Intel Core i9-12900KS announced as the world’s fastest desktop CPU | Digit

Intel launches Core i9-12900KS as the top-end offering from its 12th gen CPU lineup and calls it the world’s fastest desktop processor. It is armed with 16 cores (8+8), 24 threads, up to 5.5 GHz max clock speed. It is also power-hungry with up to 150W Processor Base Power (PBP). So, Intel is aiming to take on the likes of AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D in raw performance by chugging more power. The Intel chip is also unlocked and capable of hitting 241W Maximum Turbo Power (MTP).

Intel Core i9-12900KS Specs and Features

As already mentioned, Core i9-12900KS comes from the Intel Alder Lake 12th gen processor series. It is equipped with 16 cores (8 performance cores plus 8 efficiency cores), 24 threads, and can clock a max turbo speed of up to 5.5GHz. This is 300MHz over the max frequency of Core i9-12900K.

Intel achieves this level of speed thanks to i9-12900KS’ 150W PBP. This is again higher than the 125W PBP of the Core i9-12900K. That said, the maximum power ceiling is still 241W MTP.

To entice the gamers and power-users amongst you, this chipset is overclock-friendly and Intel has added solutions like Intel Thermal Velocity Boost, Intel Adaptive Boost Technology.

There is also 30MB Intel Smart Cache, UHD Graphics 770 integrated GPU, PCIe Gen 5.0 and 4.0 support, up to DDR5 4800 MT/s  RAM, and DDR4 3200 MT/s RAM support.

The company also mentions the i9-12900KS will be supported by current Z690 motherboards with the latest BIOS update.

Intel Core i9-12900KS Price and Availability

Intel Core i9-12900KS will be available from ​​April 5 at a beginning price of $739 (~₹56,252). It would be out in the form of a boxed processor and integrated into systems from the company’s channel and OEM partners.

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