INTEL

Intel Core i9-12900F

Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores

16
Cores
24
Threads
5.1
GHz Boost
65W
TDP
🔓Unlocked 🛡️ECC Memory

Intel Core i9-12900F Specifications

⚙️

Core i9-12900F Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The Intel Core i9-12900F features 16 physical cores and 24 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.

Cores
16
Threads
24
Hybrid Cores
P-Cores: 8 E-Cores: 8
SMP CPUs
1
⏱️

i9-12900F Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i9-12900F benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i9-12900F by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
2.4 GHz
Boost Clock
5.1 GHz
E-Core Frequency
1800 MHz up to 3.8 GHz
Multiplier
24x 🔓
💾

Intel's Core i9-12900F Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i9-12900F processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i9-12900F's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.

L1 Cache
80 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
L3 Cache
30 MB (shared)
🏗️

Alder Lake Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The Intel Core i9-12900F is built on Intel's 10 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i9-12900F incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
Alder Lake
Codename
Alder Lake-S
Process Node
10 nm
Foundry
Intel
Die Size
215 mm²
Generation
Core i9 (Alder Lake-S)
🔢

Alder Lake Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Core i9-12900F by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.

MMX
SSE
SSE2
SSE3
SSSE3
SSE4.2
AVX
AVX2
FMA3
SHA
AES-NI
F16C
BMI1
BMI2
Intel 64
VT-x
VT-d
TXT
TSX
🔌

i9-12900F Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The Intel Core i9-12900F has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.

TDP
65W
PL1 (Base Power)
65W
PL2 (Turbo Power)
202W
Tj Max
100°C
🔧

Intel Socket 1700 Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Core i9-12900F uses the Intel Socket 1700 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.

Socket
Intel Socket 1700
Chipsets
Z690, W680, H670, Q670, B660, H610, Z790, H770, B760
PCIe
Gen 5, 16 Lanes(CPU only)
Package
FC-LGA16A
DDR5

Intel Socket 1700 Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the i9-12900F define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i9-12900F determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.

Memory Type
DDR4, DDR5
Memory Bus
Dual-channel
Memory Bandwidth
76.8 GB/s
DDR4 Speed
3200 MT/s
ECC Memory
Supported
📦

Core i9-12900F Product Information

Release and pricing details

The Intel Core i9-12900F is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i9-12900F by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.

Manufacturer
Intel
Release Date
Jan 2022
Launch Price
$494
Market
Desktop
Status
Active
Part Number
SRL4L

Core i9-12900F Benchmark Scores

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource

Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i9-12900F performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. The R15 version remains useful for comparing against older hardware benchmarks. Higher scores directly correlate with faster render times in Cinema 4D and similar 3D applications.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicore #211 of 1788
3,074
21%
Max: 14,978
Compare with other CPUs

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how Intel Core i9-12900F handles tasks that can't be parallelized across multiple cores. Games and many desktop applications still rely heavily on single-thread performance. A higher single-core score means snappier system responsiveness in everyday use.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecore #211 of 1245
433
20%
Max: 2,114

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource

Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i9-12900F. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicore #211 of 1788
12,810
21%
Max: 62,412
Compare with other CPUs

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i9-12900F. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecore #211 of 1784
1,808
21%
Max: 8,811

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource

Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i9-12900F after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicore #211 of 1788
30,500
21%
Max: 148,601
Compare with other CPUs

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i9-12900F maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecore #211 of 1788
4,305
21%
Max: 20,979
Compare with other CPUs

geekbench_multicoreSource

Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i9-12900F across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance. Higher scores indicate better capability in multitasking and content creation.

geekbench_multicore #55 of 711
13,818
61%
Max: 22,515

geekbench_singlecoreSource

Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i9-12900F can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use. Many applications still depend primarily on single-thread performance.

