Intel Core i9-12900KS presented: auto overclocking up to 5.5 GHz and price $739

The company positions the new flagship chip as “the fastest processor in the world.” It is a reference version of the Intel Core i9-12900K model with an even higher maximum clock speed – while the requirements for its cooling have increased.

The 16-core CPU, like its predecessor, has a hybrid architecture (8 performance + 8 power efficient cores) with 24 threads of execution and 30 MB of L3 cache. The chip is able to automatically increase the clock speed of two “large” cores to a record value of 5.5 GHz using Thermal Velocity Boost and Intel Adaptive Boost technologies. The TDP of the novelty has also increased compared to the K-version – from 125 to 150 watts.

“Intel continues to push the boundaries of desktop gaming with the new Intel Core i9-12900KS processor. Based on Intel’s 12th generation high-performance hybrid architecture, it can reach 5.5 GHz on two cores for the first time, giving the most extreme gamers the opportunity to maximize performance,” said Marcus Kennedy, Head of Gaming, Creative and Esports at Intel.

Intel Core i9-12900KS supports DDR4-3200 or DDR5-4800 RAM, as well as PCI-Express 4.0 and 5.0 interfaces. The integrated graphics has not changed compared to its predecessor – it’s still the same Intel UHD 770. To achieve maximum performance, the vendor recommends using the new product in conjunction with a motherboard based on the Z690 chipset. The processor will go on sale April 5 for a suggested retail price of $739.