Intel Core i9 12900K review

PROS

• Incredible single-threaded performance
• Much improved multithreaded ability
• Big leap for Intel’s Core CPUs
• The best desktop platform with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support

CONS

• Some games don’t play nicely with Alder Lake yet
• High power consumption
• Potentially high platform costs at launch

Alder Lake represents a significant step in Intel’s efforts to counter the resurgence of AMD. More importantly, for PC gamers in 2021, it is an exceptionally capable gaming processor. Ultimately, that is what truly matters.

I could elaborate extensively on the implications of this chip for the heavyweight title bout between the x86 giants, Intel and AMD, and rest assured, I will do so. However, the primary focus here is to determine which option is superior for gaming and provides the best value for our investment. Recently, AMD has often been favored in this regard, particularly with its Ryzen 5000-series processors, which excel in gaming and are an excellent choice for streamers and content creators. Nevertheless, this landscape is poised to shift with the introduction of Intel’s 12th Generation Alder Lake CPUs.

The 12th Generation represents Intel’s resurgence in the gaming market, achieving this feat while offering a more competitive price compared to the typically budget-friendly offerings from the rival red team.

It would be an oversight not to address the unique characteristics of Alder Lake. Each major overhaul of computing hardware necessitates an adjustment phase, and Intel’s 12th Generation is not devoid of its own quirks. Notably, to achieve optimal performance, it requires the installation of Windows 11. Further details on this will be provided shortly.

In conclusion, the Core i9 12900K serves as a significant benchmark for assessing Intel’s resurgence in performance. At a minimum, Alder Lake represents a substantial advancement, yet when operating at peak efficiency, it appears to signify a genuine revival for the chip manufacturer, reaffirming its position at the forefront of technology from the outset.

What distinguishes the Intel Core i9 12900K from other processors?

The Core i9 12900K exemplifies the pinnacle of Intel’s 12th Generation desktop processors, showcasing the Alder Lake architecture in its most advanced iteration. In essence, this translates to an increase in cores, enhanced speed, and greater bandwidth than previously seen. However, a closer examination reveals a chip architecture that significantly diverges from its predecessors.

This entails considerations such as frame rates, operating system requirements, and unique characteristics, all of which contribute to an intriguing analysis.

Let us explore this topic by beginning with the process that underpins the entire chip: Intel 7. Alder Lake marks Intel’s inaugural desktop processor utilizing the Intel 7 process node, formerly known as Intel 10nm SuperFin, and it is also the first in a considerable period to forgo the 14nm process node.

The landscape of technology has indeed transformed significantly. Intel has successfully liberated itself from the constraints of the 14nm process, which had previously led to considerable challenges for the company. With the introduction of Alder Lake, Intel is no longer confined to that particular node, allowing for greater innovation and development within its available resources. The company anticipates a substantial distribution of Alder Lake chips before the New Year, suggesting that this may be a product readily available for purchase at its launch.

It is to be hoped, nonetheless.

The most significant alteration in the Intel Alder Lake lineup is the introduction of the hybrid Core architecture. This development entails that all K-series 12th Generation processors, which will be available at launch, will incorporate two distinct types of cores: Performance Cores (P-Cores) and Efficient Cores (E-Cores).

The P-Cores utilize the Golden Cove microarchitecture, representing an advancement over the Willow Lake microarchitecture present in Intel’s 11th Generation mobile Tiger Lake processors. In the context of desktop architecture, this signifies approximately two advancements from the backported Sunny Cove microarchitecture, which has been rebranded as Cypress Cove, utilized in Intel’s 11th Generation Rocket Lake desktop processors, including models like the Core i9 10900K.

It is likely that you are already considering the numerous architectural codenames, and you would be correct in that assessment. Alder Lake resembles a Russian nesting doll of architectures. The complexity does not diminish, but the experience becomes significantly more thrilling as a result.