geekbench_singlecore #45 of 711
2,533
74%
Max: 3,401

passmark_data_compressionSource

Data compression measures how fast Intel Core i9-12900F can compress and decompress files. This is important for archiving, backup software, and file transfer applications. Higher scores mean faster ZIP, RAR, and backup operations.

passmark_data_compression #143 of 528
451,402
8%
Max: 5,427,555
Compare with other CPUs

🏆 Top 5 Performers

#1 AMD EPYC 9965
5,427,555
#2 AMD EPYC 9845
4,680,013
#3 AMD EPYC 9755
4,517,407
#4 AMD EPYC 9745
3,929,890

passmark_data_encryptionSource

Data encryption tests how fast Intel Core i9-12900F can encrypt information using AES and other algorithms. This is critical for security applications, VPNs, and secure communications.

passmark_data_encryption #148 of 528
25,251
8%
Max: 316,606
Compare with other CPUs

🏆 Top 5 Performers

#1 AMD EPYC 9965
316,606
#2 AMD EPYC 9845
296,808
#3 AMD EPYC 9755
284,927
#4 AMD EPYC 9754
231,891
#5 AMD EPYC 9745
229,447

passmark_extended_instructionsSource

Extended instructions tests Intel Core i9-12900F performance using SSE and AVX instruction sets. These specialized instructions accelerate multimedia, scientific, and AI workloads. Video encoding and image processing heavily utilize SIMD capabilities.

passmark_extended_instructions #165 of 528
28,265
7%
Max: 392,159
Compare with other CPUs

🏆 Top 5 Performers

#1 AMD EPYC 9965
392,159
#2 AMD EPYC 9845
314,798
#3 AMD EPYC 9755
303,321
#4 AMD EPYC 9745
280,477

passmark_find_prime_numbersSource

Find prime numbers tests Intel Core i9-12900F ability to identify primes through intensive calculations. This is a pure computational benchmark that stresses CPU arithmetic units without memory bottlenecks. The test reveals raw mathematical processing capability. Higher scores indicate superior arithmetic throughput independent of memory subsystem performance.

passmark_find_prime_numbers #203 of 528
127
5%
Max: 2,422

passmark_floating_point_mathSource

Floating point math measures how Intel Core i9-12900F handles decimal calculations critical for scientific computing and 3D rendering. This affects performance in CAD and physics simulations. Game physics engines also rely heavily on floating point operations.

passmark_floating_point_math #126 of 528
96,452
8%
Max: 1,141,430
Compare with other CPUs

🏆 Top 5 Performers

#1 AMD EPYC 9965
1,141,430
#2 AMD EPYC 9845
978,377
#3 AMD EPYC 9755
922,900
#4 AMD EPYC 9745
761,219
#5 AMD EPYC 9655P
710,260

passmark_integer_mathSource

Integer math tests how fast Intel Core i9-12900F processes whole number calculations essential for database operations and compression algorithms. This is fundamental to general computing performance.

passmark_integer_math #134 of 528
129,504
7%
Max: 1,806,439
Compare with other CPUs

🏆 Top 5 Performers

#1 AMD EPYC 9965
1,806,439
#2 AMD EPYC 9845
1,687,531
#3 AMD EPYC 9755
1,549,946
#4 AMD EPYC 9745
1,224,315

passmark_multithreadSource

PassMark multi-thread tests Intel Core i9-12900F across integer math, floating point, compression, and encryption using all cores. This provides an overall multi-threaded CPU performance score.

passmark_multithread #145 of 528
35,912
21%
Max: 174,825
Compare with other CPUs

passmark_physicsSource

Physics tests how Intel Core i9-12900F handles physics simulations used in games and engineering software. This measures performance in calculating object interactions and movements. Games with complex physics benefit from higher scores.

passmark_physics #190 of 528
1,842
7%
Max: 27,806
Compare with other CPUs

🏆 Top 5 Performers

#1 AMD EPYC 9755
27,806
#2 AMD EPYC 9655P
26,810
#3 AMD EPYC 9655
25,958
#4 AMD EPYC 9684X
24,686
#5 AMD EPYC 9575F
22,021

passmark_random_string_sortingSource

Random string sorting measures how fast Intel Core i9-12900F can organize text data. This is important for database operations, search indexing, and data processing applications. Applications that process large amounts of text benefit from higher scores.

