Intel Core i9-12900K vs Intel Core i9-9900K
72.2Single-core40.4
70.4Multi-core41.2
63.8Gamingspec-based47.4
16 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K2 spec wins — Intel Core i9-9900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 42.5, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+32) and multi-core (+29). Intel Core i9-9900K 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 i9-12900K
- Stronger single-core score: 72 vs 40
- Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 41
- 600% higher L2 cache: 14 MB vs 2 MB
- 121% higher PassMark: 41,103 vs 18,600
- 112% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 26,229 vs 12,400
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-9900K
- 24% lower Base TDP: 95 W vs 125 W
- 12% higher Base clock: 3.6 GHz vs 3.2 GHz
- Lower launch price: $488 vs $648
General
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2018 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1151-v2 |
| Process | 10 nm+29% | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 95 W+24% |
| Max turbo power | 241 W+103% | 119 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 16+100% | 8 |
| Performance cores | 8 | 8 |
| Efficiency cores | 8 | 0 |
| Threads | 24+50% | 16 |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+12% |
| Boost clock | 5.2 GHz+4% | 5 GHz |
| L2 cache | 14 MB+600% | 2 MB |
| L3 cache | 30 MB+88% | 16 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | 1,550 MHz | 1,200 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5+67% | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,715+58%Top 32% | 1,720Bottom 42% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 17,450+98%Top 24% | 8,800Bottom 45% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,903+49%Top 30% | 1,280Bottom 32% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 26,229+112%Top 19% | 12,400Bottom 47% |
| PassMark | 41,103+121%Top 24% | 18,600Bottom 32% |
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