The P-Cores of Alder Lake exhibit a stronger resemblance to the CPU cores found in earlier Intel desktop generations. For instance, the Core i9 10900K features a total of eight CPU cores. Similarly, the 12900K also possesses eight P-Cores, which are significantly faster.

The P-Cores play a crucial role in gaming performance. They provide the highest clock speeds among the two types, with the Core i9 12900K achieving speeds of up to 5.2GHz at certain times, ensuring excellent single-threaded performance. Additionally, these cores are designed to reduce latency and possess a wider and more intelligent architecture, allowing them to compete effectively with rivals, particularly AMD’s advanced Zen 3 architecture.

Each P-Core is allocated 1.25MB of L2 cache. This is connected to a total of 30MB of Intel Smart Cache, which is shared among the E-Cores and the integrated graphics, although the latter is disabled in KF-series processors.

As a performance indicator, the P-Cores of the Core i9 12900K significantly outperform the Cypress Cove cores found in the Core i9 11900K, and this assessment does not even account for the additional eight Efficient Cores that Intel has integrated into the 12900K.

The Efficient Cores are designed based on the Gracemont architecture, which has its roots in the Atom series. Historically intended for processors with lower power consumption and performance, Intel has concluded that the Atom architecture can also be applied to more robust processors. Consequently, the Core i9 12900K incorporates a total of eight Gracemont Efficient Cores.

There are eight Efficient Cores organized into two clusters of four, with each cluster having access to 2MB of L2 cache. Additionally, these cores share access to the same 30MB of Intel Smart Cache that is also available to the Performance Cores.

I must confess that I have had my reservations regarding Intel’s Efficient Cores. Arm has successfully implemented its big.LITTLE architecture for some time, particularly in the mobile sector, where power efficiency translates to extended battery life. While Intel aims to introduce Alder Lake to the mobile market as well, I understand that perspective. However, from a desktop standpoint, it initially seemed that these cores would not provide significant benefits. What advantages could a group of small cores, derived from Intel’s next-generation Atom architecture, offer to a PC gamer such as myself?

It should have been evident to me that the evaluation of performance extends beyond mere numerical values, clock frequencies, and single-threaded capabilities, as Intel’s Efficient Cores encompass a far broader scope than one might initially perceive.

The Efficient Cores in Alder Lake perform several important roles. Firstly, they enhance multi-threaded performance by providing additional cores to tackle tasks. Furthermore, they can alleviate the workload on the Performance Cores when necessary, making these low-power cores particularly beneficial for gaming scenarios.

Imagine you are a streamer engaged in a competitive game on one display while simultaneously broadcasting your gameplay to an audience on another. An Alder Lake CPU, in conjunction with Windows 11, is designed to efficiently manage this dual task, allowing the P-Cores to concentrate on optimizing gaming frame rates while the E-Cores handle the streaming process.

The essence of Alder Lake’s innovation is evident, yet achieving seamless integration of these various architectures extends beyond merely consolidating them onto a single chip. A significant portion of Intel’s performance in Alder Lake is derived from the efficient utilization of these two distinct core types, facilitated by a feature known as the Thread Director.

The Thread Director assists the operating system in determining the appropriate allocation of tasks to specific cores by providing additional information that would not typically be accessible. By continuously monitoring and relaying thread data to the operating system, the Thread Director ensures that your gaming experience receives precedence over the RGB lighting controller during updates, thereby maintaining a consistent frame rate.

In the end, it is your operating system that determines these choices, which is why Thread Director is most effective when used with Windows 11. Intel collaborated with Microsoft to optimize it specifically for Alder Lake.

The implementation of a hardware-embedded Thread Director presents several implications for users. Primarily, it necessitates the use of Windows 11 for optimal performance with Alder Lake processors, which has both advantages and disadvantages, and is not an operating system we fully endorse at this time. Additionally, there remain peculiarities within the Alder Lake architecture and its optimization that result in the two distinct cores either not being fully utilized or failing to operate altogether with certain games.

