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The Core i9-12900KS really did fall to about $239–$240 in a limited Amazon promotion reported on November 13, 2024—but that is a historical deal, not a verified price today. Tom’s Hardware called it an all-time low at the time. For an existing LGA1700 PC owner, a new, warrantied 12900KS near that price could still be a compelling upgrade. For a new build—or at several hundred dollars—the processor’s age, power and cooling needs, and older platform make the full cost matter more than the old headline.
The $240 offer was real, but it was in 2024
Tom’s Hardware reported that Amazon briefly offered the special-edition Core i9-12900KS for roughly $239–$240 on November 13, 2024, against a stated $739 launch price. The outlet described the offer as an all-time low in its deal history at that time; that does not mean the price became permanent or is the lowest price available from every seller, in every country, or at any later date. Read the original deal report.
The arithmetic also deserves a correction: $240 is about 67.5% below $739, which rounds to roughly 68% (or 70% as a headline approximation), not 80%. The deal story used both discount figures, but the actual prices support the smaller one.
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As of the research available for this article, current Newegg search results showed boxed 12900KS listings around $460–$480, with offers and sellers varying. Those results are not a verified live quote for every buyer, nor necessarily comparable new retail stock; marketplace condition, shipping, taxes, seller location, warranty, and return terms can change the effective cost. Check current Newegg listings and seller details rather than treating the 2024 offer as available now.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Processor】 Powered by the Intel Core i9-12900K processor, this system features 16 cores and 24 threads to handle demanding applications and complex multitasking. It includes 30MB of Intel Smart Cache and 14MB of L2 cache, operates at a 3.2 GHz base frequency, and can reach up to 5.2 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0—enabling responsive performance for content creation, data analysis, gaming, and professional-grade productivity.
- 【RAM and Storage】 Supports configurations of up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM for efficient multitasking across memory-intensive applications and browser tabs. Storage options include up to 4TB of PCIe M.2 SSD, offering faster boot times, improved file access speeds, and ample space for projects, media libraries, and software installations.
- 【Operating System】 Comes with Windows 11 Home (64-bit, English) pre-installed, providing a familiar and secure interface with built-in productivity features and regular updates for a reliable out-of-the-box experience.
- 【Keyboard and Mouse】 Includes a Lenovo Black Wired Keyboard and Mouse set for dependable, plug-and-play input. The wired connection offers consistent responsiveness for daily computing tasks in work or home environments.
- 【Tech Specs】 Offers a practical range of connectivity options: 7x USB ports for peripherals, dual-monitor support via HDMI and VGA for expanded display setups, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for capable wireless performance, and Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) for stable wired network access.
What the Core i9-12900KS is
The 12900KS is a special-edition, higher-clocked Alder Lake version of Intel’s Core i9-12900K. It was positioned at the top of Intel’s consumer Alder Lake lineup, but its flagship status belongs to that generation; it is not a guarantee of leading gaming performance in 2026.
| Specification | Core i9-12900KS |
|---|---|
| Architecture and generation | Alder Lake, 12th Gen Intel Core |
| Core layout | 8 Performance cores + 8 Efficient cores (16 total) |
| Threads | 24 |
| Maximum Thermal Velocity Boost | Up to 5.5 GHz |
| Base frequencies | 3.4 GHz P-core; 2.5 GHz E-core |
| Cache | 30 MB Smart Cache (L3); 14 MB L2 |
| Socket | LGA1700 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Processor power ratings | 150 W processor base power; 241 W maximum turbo power |
| Memory | Two channels; DDR5-4800 or DDR4-3200, depending on motherboard |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20: 16 PCIe 5.0 and 4 PCIe 4.0 |
These specifications come from Intel’s 12900K-series product brief. The 5.5 GHz figure is a maximum opportunistic boost, not a promise that all cores run at that speed continuously. Workload, temperature, cooling, BIOS configuration, motherboard power limits, and the individual chip all affect sustained clocks. Some boards raise or remove power limits by default, trading higher sustained performance for more heat, power use, and fan noise.
