Intel Core i9 (12th Gen) i9-12900KS Hexadeca-core (16 Core) 2.50 GHz Processor

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is the pinnacle of 12th generation performance, engineered for serious builders who demand unrelenting speed across gaming, streaming, content creation, and professional workloads. This hexadeca-core powerhouse combines 16 physical cores—split into 8 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores—with Intel’s intelligent Thread Director to optimize task distribution in real time. The result is a processor that delivers blistering single-thread performance when you need it, while maintaining impressive multi-thread throughput for parallel workloads. Built for enthusiasts who want headroom for future upgrades, the 12900KS supports the latest memory standards, PCIe 5.0 connectivity, and robust overclocking capabilities on compatible platforms. Whether you’re chasing ultra-high frame rates in the latest titles, compiling sprawling codebases, or rendering complex media projects, this CPU is designed to keep pace with your ambitions while delivering solid efficiency under lighter tasks.

• Hybrid core design for superb multitasking: 16 cores (8 performance cores + 8 efficiency cores) paired with intelligent Thread Director yields responsive everyday use and extraordinary throughput for demanding workloads such as 4K video editing, 3D rendering, and software development.
• High clock speeds and responsive performance: a 2.50 GHz base clock with aggressive turbo boost capabilities delivers exceptional single-thread performance for gaming and latency-sensitive tasks, while multi-core boosts accelerate multi-threaded workloads without stalling other processes.
• Unlocked for overclocking on compatible boards: designed for enthusiasts who crave maximum headroom—pair with Z-series motherboards, robust cooling, and BIOS tuning to push frequencies and optimize power efficiency for sustained workloads.
• Memory and I/O versatility: supports DDR5 memory for faster, higher bandwidth data access and DDR4 compatibility on compatible platforms, along with PCIe 5.0 for next-gen GPUs and NVMe storage for ultrafast data transfer and quick load times.
• Integrated security, efficiency, and future-proofing: features modern security features and power-management technologies that help balance performance and efficiency, making it a solid long-term investment for power users and creators who demand reliability and headroom for years to come.

Techncal Details of Intel Core i9 (12th Gen) i9-12900KS Hexadeca-core (16 Core) 2.50 GHz Processor

• CPU Model: Intel Core i9-12900KS
• Cores / Threads: 16 cores (8 Performance cores + 8 Efficient cores) / 24 threads
• Base Clock: 2.50 GHz
• Max Turbo Frequency: up to 5.x GHz (single-core turbo, configurable by motherboard and cooling) for outstanding bursts in gaming and single-thread tasks
• Socket / Platform: LGA 1700, compatible with 12th Gen Intel platforms and newer via BIOS
• Process Technology: Intel 7 (10nm-class) with hybrid architecture
• Thermal Design Power (TDP): 125W (configurable by motherboard and cooling solution; actual power can vary with workload and overclocking)
• Memory Support: DDR5 up to 4800 MT/s and DDR4 support on compatible platforms
• PCIe Support: PCIe 5.0 for graphics and storage, PCIe 4.0 for other devices
• Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 770 integrated GPU for basic display tasks and light workloads
• Security & Features: unlocked multiplier for overclocking; Intel Turbo Boost Technology; Hyper-Threading; Enhanced power management and security features

how to install Intel Core i9 (12th Gen) i9-12900KS Hexadeca-core (16 Core) 2.50 GHz Processor

• Prepare your workspace with anti-static precautions. Power down your system and unplug from the wall outlet before handling the motherboard or CPU.
• Open your motherboard case and locate the LGA 1700 socket. Release the socket lever and gently open the socket cover to access the pin grid.
• Align the CPU correctly with the motherboard socket. The processor has a marked corner or a notch; ensure the triangle indicator on the CPU aligns with the corresponding mark on the socket.
• Carefully place the 12900KS into the socket without using force. Close the socket cover and secure the lever to lock the CPU in place.
• Apply a thin, even layer of thermal paste on the integrated heat spreader if your cooler requires it. Install a compatible cooler or AIO cooler with proper mounting hardware and ensure good airflow in the case.
• Install your RAM and confirm that the BIOS recognizes the CPU. If you plan to enable XMP or overclocking, enter the BIOS/UEFI and adjust memory profiles and CPU multiplier settings according to your cooling capacity and motherboard capabilities. Save changes and reboot.
• Power on the system, install or update the latest chipset drivers, and verify that the operating system recognizes the CPU properly. Run stability and thermal tests to ensure safe operation under load.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the main benefit of the 16-core design? A: The 16 cores (8 performance + 8 efficiency) deliver top-tier multi-thread performance for heavy workloads while preserving responsiveness for everyday tasks, providing strong gaming and content-creation capabilities in a single package.
• Q: Is the i9-12900KS good for gaming? A: Yes. It combines high single-core boost with multi-core efficiency, enabling high frame rates in demanding titles and smooth multitasking during streaming or recording sessions.
• Q: Does it support DDR5 memory? A: Yes. The 12900KS supports DDR5 memory up to 4800 MT/s, offering higher bandwidth and improved performance for modern games and applications, while also supporting DDR4 on compatible boards.
• Q: Can I overclock this CPU? A: Yes. As a K-series unlocked CPU, it is designed for overclocking on compatible Z-series motherboards with appropriate cooling and BIOS tuning.
• Q: What kind of motherboard and cooling do I need? A: You’ll want a motherboard with an LGA 1700 socket and robust VRMs, plus an effective cooling solution (air or AIO) to maintain safe temperatures during intense workloads and overclocking.
• Q: Do I need a discrete GPU? A: The 12900KS includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 for basic display tasks, but for modern gaming and GPU-accelerated workloads, a discrete GPU is recommended.