A 16-core, 24-thread Alder Lake processor for LGA1700 with 8 Performance-cores, 8 Efficient-cores, up to 5.2 GHz turbo, 30 MB of L3 cache and UHD Graphics 770. It is unlocked for overclocking and works with DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the motherboard. No cooler is included.
Specifications checked 12 Sept 2026.
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A 12-core, 24-thread Zen 5 processor for AM5 with up to 5.6 GHz boost, 64 MB of L3 cache and a 120 W default TDP. It is unlocked for overclocking and includes basic Radeon integrated graphics; the boxed version has no cooler.
Specifications checked 12 Sept 2026.
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THE DIFFERENCES, MADE VISIBLE
Visual facts
Differences first. Select a topic for its graphic, sources and conditions.
How to read this comparison
Manufacturer facts for the exact models shown. Not a quality rating or a test result.
“Different” means the known values differ, not that one is better.
Missing or conflicting evidence is marked and never counts as a difference. Source chips hold each fact’s sources and conditions.
SPECIFICATIONS SIDE BY SIDE7 topics
SELECTED TOPIC
01 / 07
Socket
Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.
Intel Core i9-12900KFCLGA1700
Manufacturer specification · The socket alone doesn't guarantee support; check the motherboard's CPU-support list and BIOS.
Check each processor’s platform. Match each processor to its supported socket, motherboard CPU-support list, BIOS, memory type and cooler. The two processors may require different platforms. No overall winner is declared without comparable performance and price evidence.
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XUnlocked CPU overclocking; EXPO, PBO and Curve Optimizer
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Intel's XTU page names this processor; use the 7.14 branch (7.14.2.93), as version 10.0 is for Core Ultra Series 2 and newer. Needs an overclocking-capable chipset, supported Windows and BIOS; results aren't guaranteed.
Manufacturer specification · AMD lists the CPU as unlocked for overclocking, with EXPO memory profiles, Precision Boost Overdrive, Curve Optimizer and Ryzen Master support. Results depend on the motherboard, cooling and the individual chip.
Memory profiles, automatic boost tuning and fully unlocked CPU overclocking are different capabilities. Read the supported controls and motherboard conditions for each processor.
Intel Core i9-12900KP-cores: 3.20 GHz base, up to 5.10 GHz turbo; E-cores: 2.40 GHz base, up to 3.90 GHz turbo; maximum single-core turbo up to 5.20 GHz
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X4.4 GHz base; up to 5.6 GHz boost
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Maximum turbo applies to eligible cores, not all cores at once; clocks depend on workload, temperature, power settings and the motherboard.
Manufacturer specification · Native CPU version and lane totals, not graphics-slot width or motherboard slot count. Actual links depend on the motherboard and installed devices.
Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.
Memory support
Intel Core i9-12900KUp to DDR5-4800 or DDR4-3200; 128 GB maximum; 2 channels
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XDual-channel DDR5 UDIMM; up to 256 GB; DDR5-5600 with two DIMMs or DDR5-3600 with four
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Choose a motherboard for either DDR5 or DDR4; the processor supports both, but a board takes only one type. Rated speeds depend on the memory configuration and motherboard.
Manufacturer specification · AMD rates two DIMMs (single- or dual-rank) at DDR5-5600 and four at DDR5-3600. Check the motherboard's memory support list; EXPO speeds aren't guaranteed.
Check the exact configuration and source conditions for your use.
Maximum supported memory
Intel Core i9-12900K128 GB
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X256 GB
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Choose a motherboard for either DDR5 or DDR4; the processor supports both, but a board takes only one type. Rated speeds depend on the memory configuration and motherboard.
This is the specified junction-temperature limit, not a measured operating temperature or a cooling-efficiency score.
Processor power definitions
Intel Core i9-12900K125 W Processor Base Power; 241 W Maximum Turbo Power
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X120 W default TDP
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Intel's base and maximum turbo power ratings, not measured system power. Check the motherboard's power settings and cooling.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Memory ceiling with two DIMMs
Intel Core i9-12900KNot verified
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X5600 MT/s
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
No source recorded for this side.