passmark_random_string_sorting #151 of 528
48,477
8%
Max: 609,901
Compare with other CPUs

🏆 Top 5 Performers

#1 AMD EPYC 9965
609,901
#2 AMD EPYC 9755
571,185
#3 AMD EPYC 9845
538,060
#4 AMD EPYC 9745
468,975
#5 AMD EPYC 9655P
455,310

passmark_single_threadSource

PassMark single-thread measures per-core performance of Intel Core i9-12900F across various computational tasks. This score is critical for gaming and single-threaded applications. Higher scores mean better system responsiveness in everyday use. Many legacy applications and games still depend heavily on single-thread speed.

passmark_single_thread #110 of 528
4,017
79%
Max: 5,097

passmark_singlethreadSource

PassMark single-thread measures per-core performance of Intel Core i9-12900F across various computational tasks. This score is critical for gaming and single-threaded applications.

passmark_singlethread #110 of 528
4,017
79%
Max: 5,097

About Intel Core i9-12900F

The Intel Core i9-12900F represents a pinnacle of Intel's Alder Lake-S architecture, designed for high-performance computing in the 12th generation Core i9 series. This processor features 16 cores and 24 threads, enabling robust multitasking and efficiency across demanding workloads. Built on a 10 nm process, it includes a substantial 30 MB shared L3 cache to accelerate data access and minimize latency. The base clock speed stands at 2.40 GHz, with a turbo boost up to 5.10 GHz for peak performance during intensive tasks. Compatible with the Intel Socket 1700, it maintains a TDP of 65W, balancing power efficiency with potent capabilities. Released on January 4, 2022, the Intel Core i9-12900F quickly became a favorite for professionals seeking reliable desktop performance.

Performance metrics for the Intel Core i9-12900F highlight its prowess in various benchmarks, particularly in multi-threaded environments. In PassMark tests, it achieves 451,402 points in data compression, demonstrating superior handling of file archiving and decompression tasks. Integer math scores reach 129,504 points, underscoring its strength in computational algorithms and software development applications. Floating-point math performance is rated at 96,452 points, ideal for engineering simulations and scientific computing. Random string sorting yields 48,477 points, reflecting efficient memory management in database operations. The multi-threaded benchmark scores an impressive 35,912 points, making it suitable for content creation and virtualization. Below is an ordered list of key PassMark benchmark categories and scores for the Intel Core i9-12900F:

  1. Data Compression: 451,402 points
  2. Integer Math: 129,504 points
  3. Floating-Point Math: 96,452 points
  4. Random String Sorting: 48,477 points
  5. Multi-Threaded: 35,912 points
  6. Overall CPU Mark: High-ranking in Alder Lake series

In the price bracket, the Intel Core i9-12900F launched at $494, positioning it as a premium yet accessible option for mid-to-high-end desktop builds. This value reflects its advanced architecture and benchmark-leading performance without integrated graphics, appealing to users with dedicated GPUs. For optimal pairing, consider motherboards based on the Z690 or B660 chipsets to fully leverage the LGA 1700 socket and PCIe 5.0 support. Pair it with DDR5 RAM at speeds up to 5600 MHz for enhanced bandwidth and future-proofing. A robust cooling solution, such as a 240mm AIO liquid cooler, is recommended to manage thermal loads during sustained turbo boosts. Graphics cards like NVIDIA RTX 40-series or AMD RX 7000-series complement its processing power for gaming and professional rendering. Storage options including NVMe SSDs will maximize data throughput, ensuring a seamless office productivity setup.

The AMD Equivalent of Core i9-12900F

Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 5945 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 5945

AMD • 12 Cores

View Specs Compare

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