It is true that a processor featuring a straightforward configuration of 16 cores, such as the Ryzen 9 5950X, can effectively handle various workloads. However, Alder Lake offers several additional performance advantages that enhance its capabilities.

The most noteworthy advancement is DDR5. For an extended period, we have been contentedly utilizing DDR4 systems, and it is true that these DDR4 modules have achieved remarkable speeds compared to their initial capabilities. However, the landscape is evolving. DDR5 is already raising the standards for memory frequencies and performance, and Alder Lake is prepared to embrace this change.

The examination of early DDR5 kits reveals significantly elevated frequencies; however, this enhancement is accompanied by considerably increased memory latencies. Additionally, these kits typically carry higher price points, a fact that may not be well-received by PC gamers in 2021. Regrettably, this situation reflects the inherent challenges associated with the introduction of new technology into the market, particularly in light of the persistent global shortages impacting various types of chips.

One advantage is that you can purchase a motherboard compatible with DDR4 and avoid the rapidly expanding DDR5 market entirely. However, it is important to remember that you will be limited to one type or the other. Therefore, make your choice wisely and be ready to commit to it for the duration of your processor’s lifespan. Alternatively, you could opt for a new motherboard; either way, a decision must be made.

This leads us directly to the Z690 chipset found in motherboards compatible with the LGA 1700 socket. The introduction of this new socket should not be unexpected, particularly if you have observed the 12900K, as its heat spreader is notably larger than that of previous Core desktop processors. Consequently, it necessitates the use of a new motherboard for the Alder Lake architecture. These new motherboards provide enhanced bandwidth for PCIe devices by supporting PCIe 5.0, which will primarily benefit SSD storage, even though we are still acclimating to the rapid speeds of PCIe 4.0; thus, this specification is designed with future advancements in mind.

What components are included in the Intel Core i9 12900K?

The Core i9 12900K stands as the premier processor within Intel’s 12th Generation lineup, featuring the highest number of cores, exceptional speeds, and superior performance. Operating at full capacity, this Alder Lake chip provides an impressive insight into the capabilities of this architecture when fully utilized.

The Core i9 12900K features a 16-core architecture organized in an 8+8 configuration, comprising eight Performance Cores (P-Cores) and eight Efficiency Cores (E-Cores). The P-Cores support HyperThreading, effectively doubling the thread count to 16, which, when combined with the E-Cores, results in a total of 24 threads. Consequently, the Core i9 12900K is comparable to AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X regarding core count, although it slightly lags behind in thread availability.

The eight P-Cores are also capable of achieving impressive clock speeds. The Core i9 12900K features a maximum Turbo clock speed of 5.2GHz for its P-Cores, while the base clock is set at 3.2GHz. Consequently, during actual usage, the clock speeds will typically fluctuate between these two values, influenced by the specific workload.

Despite its impressive speed, the Core i9 12900K stands out as the most power-intensive processor within the Alder Lake series, as well as among the majority of desktop CPUs available to date. Even with Intel’s advancements through the Intel 7 process node and the inclusion of Efficient Cores, this processor remains notably power-hungry, reaching a Maximum Turbo Power (MTP) of 241W.

It is important to observe that the specification in question is MTP rather than TDP. Intel has announced its intention to eliminate the TDP specification for the 12th Generation processors. I find some merit in this decision, particularly in consideration of the challenges faced by CPU coolers. Historically, TDP values have not accurately reflected the performance characteristics of Intel’s recent CPU generations. Consequently, MTP, along with the newly introduced Processor Base Power (PBP), seems to provide a more transparent representation.

The Power Base Profile (PBP) of the Core i9 12900K is set at 125W, aligning with the Thermal Design Power (TDP) of the Core i9 11900K. Nonetheless, it is important to note that neither processor typically functions within this power range.

Adjusting your chip’s power settings in an attempt to achieve a stable overclock can exacerbate issues, particularly with unlocked K-series processors like the Core i9 12900K and compatible Z690 motherboards. This practice is not only feasible but also actively promoted by Intel in this generation.

