Intel Core i9-12900KSource: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central

Intel uses a similar model-naming scheme and SKU family setup like AMD for its processors. The company uses Core 3, Core 5, Core 7, and Core 9 to separate its best CPUs into different brands. The higher the brand number, the more powerful the processor. For instance, an Intel Core i7 would be more powerful than an Intel Core i3.

Here's a quick breakdown of the different Intel Core processor brackets:

  • Core i5 — Up to 10-core processors
  • Core i7 — Up to 12-core processors
  • Core i9 — Up to 16-core processors

You'll find a few processors in each family bracket. As aforementioned, the higher the number the more powerful the processor. The first number after the brand denotes generation, 12900K being a 12th Gen processor. The 12900K is the model number or SKU, and the 12900K is the suffix, which can mean the following for desktop-classic processors:

  • G1-G7: Graphics level
  • E: Embedded
  • F: Requires discrete graphics
  • G: Includes discrete graphics on package
  • K: Unlocked

For instance, should you be looking to build an enthusiast PC, we would recommend choosing an Intel Core i9-12900K CPU over an older and less capable Intel Core i5-11600K.

Choosing the correct motherboard

ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 HeroSource: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central

Not all motherboards are built the same, nor do they all have the same socket and chipset. A socket is what the CPU is installed on to create a connection between the chip and motherboard. These are physically different and you won't be able to install an incompatible CPU into a socket without problems. The latest socket for 12th Gen Intel processors is LGA 1700.

Then there's the chipset, which simply denotes what features will be available to you. The flagship chipset from Intel is the Z690, which you'll find on all mid to top-range motherboards that will work with 12th Gen processors. You can save money by choosing a more affordable chipset, but you'll sacrifice a few features, like available USB ports.

We rounded up the best motherboards for Core i5-12600K, best motherboards for Core i7-12700K, and best motherboards for Core i9-12900K to help you make the right choice.

Picking the right CPU for your PC

Intel Core i9-11900K reviewSource: Harish Jonnalagadda / Windows Central

Core i5

Intel's Core i5 processors are mid-range offerings that have 10 cores with Hyper-threading. These CPUs are designed for use in most PCs, ranging from budget builds to impressive gaming rigs. It's even possible to get away with some video editing thanks to the multi-core performance.

12th Gen Intel Core i5

Intel Core i5-12600K

The Core i5-12600K is a great value processor from Intel, offering 10 cores and 16 threads for less than $300. It's strange to consider this level of performance as "mid-range."

Category Core i5-12600KF Core i5-12600K
Cores 10 10
Threads 16 16
Base P: 3.7GHz
E: 2.8GHz		 P: 3.7GHz
E: 2.8GHz
Turbo P: 4.9GHz
E: 3.6GHz		 P: 4.9GHz
E: 3.6GHz
Intel Turbo Boost Max ❌ ❌
Cache L2: 9.5MB
L3: 20MB		 L2: 9.5MB
L3: 20MB
GPU ❌ Intel UHD Graphics 770
TDP (boost) 125W
(150W)		 125W
(150W)
Price $264 $320

Core i7

If you need a little more performance, the Core i7 range is where magic can truly occur. With 12 cores and Hyper-threading, these CPUs are an excellent choice for gamers and content creators alike.

12th Gen Intel Core i7

Intel Core i7-12700K

Stepping it up a gear from the i5 brand is the impressive Core i7-12700K. It has 12 cores, 20 threads, and room for overclocking if you've got enough thermal capacity.

Category Core i7-12700KF Core i7-12700K
Cores 12 12
Threads 20 20
Base P: 3.6GHz
E: 2.7GHz		 P: 3.6GHz
E: 2.7GHz
Turbo P: 4.9GHz
E: 3.8GHz		 P: 4.9GHz
E: 3.8GHz
Intel Turbo Boost Max 5.0GHz 5.0GHz
Cache L2: 12MB
L3: 25MB		 L2: 12MB
L3: 25MB
GPU ❌ Intel UHD Graphics 770
TDP (boost) 125W
(190W)		 125W
(190W)
Price $384 $450

Core i9

This is where we enter enthusiast territory. Intel's Core i9 processors are impressive with high clock speeds for better overall throughput. They're overkill for most PC builds, but if you can utilize the available performance, they'll be an excellent addition to your list of components.

Intel Core i9-12900K

Intel Core i9-12900K

You likely don't need something like the Core i9-12900K, but it would be amazing to have one installed inside your PC. These monsters have 16 cores and 24 threads, and can turbo boost all the way up to 5.2GHz.

Category Core i9-12900KF Core i9-12900K
Cores 16 16
Threads 24 24
Base P: 3.2GHz
E: 2.4GHz		 P: 3.2GHz
E: 2.4GHz
Turbo P: 5.1GHz
E: 3.9GHz		 P: 5.1GHz
E: 3.9GHz
Intel Turbo Boost Max 5.2GHz 5.2GHz
Cache L2: 14MB
L3: 30MB		 L2: 14MB
L3: 30MB
GPU ❌ Intel UHD Graphics 770
TDP (boost) 125W
(241W)		 125W
(241W)
Price $564 $650

The choice is yours

Which processor is perfect for your build depends on what you'll need the PC to do, as well as how much money is available. We rounded up the best processors for building a PC on different budgets.

The best CPUs for your desktop PC

AMD Ryzen 5 2600Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central

When looking for a new CPU, it's easy to automatically go for the more expensive options expecting a return in performance, and you'd be correct in that assumption. However, the question is whether or not you need that kind of power and whether or not you really need to pay that much. See our collection of the best options based on several performance and price points.

Best CPUs for your next PC build

Other than that, the rule of thumb is to spend as much as you can, within reason. It's better to purchase a Core i7 instead of a Core i5 and then have to upgrade sooner, which will cost more in the long run.

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