Rank #2
- Get ultra-efficient with Intel Core Ultra desktop processors that improve both performance and efficiency so your PC can run cooler, quieter, and quicker.
- Core and Threads 24 cores (8 P-cores plus 16 E-cores) and 24 threads. Integrated Intel Graphics included
- Performance Hybrid Architecture Integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Performance Unlocked Up to 5.7 GHz unlocked. 40MB Cache
- Compatibility Compatible with Intel 800 series chipset-based motherboards
Does it still make sense for gaming?
Yes, the 12900KS can still power a capable gaming PC. But whether it is a good gaming purchase depends on the rest of the system. Resolution, game engine, graphics card, memory, and target frame rate matter: when the GPU is the bottleneck—often at higher resolutions—the practical gap between CPUs can shrink. CPU differences are more likely to show up in competitive 1080p gaming at very high refresh rates.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe chip’s extra cores can help with rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavy multitasking, but more cores do not automatically mean more gaming performance. Tom’s Hardware’s 2024 comparison pointed to the Core i5-13600K and Ryzen 7 5700X3D as gaming alternatives that could outperform it in relevant tests at the time. That is historical, test-dependent context, not a current ranking: the article does not establish how those processors compare across today’s games, graphics cards, or test settings.
Rank #3
- 12 Gen Intel CPU
- Base frequency: 2.4 GHz
- LGA1700 Socket
- PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support
- Processor base power: 125 W
Who is the 12900KS for?
- An existing LGA1700 owner: This is the clearest use case. If you already have a compatible board, memory, case, and power supply, the CPU may deliver a substantial upgrade without replacing the whole platform.
- A productivity user who can use the cores: Sixteen cores and 24 threads can suit workloads that scale across many threads. Compare the total price—including cooling—against current alternatives before buying.
- A buyer finding a genuine clearance unit: Near $240, new and warrantied, the processor could be attractive when the rest of the system is already in place. The deal itself is not currently verified.
- A new PC builder: Treat it as a platform-cost comparison, not a bargain based only on the CPU sticker price. A new motherboard, memory, cooler, and possibly power-supply changes can erase the savings.
Check compatibility and total cost before buying
- Confirm the exact motherboard and BIOS. The processor uses LGA1700 and Intel identifies 600-series chipset compatibility, but a chipset match alone does not guarantee out-of-box support on every board revision. Check the board maker’s CPU support list and BIOS notes for the exact model. Some 700-series boards may also support it; verify the specific board rather than relying on the socket alone.
- Match the memory to the board. Intel lists support for DDR4-3200 and DDR5-4800, but a motherboard is built for one memory type, not both. Check your board before assuming an existing kit will work; DDR5 cannot be installed in a DDR4 board.
- Budget for substantial cooling. A 150 W base-power rating and 241 W maximum turbo power make a capable tower air cooler or liquid cooler a sensible expectation, depending on the case, board settings, and workload. Intel’s product brief does not establish that a cooler is bundled; retailer listings may sell the processor without one. A weak cooler or restricted airflow can mean more noise, high temperatures, or reduced sustained performance.
- Check the whole system’s power needs. The 241 W figure is the processor’s maximum turbo power, not the power requirement for the entire PC. Consider the graphics card and other components when assessing the power supply, connectors, and case airflow.
- Know what graphics you are getting. UHD Graphics 770 provides integrated display capability and can help with basic troubleshooting, but it is not a substitute for a gaming graphics card. Video outputs also depend on the motherboard’s design.
- Verify condition, seller, and protection. Establish whether the listing is a boxed retail processor, OEM/tray part, used or recertified chip, or import. Confirm the exact model—BX8071512900KS for boxed retail listings—plus seller reputation, return window, shipping, taxes, and warranty coverage in your country. Avoid unclear listings that could be mislabeled or offer weak return protection.
