Over the summer, Intel revealed the details of their 12th Generation core processors at the company’s annual Architecture Day. Code-named “Alder Lake,” the brand new lineup of Core i5, i7, and i9 central processing units is finally here. It brings Intel’s hybrid architecture to desktop PCs for the very first time.
Setting a new precedent for x86 desktop machines, Alder Lake CPUs pair Performance-cores (P-cores) and Efficient-cores (E-cores) in a single chip for uncompromising performance. We’ve seen a similar design in ARM chips for mobile devices for quite some time. Although, this is a first for x86 PCs. The company considers this the “biggest architectural shift in a generation.” Intel is also blazing an innovative trail with support for features like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5. This surpasses competitors in terms of connectivity technology and ensuring longevity with next-generation components.
12th Gen Intel Core processors offer superior gaming performance while delivering the flexibility to seamlessly multitask. Groundbreaking new architecture matches the right core to the right workload. This means background tasks won’t interrupt your game. Efficient-core microarchitecture offloads and delegates smaller tasks. Meanwwhile, Performance-core microarchitecture build is for all-out speed — the highest performing CPU core Intel has made. All of this gives you the freedom to chat, browse, stream, edit, record, and play without skipping a beat.
Key Features
- Game and multitask without compromise powered by Intel’s revolutionary new performance hybrid architecture
- Intel Thread Director technology ensures threads are either the Performance- or Efficient-cores in the most optimized way
- Alder Lake CPUs balance an ideal blend of clock speeds, cores, and threads for immersive, high-performance, low-latency computing
- Support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 guarantees compatibility with next-generation components like memory and graphics
- Intel Turbo Boost Technology increases framerates automatically during peak loads
- Unlocked processors allow users to customize performance via overclocking
- Intel Extreme Tuning Utility helps unleash the processor’s full potential, whether you’re new to overclocking or a seasoned veteran
- Support for multiple 4K monitors using Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
- Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E minimizes latency and packet loss for gaming-grade wireless internet
Meet the 12th Gen Intel Core Processors
The lineup consists of the familiar Core i5, i7, and i9 models. Units marked with a “K” feature integrated Intel UHD 770 graphics, while “KF” units lack this component. All of the processors run on the Intel 600 series chipset and have LGA 1700 sockets requiring newer motherboards.
Additional standard features include PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 compatibility, DDR4 and DDR5 support, and of course, Intel’s revolutionary hybrid architecture. These unlocked processors are optimized for high-performance gaming and multitasking. They also help deliver top-speed overclocking for the most demanding users. Let’s take a look at some of the processors in the line:
Core i5-12600K
At the base of the series is the Core i5-12600K / KF. It clocks between 3.7 and 4.9 GHz, and is equipped with six Performance-cores and four Efficient-cores with 16 threads. More than enough power for average users, these processors are optimized for productivity and gaming.
Core i7-12700K
The Core i7-12700K / KF clocks between 3.6 and 5.0 GHz, and is loaded with eight Performance-cores and four Efficient-cores with 20 threads. It also has Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 for an extra bit of juice during peak loads, such as in congested multiplayer gaming.
Core i9-12900K
The flagship Core i9-12900K / KF delivers the most power for PC enthusiasts, content creators, and heavy workloads. It clocks from 3.2 to 5.2 GHz, and contains eight Performance-cores and eight Efficient-cores with 24 threads. For lightning-quick performance, the i9 can do it all without breaking a sweat.
As x86 desktop PC technology enters a new phase, Intel appears to be leading the charge with hybrid architecture central processing units. Unlocked for superior customization, 12th Gen Core processors offer virtually unlimited power and flexibility for intensive gaming, multitasking, and more. Intel Thread Director technology intelligently diverts CPU usage to maintain optimal speed at all times — regardless of the applications that are running — so you can focus on the task at hand.
Upgrade your PC with the latest Intel core processors from Adorama.