The selection of a Z690 motherboard is crucial for overclocking; however, the new chipset also offers advantages for all users, regardless of their overclocking intentions.

To begin with, the Z690 chipset incorporates support for PCIe 4.0, offering up to 12 lanes. In addition, there are 16 lanes of PCIe 5.0 directly from the CPU, ensuring that you will have ample bandwidth for your GPU and several high-speed SSDs. The abundance of bandwidth also allows for the possibility of numerous USB ports, although the actual number will depend on the specific motherboard selected.

In relation to bandwidth and the Core i9 12900K, it is important to note that, similar to all 12th Generation processors, it is compatible with both DDR5 and DDR4 memory modules. Prior to making a purchase, it is essential to verify the compatibility of your motherboard, as no motherboard accommodates both types of memory. Consequently, you will need to adhere to your choice in this regard.

What is the performance level of the Intel Core i9 12900K?

Intel has made significant claims regarding the performance of its Alder Lake series, and after evaluating the Core i9 12900K, I find myself in agreement with their assertions. This processor indeed reestablishes its dominance in gaming performance across nearly all titles we examined, frequently achieving substantial advantages.

It is important to consider the competition faced by the Core i9 12900K. The Ryzen 9 5950X stands as a formidable opponent, representing AMD’s pinnacle in processor design and offering exceptional performance for a wide range of tasks. While the Ryzen 9 5950X is undoubtedly impressive, it is essential to recognize that the Core i9 12900K excels as a superior option for gaming.

This is a significant testament to Intel’s advancements in single-core performance with the Core i9 12900K. Its exceptionally high clock speeds contribute to its capabilities, but the architectural design of the Golden Cove P-Cores seems to excel particularly well in gaming applications.

It is particularly significant to highlight Intel’s performance in games that have historically favored AMD’s processors, such as Far Cry 6. Typically, these are the titles where we would observe the most pronounced advantages for AMD’s chips. However, while this remains somewhat accurate today, the Core i9 12900K has successfully mitigated any substantial gains in performance from the Ryzen 9 5950X.

The PC Gamer 12th Generation testing setup comprises the Asus ROG Maximus Z690 Hero motherboard, Corsair Dominator memory operating at an effective speed of 5,200MHz, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, a 1TB WD Black SN850 PCIe 4.0 storage drive, an Asus ROG Ryujin II 360 cooling system, an NZXT 850W power supply, a DimasTech Mini V2 chassis, and is running on Windows 11.

The PC Gamer 11th Generation testing setup comprises the MSI MPG Z490 Carbon WiFi motherboard, Corsair Vengeance Pro RGB memory operating at an effective speed of 3,600MHz, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, a 1TB WD Black SN850 PCIe 4.0 solid-state drive, an Asus ROG Ryujin II 360 cooler, an NZXT 850W power supply, a DimasTech Mini V2 chassis, and is running on Windows 11.

The PC Gamer AMD test configuration includes the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Master motherboard, Thermaltake DDR4 memory operating at 3,600MHz, a Zadak Spark all-in-one cooler, a 2TB Sabrent Rocket PCIe 4.0 storage solution, a Corsair 850W power supply, and is running on Windows 11.

The same applies to synthetic single-core performance. In the case of Cinebench R23, which I executed over a 10-minute period to eliminate any potential power draw anomalies, it is evident that the Core i9 12900K offers a significant improvement in single-core performance compared to the top-performing Zen 3 processor, the Ryzen 9 5950X. Additionally, the lower-clocked Core i5 12600K also shows a substantial enhancement in this area, marking a notable resurgence for Intel.

The impressive single-threaded performance, when combined with the latest generation of E-Cores, results in remarkable multi-threaded capabilities as well. I was taken aback to find that the Core i9 12900K surpasses the Ryzen 9 5950X, which is a dedicated 16-core processor, in the Cinebench R23 benchmarks. In the Time Spy CPU evaluations, it significantly outperforms its competitor. Frankly, I did not anticipate that the integration of P-Cores and E-Cores would yield such outstanding results.

