Chipmaker Intel has finally released a bunch of new processors in its 12th Gen processors lineup for desktops PCs. Intel launched six new models with three new ones and three as their non-GPU variants using the Alder Lake architecture. Fabbed on a 10nm process, the new processors are titled Core i9-12900K, Core i7-12700K, and Core i5-12600K. The other three as you might have guessed are KF versions of the aforementioned processors that lack an integrated GPU.
Intel introduces all-new 12th Gen Processors Alder Lake processors
Unlike previous processors, the Alder Lake processors use a new architecture wherein the CPU has a hybrid design with a combination of efficient cores called “E-cores” and Performance-cores called “P-cores”. This goes inline with the popular types of processors such as the M1 from Apple as well as SoCs found on smartphones nowadays.
Intel Core i9-12900K and 12900KF
Talking about the new processors, the Core i9-12900K being the top-of-the-line processors, comes with 16 cores i.e. 8P+8E cores. It supports 24 threads, 30MB of L3 and, 14MB of L2. The processor can reach up to 5.2GHz on Turbo Boost Max. The P-core reaches up to 5.1GHz on turbo max while the base frequency is 3.2GHz.
Talking about E-cores, the Base frequency core has a max 3.9GHz frequency on max turbo while it is 2.4GHz as base frequency. Other specs include Intel UHD Graphics 770, DDR5, and DDR4 support. It has a power consumption of 125W on base and 241W on turbo performance. It’s another variant is dubbed s Core i9-12900KF which is almost the same except there’s no integrated GPU.
Intel Core i7-12700K and 12700KF
The next in line is the Core i7-12700K with 12 core architecture with an 8P+4E configuration. It supports 20 threads, 25MB L3 and, 12MB L2 cache. Here, you can see a downshift in terms of cache, cores configuration, and pretty much across the board. The processor is able to produce a turbo boost max frequency of up to 5.0GHz. The P-core can achieve a max turbo frequency of up to 4.9GHz on P-core and a base frequency of 3.6GHz. The frequency of the E-core is up to 3.8GHz on turbo and 2.7GHz base performance.
There’s Intel UHD Graphics 770, support for both DDR5 and DDR4 RAM. There’s a base power consumption of 125W and turbo power of 190W. The Intel Core i7-12700KF is no different than the 12700K with the exception being the lack of UHD Graphics 770.
Intel Core i5-12600K and 12600KF
The i5-12600K processor has a 6P+4E (10) cores configuration. The processor supports 16 threads, 20MB of L3 and, 9.5MB of L2 cache with it. There’s no Turbo Boost Max frequency for the i5 although the P-core runs at a max turbo frequency of up to 4.9GHz while the base frequency is 3.7GHz. The E-core runs at a max turbo frequency of up to 3.6GHz while the base frequency is 2.8GHz.
You get an Intel UHD Graphics 770 along with support to DDR5 and DDR5. The max power consumption on the i5-12600K is 150W and base power is 125W. As with the two other processors mentioned above, the story with Core 12600KF is the same i.e. it lacks integrated graphics whilst everything else remains the same.
Apart from the specs, it must be known that although all six processors mentioned above support both DDR5 and DDR4 RAM, it is not cross-compatible and thus, you will either have to choose a motherboard for DDR5 or DDR4.
Intel has gone its course with the TDP for power consumption and instead, now gives figures for both base and turbo power consumption which gives users a clear picture as opposed to a single TDP value. The new 12-Gen i9 processor has already surpassed the performance of Ryzen 9 5950Z in 31 titles making it the best gaming processor in the world accoding to Intel.
Also, these new processors arrive with a Z690 chipset that uses a different socket i.e. LGA1700. This means users will have to buy new CPUs and motherboards to assemble them. A total of 60 motherboard models are estimated to launch by various vendors out there.
Intel 12th-Gen Processors Pricing
Talking about the pricing, the Intel i5-12600KF has a price tag of $264 and goes all the way to $589 on the Intel i9-12900K processor. The pre-orders are already available with the sale commencing on November 4.
