Intel Core i9 (12th Gen) i9-12900KS Gaming Desktop Processor with Integrated Graphics and Hexadeca-core (16 Core) 2.50 GHz

Fastest cpu just a few years ago and still in the top of the class, it's only 5% slower single core than a 13900k with no microcode/oxidation problem. Runs way hotter than my i5 haha but with a good 360 AIO it runs nice and cool. So happy I have good integrated graphics for back up if anything happens to my GPU and can still light game. Its perfectly compatible with my z690 mobo just swap and play with added contact plate a must if you dare.

I was skeptical purchasing this CPU. I read topics claiming it gets hot. That's BULL!!! If you know how to build, able to put the right parts together, may take some research to make sound decisions, this is one strong processor. I game, watch media, do design work, and video editing, and do extreme multitasking, and have not gotten a hiccup. People are ready to put down a product without doing their homework to make it run like it should, screw the benchmarks and skepticism. Build it right and the rest will speak for itself. I believe in high quality and this CPU stands up to it all in cool smooth running, and seamless tasking. I waited to make sure I'd speak up for it, and I stand behind it 100%. Great CPU.

My 14900k kept crashing games and was unstable right out of the box. Downgraded to this and it's solid at least and saves me about $300. The FPS difference for my purposes (gaming) is very minimal (<10FPS) from all my tests.. and my computer actually works. Also got 6800MT/S RAM to work with this if you're in the same boat. Definitely going AMD on my next build after this headache though.

This started a new PC build for me when it was on sale for $320. I haven't built a PC since 2007, so it has changed a bit since then. This thing runs hot at full load. Watch gamers nexus on YouTube. It will pull a solid 250+ watts running cinebench. I'm using an Arctic Freezer 2 420mm with a thermal grizzly contact frame and kryonaut, and it will load up to 80 degrees almost instantly without throttling but drop immediately to 25-30 degrees when the load stops. This is with ambient at 22 degrees. This thing is brutally fast, though, and in reality, outside of load testing it, I have rarely seen it go over 30% usage. The more recent i5 and i7 processors can more or less be equal in most use cases. i5 13/14600, i7 13/14700. This processor is still top-tier and will be for a few years to come. 12th gen i-series processors were a game-changer, the 13th-gen improved on them a bit with more e-cores, and the 14th-gen is looking like a stop-gap to the next big thing. You won't be disappointed; make sure to keep it cool.

In a world of AMD 7000- and 9000-series X3D and non-X3D CPUs, I just now chose to build a PC based on this Intel Core i9-12900KS. The logical question is "Why?" No good answer, other than part nostalgia and part brand loyalty: Intel has been a reliable partner in this computer building hobby for a long time. That said, previous PCs of mine were built using AMDs Phenom II Black and FX-8370 CPUs, so I don't consider myself a 'fan boy' of either brand. So why? Like buying an Alfa Romeo when a Toyota Camry is cheaper, more efficient, and more reliable, you buy the Alfa because you want it. And in this case, you buy this CPU because it's the last, great Core i9 standing and will turbo boost Pcores to 5.5 GHz at stock Intel power settings and without MCE. I love it already.

This beast of a CPU arrived on time and was well packaged. I bought this for a new gaming monster of a computer. Pros: Easy to mount. My CPU with little to no over clocking, runs at 3.5Ghz. With some fine tuning, it can run stability at 5.7Ghz on all cores with Efficiency cores running at 3.8Ghz. Awesome!!! Cons: Pricey considering the 13th generation is only $120 more dollars than this at the time of purchase. Ran into some issues with the CPU being recognized, but with a BIOS update, fixed. No other problems that i can find. If I find any I will update this review. Overall I think this CPU is an awesome one. It has definitely has made my build a beast of a machine!! I recommend this to anyone that doesn’t want to upgrade to Intels 13th generation CPUs!!

Bought during the sale for $240. A side-grade from my 13600KF, with slightly more cores and a higher TDP. So far has served me well, and a great deal for the money.

Excellent value, runs great and is VERY FAST. Needs proper cooling (360mm AIO for example). Runs without throttling at Intel default setting. Definitely recommended.