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
Manufacturer specification · Applies to two single-rank or two dual-rank DDR5 modules. EXPO memory overclocking is separate and depends on the motherboard.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Intel Application Optimization
Intel Core i9-12900KLimited (Advanced Mode only)
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XNot verified
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Needs Windows 11, a compatible BIOS and Intel DTT/IPF (DTT 11405 or newer). The 12900K falls under Intel's 12th-generation Advanced Mode policy; limited support can cause slowdowns, and only selected applications benefit.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
CPU boost technology
Intel Core i9-12900KNot verified
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XPrecision Boost 2
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
No source recorded for this side.
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
Manufacturer specification · Automatic boost, separate from Precision Boost Overdrive and manual overclocking. Clocks vary with workload, cooling and power.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Rated DDR4 transfer ceiling
Intel Core i9-12900K3200 MT/s
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XNot verified
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Choose a motherboard for either DDR5 or DDR4; the processor supports both, but a board takes only one type. Rated speeds depend on the memory configuration and motherboard.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Rated DDR5 transfer ceiling
Intel Core i9-12900K4800 MT/s
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XNot verified
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Choose a motherboard for either DDR5 or DDR4; the processor supports both, but a board takes only one type. Rated speeds depend on the memory configuration and motherboard.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Maximum supported displays
Intel Core i9-12900K4
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XNot verified
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Up to four displays, depending on the motherboard, drivers and operating system; not all at each interface's maximum mode.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Maximum Turbo Power
Intel Core i9-12900K241 W
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XNot verified
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Intel's base and maximum turbo power ratings, not measured system power. Check the motherboard's power settings and cooling.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Performance-core regular turbo
Intel Core i9-12900K5.1 GHz
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XNot verified
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Peak Performance-core turbo, not a sustained all-core speed; separate from Turbo Boost Max 3.0 and Thermal Velocity Boost.
Manufacturer specification · Intel moved the i9-12900K to a standard box design. The earlier premium box, with the processor in a golden plastic wafer holder, is discontinued but may still be on sale; check which box the seller supplies.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Processor Base Power
Intel Core i9-12900K125 W
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XNot verified
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Intel's base and maximum turbo power ratings, not measured system power. Check the motherboard's power settings and cooling.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Listed security capabilities
Intel Core i9-12900KThreat Detection; Secure Key; Control-Flow Enforcement; Total Memory Encryption - Multi Key; AES New Instructions; OS Guard; Trusted Execution; Execute Disable Bit; Boot Guard; Mode-based Execute Control; Total Memory Encryption
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XNot verified
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers and operating system; no system is secure against every threat.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
CPU unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i9-12900KYes
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XNot verified
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Intel lists the processor as unlocked; the motherboard and firmware must support it, and overclocking can affect stability and warranty.
Evidence is missing or conflicting on at least one side. This is not a verified difference.
Intel vPro eligibility
Intel Core i9-12900KEnterprise
AMD Ryzen 9 9900XNot verified
Sources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers and operating system; vPro eligibility isn't certification of a built PC.
Unlocked for overclocking with Intel XTU 7.14, works with DDR4-3200 or DDR5-4800 memory, supports ECC on compatible platforms and has lower power limits (125 W base, 241 W maximum turbo) than the 14900KS.
Fewer Efficient-cores (8) and a lower 128 GB memory ceiling than the 14900KS (16 and 192 GB). No cooler is included, and Intel Application Optimization (APO) is limited to Advanced Mode on enabled platforms.
PCIe 5.0 with 24 usable lanes, up to 256 GB of DDR5, ECC memory support on compatible motherboards and basic Radeon graphics (2 graphics cores) for display output.
Base / boost clocks and conditionsDifferentSources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Maximum turbo applies to eligible cores, not all cores at once; clocks depend on workload, temperature, power settings and the motherboard.
