Intel's 12th Gen Core i9-12900KS launches on April 5, promises next-level performance

News
By published

Intel's upcoming Core i9-12900KS could be the world's fastest desktop processor.

Intel Core i9-12900K
Intel Core i9-12900K (Image credit: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Intel will discuss its 12th Gen processors at an event on April 5.
  • The company will show off its new Core i9-12900KS CPU during a live stream.
  • You can watch the presentation on Twitch starting at 12PM PT (3PM ET) on April 5, 2022.

Specifically, Intel calls its new flagship CPU the "world's fastest desktop processor." If the chip lives up to Intel's expectations in real-world usage, it should be one of the best CPUs.

The Core i9-12900KS will feature eight P cores (performance cores) running at 5.2GHz and eight E cores (efficiency cores) running at 4.0GHz. Those figures beat out the Intel Core i9-12900K by a small margin. The chip will also support Intel Adaptive Boost Technology.

Here are the key specs of the new processor from Intel:

  • Up to 5.5 GHz max turbo frequency with Intel Thermal Velocity Boost.
  • Intel Adaptive Boost Technology for improved gaming performance by opportunistically allowing higher multi-core turbo frequencies.
  • 16 cores (eight P-cores and eight E-cores), 24 threads, 150W processor base power, 30MB Intel Smart Cache, and PCIe Gen 5.0 and 4.0 support.
  • Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s and DDR4 3200 MT/s support.
  • Chipset compatible with existing Z690 motherboards with latest BIOS recommended for the best gaming experience.

A retail listing for the Core i9-12900KS briefly appeared on Newegg, though it has since been taken down. One lucky PC builder claims to have already received the new CPU, even though it doesn't officially launch until next month.

The Intel Tech Event kicks off at 12PM PT (3PM ET) on April 5, 2022. You can watch it on Intel's Twitch channel.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.