Compare the alternatives by the system you already own
For an LGA1700 owner: Core i5-13600K or 13600KF
The original deal coverage highlighted the later-generation Core i5-13600K as a better gaming-value option at the time. That is a useful reminder that an i9 badge does not ensure better gaming than a newer i5. If you already have an LGA1700 board, check the exact CPU support and compare current prices, cooling needs, and independent benchmarks for your games or applications. The 12900KS’s additional cores may still matter more for some heavily threaded workloads.
For an AM4 owner: Ryzen 7 5700X3D
The Ryzen 7 5700X3D is an 8-core/16-thread AM4 processor with a gaming-oriented design, while the 12900KS has 16 cores and 24 threads. The original deal article cited the 5700X3D as a lower-priced gaming competitor in its 2024 context; that is not a current price claim or proof it wins every game. For someone already on AM4, a CPU-only upgrade may be cheaper than moving to a new Intel motherboard and memory. A new AM4 build, however, does not offer the same future-upgrade path as starting on a newer platform. Compare results for your resolution, GPU, and workload.
Rank #4
- 【Processor】 Powered by the Intel Core i9-12900K processor, this system features 16 cores and 24 threads to handle demanding applications and complex multitasking. It includes 30MB of Intel Smart Cache and 14MB of L2 cache, operates at a 3.2 GHz base frequency, and can reach up to 5.2 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0—enabling responsive performance for content creation, data analysis, gaming, and professional-grade productivity.
- 【RAM and Storage】 Supports configurations of up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM for efficient multitasking across memory-intensive applications and browser tabs. Storage options include up to 4TB of PCIe M.2 SSD, offering faster boot times, improved file access speeds, and ample space for projects, media libraries, and software installations.
- 【Operating System】 Comes with Windows 11 Home (64-bit, English) pre-installed, providing a familiar and secure interface with built-in productivity features and regular updates for a reliable out-of-the-box experience.
- 【Keyboard and Mouse】 Includes a Lenovo Black Wired Keyboard and Mouse set for dependable, plug-and-play input. The wired connection offers consistent responsiveness for daily computing tasks in work or home environments.
- 【Tech Specs】 Offers a practical range of connectivity options: 7x USB ports for peripherals, dual-monitor support via HDMI and VGA for expanded display setups, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for capable wireless performance, and Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) for stable wired network access.
For a new build: compare current platforms, not just CPU prices
For a new system in 2026, regard the 12900KS as a clearance or upgrade candidate rather than the default choice. Current platforms may offer newer I/O, different upgrade options, or better efficiency, but a definitive performance or value ranking needs up-to-date benchmarks and local pricing. Compare the full bill of materials—CPU, board, memory, cooler, and any power-supply change—before deciding. A seemingly cheap older CPU can cost more overall if compatible parts are expensive or hard to find.
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Near $240: potentially compelling for an existing LGA1700 owner, if the chip is new, properly supported by the board, and covered by a return policy and acceptable warranty.
Best Value
- Built for the Next Generation of Gaming. Game and multitask without compromise powered by Intel’s performance hybrid architecture on an unlocked processor.
- Integrated Intel UHD 770 Graphics
- Compatible with Intel 600 series and 700 series chipset-based motherboards
- The processor features Socket LGA-1700 socket for installation on the PCB
- 30 MB of L3 cache memory provides excellent hit rate in short access time enabling improved system performance
Around $300: compare carefully with newer LGA1700 options and the cost of cooling; the right answer depends on workload and what parts you already own.
Around $400–$500: difficult to justify for a new build without a specific reason to choose this chip. Current marketplace listings at those levels are not the same offer as the 2024 deal, and seller terms matter.
For a current listing, compare the delivered price and protections, not only the advertised number. Newegg’s 12900KS search results can help locate offers, but check each seller and listing condition. The deal’s strongest case remains narrow: an existing compatible LGA1700 system, a genuinely low price, and a buyer who can use its multicore performance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