Manufacturer specification · Peak Performance-core turbo, not a sustained all-core speed; separate from Turbo Boost Max 3.0 and Thermal Velocity Boost.
Manufacturer specification · Intel's XTU page names this processor; use the 7.14 branch (7.14.2.93), as version 10.0 is for Core Ultra Series 2 and newer. Needs an overclocking-capable chipset, supported Windows and BIOS; results aren't guaranteed.
Manufacturer specification · AMD lists the CPU as unlocked for overclocking, with EXPO memory profiles, Precision Boost Overdrive, Curve Optimizer and Ryzen Master support. Results depend on the motherboard, cooling and the individual chip.
Unlocked CPU overclocking; EXPO, PBO and Curve Optimizer
CPU unlocked for overclockingSources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Intel lists the processor as unlocked; the motherboard and firmware must support it, and overclocking can affect stability and warranty.
Manufacturer specification · Automatic boost, separate from Precision Boost Overdrive and manual overclocking. Clocks vary with workload, cooling and power.
Manufacturer specification · Choose a motherboard for either DDR5 or DDR4; the processor supports both, but a board takes only one type. Rated speeds depend on the memory configuration and motherboard.
Manufacturer specification · AMD rates two DIMMs (single- or dual-rank) at DDR5-5600 and four at DDR5-3600. Check the motherboard's memory support list; EXPO speeds aren't guaranteed.
Manufacturer specification · Choose a motherboard for either DDR5 or DDR4; the processor supports both, but a board takes only one type. Rated speeds depend on the memory configuration and motherboard.
Manufacturer specification · Choose a motherboard for either DDR5 or DDR4; the processor supports both, but a board takes only one type. Rated speeds depend on the memory configuration and motherboard.
Manufacturer specification · Choose a motherboard for either DDR5 or DDR4; the processor supports both, but a board takes only one type. Rated speeds depend on the memory configuration and motherboard.
Manufacturer specification · Applies to two single-rank or two dual-rank DDR5 modules. EXPO memory overclocking is separate and depends on the motherboard.
Manufacturer specification · Native CPU version and lane totals, not graphics-slot width or motherboard slot count. Actual links depend on the motherboard and installed devices.
HDMI: 4096 × 2160 at 60 Hz; DP: 7680 × 4320 at 60 Hz; eDP: 5120 × 3200 at 120 Hz
Not provided
Maximum supported displaysSources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Up to four displays, depending on the motherboard, drivers and operating system; not all at each interface's maximum mode.
Manufacturer specification · Intel's base and maximum turbo power ratings, not measured system power. Check the motherboard's power settings and cooling.
125 W Processor Base Power; 241 W Maximum Turbo Power
120 W default TDP
Processor Base PowerSources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Intel's base and maximum turbo power ratings, not measured system power. Check the motherboard's power settings and cooling.
Manufacturer specification · Intel's base and maximum turbo power ratings, not measured system power. Check the motherboard's power settings and cooling.
Manufacturer specification · Intel moved the i9-12900K to a standard box design. The earlier premium box, with the processor in a golden plastic wafer holder, is discontinued but may still be on sale; check which box the seller supplies.
Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers and operating system; vPro eligibility isn't certification of a built PC.
AMT; Standard Manageability; One-Click Recovery; Hardware Shield eligibility; Stable IT Platform Program
Not provided
Listed security capabilitiesSources
Intel Core i9-12900K
Manufacturer specification · Needs support from the motherboard, chipset, BIOS, drivers and operating system; no system is secure against every threat.
Manufacturer specification · Needs Windows 11, a compatible BIOS and Intel DTT/IPF (DTT 11405 or newer). The 12900K falls under Intel's 12th-generation Advanced Mode policy; limited support can cause slowdowns, and only selected applications benefit.
Each record represents an explicitly checked model and configuration. Original import: 5 Sept 2026; this is not its verification date. This is not a list of current offers or a popularity ranking.
