Intel Core i9-10900K vs Intel Core i9-12900K
41.9Single-core72.2
48.2Multi-core70.4
54.6Gamingspec-based63.8
4 spec wins — Intel Core i9-10900K14 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 47.9, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+30) and multi-core (+22). Intel Core i9-10900K still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-10900K
- 25% higher Performance cores: 10 vs 8
- 16% higher Base clock: 3.7 GHz vs 3.2 GHz
- Lower launch price: $488 vs $648
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- Stronger single-core score: 72 vs 42
- Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 48
- 460% higher L2 cache: 14 MB vs 3 MB
- 73% higher PassMark: 41,103 vs 23,700
- 68% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 17,450 vs 10,400
General
| Spec | Intel Core i9-10900K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm+29% |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 250 W+4% | 241 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i9-10900K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 10 | 16+60% |
| Performance cores | 10+25% | 8 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 8 |
| Threads | 20 | 24+20% |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz+16% | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.3 GHz+2% | 5.2 GHz |
| L2 cache | 3 MB | 14 MB+460% |
| L3 cache | 20 MB | 30 MB+50% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i9-10900K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,200 MHz | 1,550 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i9-10900K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2933 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i9-10900K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 5+67% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i9-10900K | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,730Bottom 43% | 2,715+57%Top 32% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 10,400Top 49% | 17,450+68%Top 24% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,340Bottom 39% | 1,903+42%Top 30% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 16,300Top 39% | 26,229+61%Top 19% |
| PassMark | 23,700Bottom 43% | 41,103+73%Top 24% |
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