Intel Core i9 12900K Processor Review
November 2021 marks in history as turning point in Processor technology as Intel launches it’s first 12th Gen Core Desktop Processors code-named "Alder Lake". With Alder Lake, Intel is finally moving beyond the 14nm+++ lithography to its new "Intel 7 Process", which is at its heart is a 10nm manufacturing process.
With Core i9-12900K processor Intel introduce what the company is calling its "Performance cores" (P-cores) and "Efficiency cores" (E-cores). Intel’s new Core i9-12900K has a total of 16 cores divided into eight high-performance P-cores and eight efficient E-cores. These performance cores are similar to Intel’s Core-class processors, with the efficiency ones more like its Atom-class cores. Clock speeds can reach up to 5.2GHz using Intel Turbo Max 3.0 technology and there are 24 threads in total based on two threads per P-core and one thread for each E-core.
Intel is also offering DDR5 memory support for the first time along with PCIe 5.0 support. This means you’ll need a new motherboard for Intel’s 12th Gen chips, as the company has moved to its new LGA 1700 socket and Z690 chipset. Today we are reviewing this processor with a special Z690 chipset motherboard from ASUS, the ASUS ProArt Z690 CREATOR WIFI Motherboard. This board is created with 3D modeling and rendering, animation, and media production workload in mind. An ATX motherboard for content creators integrates two rear USB-C 3.2 Gen2x2 ports compatible with Thunderbolt and DisplayPort , as well as many USB 3.2 ports, a 10 GbE, another 2.5 GbE and a Wi-Fi 6E with BT 5.2, SATA 6 Gbps ports and more.
Now let’s see what Intel Core i9 12900K Processor have for us.
Specifications
Package
Review Sample processor came in a nice black cardboard box with Intel branding on outside.
Inside the box we have silicone die shot of the chip along with Intel Core i9 12900K Processor.
A close look to ASUS PROART Z690 CREATOR WIFI motherboard used in this review
Testing
| CPU |
Intel Core i9 12900K |
| Board |
ASUS PROART Z690 CREATOR WIFI |
| RAM |
2 X 16GB Astra Gandiva DDR5 4800Mhz |
| SSD |
KINGSTON KC2000 500GB NVMe PCIe |
| Cooler |
Corsair H150i ELITE CAPELLIX |
| GFX |
ASUS Radeon |
| PSU |
Corsair 850W RGB |
| Case |
Corsair 4000X |
| Display |
Acer S220HQL |
| OS |
Windows 11 (21H2) and Windows 10 (21H1) |
Benchmark
For proper review we tested Intel Core i9 12900K processor on fresh Windows 10 and Windows 11 OS, also added Intel Core i9 9900K benchmarks on Windows 11 OS.
Intel Core i9 12900K |
Intel Core i9 12900K |
Intel Core i9 9900K |
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Overclocking
Power Consumption
Wattage reading as per displayed by APC Pro 1000VA (Model no. BR1000G-IN) UPS.
Pros
- Great High-Performance Processor
- Intel 7 lithography Process
- P-cores and E-cores structure
- DDR5 memory support
- PCIe 5.0 support
- High Speed Chipset connectivity
Cons
- Slight High-Power consumption under load
- No PCIe 5.0 consumer devices in market yet
- DDR5 are little expensive, makes whole system little expensive
Conclusion
If you are looking for best processor right now for content creation and top-notch gaming experience, regardless of price, the Intel Core i9-12900K with DDR5 memory is your best option along with ASUS PROART Z690 CREATOR WIFI motherboard offering all the fast connectivity needed by professional media productions, 3D modeling, rendering and animations creative use.
Finally with latest PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support Intel Core i9-12900K processor is one of the best performance Processor right now, making it worthy of our PC TeK Reviews CHOICE Award.
Manufacturers Info
Site Link
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