Core i9-12900K vs Core i9-12900KF
Core i9-12900K
Core i9-12900KF
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900K
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-12900KF
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-12900K | Core i9-12900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($322) | ✅ More affordable ($320) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) / Intel 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-12900K | Core i9-12900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+0%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($322) | ✅ More affordable ($320) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i9-12900K and Core i9-12900KF
Core i9-12900K
The Core i9-12900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 41,180 points. Launch price was $589.
Core i9-12900KF
The Core i9-12900KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 November 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 30 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 40,858 points. Launch price was $564.
Processing Power
Both the Core i9-12900K and Core i9-12900KF share an identical 16-core/24-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-12900K versus 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-12900KF — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). Both are built on the Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) architecture using a 10 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-12900K scores 41,180 against the Core i9-12900KF's 40,858 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i9-12900K. Both processors carry 30 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Core i9-12900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 16 / 24 | 16 / 24 |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB (total) | 30 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm | Intel 7 nm-30% |
| Architecture | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) | Alder Lake, Golden Cove, Gracemont (2021) |
| PassMark | 41,180 | 40,858 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 27,472 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 2,585 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 15,300 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1700 socket with PCIe 5.0. Both support up to DDR5-4800 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series,Intel 700 series (Core i9-12900K) and Z690,Z790,B660,B760 (Core i9-12900KF).
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Core i9-12900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800 | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i9-12900K) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-12900KF). The Core i9-12900K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770), while the Core i9-12900KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-12900KF targets Extreme Gaming / Content Creation. Direct competitor: Core i9-12900KF rivals Ryzen 9 5950X.
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Core i9-12900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | — |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | — | Extreme Gaming / Content Creation |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-12900K launched at $589 MSRP, while the Core i9-12900KF debuted at $564. At current prices ($322 vs $320), the Core i9-12900KF is $2 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-12900K delivers 127.9 pts/$ vs 127.7 pts/$ for the Core i9-12900KF — making the Core i9-12900K the 0.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-12900K | Core i9-12900KF |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $589 | $564-4% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $322 | $320 |
| Performance per Dollar | 127.9 | 127.7 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2021 |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i9-12900K and Core i9-12900KF