The Ryzen 9 5950X performs admirably in x264 v5.0, narrowly surpassing the Core i9 12900K in benchmarks for Shadow of the Tomb Raider and the turn time in Civilization 6, areas where AMD has demonstrated greater strength in recent years. Therefore, while Intel achieves a notable victory, it is not without its challenges.

I regret to report that I am lacking one benchmark result for Intel’s Core i9 12900K, specifically for Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla. The issue arises from the game’s incompatibility with Alder Lake, at least on our system and likely on several others as well. Intel has informed me that they are “aware of an issue with Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, and we are collaborating with the game publisher to resolve it.” This situation contributes to the somewhat unstable performance of Alder Lake at its initial release.

As previously mentioned, Alder Lake does not represent a mere incremental enhancement of an established architecture. It seems that certain issues were not resolved prior to its release, one of which is the sporadic incompatibility with certain games, a concern that Intel had acknowledged in advance concerning the DRM solution, Denuvo.

Intel announced that it has not yet resolved a problem related to Denuvo on Alder Lake affecting 32 games, which has resulted in difficulties when attempting to play these titles on the platform; however, the rest of the game library is functioning properly.

It is evident that there remain several aspects to address, even after the launch. I can only express optimism that these concerns will be resolved promptly and that future releases will be appropriately optimized for Alder Lake. While I would expect this to be the case, I cannot confirm it with certainty. Therefore, I advise patience, and if you are a dedicated fan of Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, it may be prudent to continue using your current CPU for a short period before considering an upgrade to the 12th Generation.

In terms of CPU performance and thermal efficiency, it is important to note that the Core i9 12900K, as previously stated, is not the most energy-efficient processor available, particularly in its standard, factory-configured condition.

Intel has evidently exerted considerable effort to enhance its Core i9 package to ensure it surpasses AMD’s leading Ryzen processor. This has resulted in a significantly higher power consumption under load compared to AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X during x264 v5.0 benchmarking, reflecting a 53% increase in power draw and a 6°C rise in peak temperature.

This surpasses the Core i9 11900K, a processor known for its significant power consumption. However, Intel contends that if the Core i9 12900K were to be reduced to merely a portion of its 241W maximum turbo power, specifically at 65W, it would still compete effectively with the Core i9 11900K.

The performance is sufficient to warrant the increase in wattage when compared to Intel’s own processors; however, in relation to AMD’s chips, it still seems relatively elevated.

What implications does the Intel Core i9 12900K have for the realm of PC gaming?

At the outset of this review, I emphasized the significance of concentrating on the practical performance and capabilities of these processors, rather than becoming overly engrossed in the competitive dynamics. However, as a human, I find the continuous rivalry between Intel and AMD to be one of my preferred forms of entertainment. Therefore, let us delve into the implications of the Core i9 12900K and the broader Alder Lake 12th Generation launch for this crucial contest.

In comparison to Intel’s prior generation, the 11th Gen, the Core i9 11900K appeared to be a processor designed to assert its dominance as the fastest gaming processor in the world. However, with the introduction of the Core i9 12900K, Intel may have developed a processor that truly merits this distinction.

The Core i9 12900K serves as both an enticing offer for contemporary gamers and a preview of Intel’s future innovations. This chip is highly anticipated and represents a significant advancement in technology. Additionally, the platform itself is noteworthy. After trailing behind AMD for the past five years, Intel is now introducing cutting-edge technologies, including DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, ahead of its competitor.

The pricing of these remarkable processors significantly influences our perception, and early speculation suggested a more competitive pricing scenario between Intel’s 12th Generation and AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series. However, Intel’s pricing turned out to be less exorbitant than anticipated, resulting in a scenario where Intel’s 12th Generation may exert considerable pressure on AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series.