Intel Core i9-12900K vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus
72.2Single-core88.7
70.4Multi-core81.6
63.8Gamingspec-based64.4
3 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K14 spec wins — Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus wins this desktop processor face-off, 79.4 to 69.3, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+17) and multi-core (+11). Intel Core i9-12900K 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
- 52% higher Max turbo power: 241 W vs 159 W
- 33% higher Performance cores: 8 vs 6
- 33% higher threads: 24 vs 18
Reasons to pick the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus
- Stronger single-core score: 89 vs 72
- Stronger multi-core score: 82 vs 70
- 114% higher L2 cache: 30 MB vs 14 MB
- 100% higher Max memory: 256 GB vs 128 GB
- 70% lower process: 3 nm vs 10 nm
- Lower launch price: $219 vs $648
General
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2026 |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| Process | 10 nm | 3 nm+70% |
| Base TDP | 125 W | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 241 W+52% | 159 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 16 | 18+13% |
| Performance cores | 8+33% | 6 |
| Efficiency cores | 8 | 12+50% |
| Threads | 24+33% | 18 |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz | 4.2 GHz+31% |
| Boost clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.3 GHz+2% |
| L2 cache | 14 MB | 30 MB+114% |
| L3 cache | 30 MB | 30 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | Intel Graphics |
| iGPU clock | 1,550 MHz | 1,900 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 | DDR5-7200 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 256 GB+100% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 5 | 5 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 2,715Top 32% | 3,182+17%Top 10% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 17,450Top 24% | 20,692+19%Top 9% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,903Top 30% | 2,261+19%Top 7% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 26,229Top 19% | 30,867+18%Top 15% |
| PassMark | 41,103Top 24% | 51,560+25%Top 16% |
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