12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900KS Desktop Processor Launched: Price, Specs

The Intel Core i9-12900KS is finally here, and the company says it’s the world’s fastest desktop processor available to consumers right now. While the claim needs to be verified by independent benchmarks, it’s undeniable that the Intel Core i9-12900KS is a performance beast and as such, there are high expectations placed on its shoulders.

12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900KS Key Features

The Intel Core i9-12900KS processor has a 16-core configuration with eight high-performance, eight efficient cores and 24 threads. The processor claims its ability to boost performance is one of its main strengths, and supports both Intel Thermal Velocity Boost for better performance even at high chip temperatures, and Adaptive Boost, which automatically selects higher turbo boosts for cores based on the task. running on the processor. CPU.

Other key features of the processor include 30MB smart cache, 150W base bandwidth, and support for PCIe Gen 5 and Gen 4 slots. With Thermal Velocity Boost, the Intel Core i9-12900KS processor can reach 5.5GHz at peak turbo performance..

The processor will also support up to DDR4-3200 and DDR5-4800 RAM, adding to the overall feature set that the claimed “most powerful desktop processors”have.

Most reports have previously indicated that there is not much difference between Intel’s K-series processors and the KS-series. The main difference on this note is the higher turbo boost with which the processor can reach its claimed 5.5GHz of peak performance. That said, overall performance should stay on par with what the company is already offering on its 12th gen processors right now, perhaps barring the higher bandwidth needed for higher turbo boost.

Price and availability

Intel has announced the global availability of the 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900KS processor from April 5, when it should be available at all Intel retail stores worldwide. However, with the global chipset supply crisis not quite back to normal yet, coupled with a new round of Covid-19-related lockdowns in China, it remains to be seen how this dedicated processor will be made available. Intel has announced a $739 estimated price for the processor worldwide.