4K gaming
- streaming
- video editing
- 3D rendering
Specifications
At a glance iEach dot represents a catalog model. Farther right means a higher measured value, not necessarily a better fit.Measured against the CPUs catalog
Current modelCatalog models
Cores16
Higher than 92% of CPUs
Threads24
Higher than 92% of CPUs
Boost clock5.5 GHZ
Higher than 92% of CPUs
RAM speed4800 MHz
Higher than 84% of CPUs
- Cores
- 16
- Threads
- 24
- Base clock
- 2.5 GHZ
- Boost clock
- 5.5 GHZ
- TDP
- 241 W
- Cache
- 30 MB
- Max Memory Size
- 128 GB
- ECC Support
- Yes
- Hyper Threading
- Yes
- Turbo Boost
- Yes
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4
- Ram Speed
- 4800 MHz
- Processor Generation
- 12
Pairing fit
Compatible Motherboards
Compatible options ranked for this part's performance class.
Pairing fit
Compatible RAM kits
Compatible options ranked for this part's performance class.
PNY Enthusiast
Check on Amazon XLR8 Gaming 16GB (2x8GB)
$114–$126
DDR4-4600 memory matchPNY Enthusiast
Check on Amazon XLR8 Gaming 16GB (2x8GB)
$114–$126
DDR4-4400 memory matchPNY Enthusiast
Check on Amazon XLR8 Gaming 16GB (2x8GB)
$142–$157
DDR4-4200 memory match
PNY High end
Check on Amazon XLR8 Gaming 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 DRAM 4000MHz
$114–$126
DDR4-4000 memory matchBudget pairings6 lower-tier compatible options
G.SKILL Mainstream
Check on Amazon Trident Z Neo DDR4 3600MT/s 64GB (4x16GB)
$598–$661
DDR4-3600 memory match
SILICON POWER Mainstream
Check on Amazon Gaming Series DDR4 32GB (16GBx2) 3200MHz
$189–$209
DDR4-3200 memory match
G.Skill Mainstream
Check on Amazon RipJaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB)
$87–$97
DDR4-3200 memory match
TEAMGROUP Mainstream
Check on Amazon T-Force Delta RGB
$157–$173
DDR4-3200 memory match
SILICON POWER Mainstream
Check on Amazon Value Gaming DDR4 RAM 16GB (8GBx2) 3200MHz
$114–$126
DDR4-3200 memory match
Corsair Mainstream
Check on Amazon Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM 16GB (2x8GB)
$152–$168
DDR4-3200 memory match