Core i9-12900HK
Intel
PassMark
25,512
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.
Overview
The Core i9-12900HK is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 25,512 points. Launch price was $299.
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 i9-12900HK
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i9-12900HK across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Path of Exile 2
Counter-Strike 2
League of Legends
Valorant
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i9-12900HK specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i9-12900HK is a 14-core / 20-thread processor based on the Alder Lake-H (2022) architecture, manufactured on a Intel 7 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 24 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1.25 MB (per core) of L2 cache and 80K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 25,512, placing it in the High-End performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,938, while multi-core reaches 13,317. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 18,197.
| Specification | Core i9-12900HK |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 14C / 20T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 5 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 2.5 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Alder Lake-H (2022) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | Intel 7 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 24 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 1.25 MB (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 80K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 217 mm2 |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked | Yes (Overclockable) |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 25,512 |
| Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance | 18,197 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,938 |
| Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance | 13,317 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-12900HK fits into the FCBGA1744 socket and supports PCIe 5.0 with 28 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4, DDR5 memory at speeds up to DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Iris Xe Graphics G7 (96EUs) — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Core i9-12900HK |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Alder Lake-P |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | FCBGA1744 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 5.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 28 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4, DDR5 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 64 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | Iris Xe Graphics G7 (96EUs) |
| Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU | BGA1744 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 |
Advanced Features
The Core i9-12900HK is primarily designed for Enthusiast Gaming Laptop. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 9 6900HX.
| Specification | Core i9-12900HK |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Enthusiast Gaming Laptop |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | ✅ Unlocked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Ryzen 9 6900HX |
Power & Cooling
The Core i9-12900HK has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the Laptop Integrated stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Enthusiast Laptop Cooling.
| Specification | Core i9-12900HK |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 45 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | Laptop Integrated |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | Enthusiast Laptop Cooling |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #556 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i9-12900HK |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $299 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #556 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 4 January 2022 (3 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2022 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
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Our Recommendation for Core i9-12900HK
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Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
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