Intel Core i9-11900K vs Intel Core i9-12900HK Comparison

The Intel Core i9-11900K and Intel Core i9-12900HK represent two distinct approaches to high-end computing: the former is a desktop flagship from the Rocket Lake generation, and the latter is a mobile powerhouse from Alder Lake. While their average benchmark scores are nearly identical, the data reveals that they are optimized for completely different workloads and use cases. The 11900K excels in single-threaded and legacy multi-threaded tasks, while the 12900HK demonstrates superiority in modern multi-threaded and physics-based workloads.

The Verdict

The benchmark data shows a surprisingly close contest, with the 11900K winning 11 head-to-head tests and the 12900HK winning 12. The average benchmark scores are nearly tied: the 11900K scores 26639, while the 12900HK scores 26469, a difference of less than 1%. For users building a desktop system with a focus on legacy software, high-frequency single-thread performance, and memory-heavy tasks, the 11900K is the clear choice. It delivers massive wins in Cinebench R23 single-core and extended instruction benchmarks.

Conversely, the 12900HK is the better pick for users who need a mobile processor that can handle multi-threaded productivity and physics simulations. It wins in Cinebench R15 and R20 multi-core tests, PassMark physics, and floating-point math. The data also shows the 12900HK is the more "modern" chip, with a smaller 10 nm process node and a larger cache configuration. If your priority is portability and sustained multi-threaded performance without the need for a desktop socket, the 12900HK is the superior option.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two processors is fundamental. The 11900K is built on Intel's 14 nm process node, while the 12900HK uses a more advanced 10 nm node. This process difference is reflected in the die size: the 11900K has a larger 276 mm² die, whereas the 12900HK is smaller at 217 mm². The core counts diverge significantly: the 11900K features 8 cores and 16 threads, while the 12900HK offers 14 cores and 20 threads, a hybrid design that leverages more physical cores for parallel workloads.

The cache hierarchy also differs. Both share 80 KB of L1 cache per core, but the L2 cache jumps from 512 KB per core on the 11900K to 1.25 MB per core on the 12900HK. The L3 cache is similarly upgraded, from 16 MB shared on the 11900K to 24 MB shared on the 12900HK. This larger cache pool on the 12900HK likely contributes to its wins in certain multi-threaded tests.

Other key differences include the socket and memory support. The 11900K uses the Intel Socket 1200 and supports only DDR4 memory, while the 12900HK uses the Intel BGA 1744 socket and supports both DDR4 and DDR5. The integrated graphics differ as well: the 11900K has UHD Graphics 750, whereas the 12900HK has Iris Xe 96EU. Both processors share the same PCIe configuration (Gen 4, 20 Lanes) and lack ECC memory support. The 12900HK is also a mobile part with a 45 W TDP, compared to the 11900K's 125 W TDP, which explains its viability in laptops.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The 11900K dominates in single-threaded performance, which is a hallmark of its high 5.30 GHz boost clock. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the 11900K scores 2988 versus 1673 for the 12900HK, a massive 78.6% advantage. Similarly, in Cinebench R15 single-core, the 11900K wins with a score of 300 against 242, a 24% lead. This pattern continues in 3DMark tests, where the 11900K wins in 2-thread, 4-thread, 8-thread, 16-thread, and max-thread tests. The 16-thread test is particularly lopsided: the 11900K scores 8331 versus 6441, a 29.3% delta.

The 12900HK fights back in multi-threaded and physics-heavy workloads. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 2786 versus 2133 for the 11900K, a 23.4% win. In PassMark physics, the 12900HK wins decisively with 1673 versus 1052, a 37.1% advantage. Floating-point math also favors the 12900HK: 63572 versus 52841, a 16.9% lead. The 12900HK also wins in PassMark data encryption (17445 vs 16000) and find prime numbers (102 vs 68). However, the 11900K shows strength in PassMark extended instructions, winning with 23406 versus 17583, a 33.1% delta.

Interestingly, the Cinebench R20 multi-core test is nearly a tie: the 12900HK scores 8958 versus 8890 for the 11900K, a mere 0.8% difference. This suggests that the 12900HK's advantage in multi-threading is not universal across all benchmarks. The 11900K also wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core with 21168 versus 18288, a 15.7% lead, which contradicts the R15 and R20 results. The data indicates that the 11900K excels in specific multi-threaded scenarios, while the 12900HK is more consistent in others.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i9-11900K | Intel Core i9-12900HK |

|---|---|---|

| Architecture | Rocket Lake | Alder Lake |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 10 nm |

| Cores | 8 | 14 |

| Threads | 16 | 20 |

| Base Clock | 3.50 GHz | 2.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.30 GHz | 5.00 GHz |

| TDP | 125 W | 45 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1200 | Intel BGA 1744 |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 16 MB (shared) | 24 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | Not specified |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 750 | Iris Xe 96EU |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |

| Release Date | 2021-03-15 | 2022-01-03 |

| Launch MSRP | $539 | Not specified |

| Die Size | 276 mm² | 217 mm² |

| Part Number | SRKND | SRLD3 |

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i9-11900K has a higher boost clock at 5.30 GHz, compared to the 5.00 GHz boost clock of the Intel Core i9-12900HK.

Q: Does the 12900HK support DDR5 memory?

A: Yes, the Intel Core i9-12900HK supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the 11900K only supports DDR4.

Q: Which chip is better for single-threaded performance?

A: The Intel Core i9-11900K is significantly better. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 2988 versus 1673 for the 12900HK, a 78.6% advantage.

Q: What is the core count difference between the two?

A: The 12900HK has 14 cores and 20 threads, while the 11900K has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core i9-12900HK has a larger L3 cache at 24 MB shared, compared to the 16 MB shared on the 11900K.

Q: Are both processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: Yes, both the 11900K and the 12900HK have an unlocked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i9-11900K is the winner for desktop enthusiasts who prioritize raw single-threaded speed and specific multi-threaded tasks. It wins in 3DMark multi-threaded tests, Cinebench R23 multi-core, and PassMark extended instructions. This makes it ideal for gaming and applications that rely on high-frequency cores and older instruction sets. Its 125 W TDP and Socket 1200 design also make it a straightforward upgrade for existing desktop builds.

The Intel Core i9-12900HK is the winner for mobile users and those who need a balance of multi-threaded performance and power efficiency. It wins in Cinebench R15 and R20 multi-core, PassMark physics, floating-point math, and data encryption. Its 45 W TDP and BGA 1744 socket are designed for laptops, making it the superior choice for portable workstations. The larger cache and 14-core configuration also give it an edge in physics simulations and parallel processing tasks.

In summary, the data shows a clear split: choose the 11900K for desktop single-thread dominance and legacy software compatibility, and choose the 12900HK for mobile multi-threaded workloads and modern efficiency. The 12900HK also benefits from being an active product, while the 11900K is end-of-life.