How to pick the right 12th Gen Intel CPU for your PC

Intel Core i9-12900K Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central

Intel uses a like model-naming scheme and SKU family setup like AMD for its processors. The visitor uses Core iii, Core 5, Core seven, and Core 9 to dissever its best CPUs into unlike brands. The higher the brand number, the more powerful the processor. For case, an Intel Core i7 would exist more powerful than an Intel Core i3.

Here's a quick breakdown of the different Intel Core processor brackets:

Core i5 — Up to 10-cadre processors
Cadre i7 — Up to 12-cadre processors
Cadre i9 — Upwardly to 16-core processors

You'll find a few processors in each family bracket. As aforementioned, the higher the number the more than powerful the processor. The offset number after the brand denotes generation, 12900K beingness a 12th Gen processor. The 12900K is the model number or SKU, and the 12900K is the suffix, which can mean the post-obit for desktop-classic processors:

G1-G7: Graphics level
Due east: Embedded
F: Requires detached graphics
G: Includes discrete graphics on package
Chiliad: Unlocked

For instance, should you be looking to build an enthusiast PC, we would recommend choosing an Intel Core i9-12900K CPU over an older and less capable Intel Core i5-11600K.

Choosing the correct motherboard

ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central

Non all motherboards are built the same, nor do they all take the same socket and chipset. A socket is what the CPU is installed on to create a connexion between the chip and motherboard. These are physically different and you won't be able to install an incompatible CPU into a socket without bug. The latest socket for 12th Gen Intel processors is LGA 1700.

So there'due south the chipset, which simply denotes what features volition be available to yous. The flagship chipset from Intel is the Z690, which you lot'll find on all mid to pinnacle-range motherboards that will work with 12th Gen processors. You tin save money by choosing a more affordable chipset, only y'all'll sacrifice a few features, like bachelor USB ports.

We rounded up the best motherboards for Cadre i5-12600K, best motherboards for Core i7-12700K, and best motherboards for Core i9-12900K to help you brand the right selection.

Picking the right CPU for your PC

Intel Core i9-11900K review Source: Harish Jonnalagadda / Windows Fundamental

Core i5

Intel's Cadre i5 processors are mid-range offerings that have 10 cores with Hyper-threading. These CPUs are designed for utilize in most PCs, ranging from upkeep builds to impressive gaming rigs. It's even possible to get away with some video editing thanks to the multi-cadre functioning.

12th Gen Intel Core i5

Intel Core i5-12600K

The Core i5-12600K is a great value processor from Intel, offering 10 cores and 16 threads for less than $300. It'south strange to consider this level of performance equally "mid-range."

Category	Core i5-12600KF	Core i5-12600K
Cores	10	10
Threads	xvi	16
Base of operations	P: iii.7GHz E: ii.8GHz	P: iii.7GHz E: two.8GHz
Turbo	P: 4.9GHz E: three.6GHz	P: 4.9GHz E: 3.6GHz
Intel Turbo Boost Max	❌	❌
Cache	L2: 9.5MB L3: 20MB	L2: ix.5MB L3: 20MB
GPU	❌	Intel UHD Graphics 770
TDP (boost)	125W (150W)	125W (150W)
Price	$264	$320

Core i7

If yous need a petty more performance, the Cadre i7 range is where magic tin can truly occur. With 12 cores and Hyper-threading, these CPUs are an excellent choice for gamers and content creators alike.

12th Gen Intel Core i7

Intel Core i7-12700K

Stepping it upwards a gear from the i5 make is the impressive Cadre i7-12700K. It has 12 cores, twenty threads, and room for overclocking if yous've got enough thermal capacity.

Category	Cadre i7-12700KF	Core i7-12700K
Cores	12	12
Threads	20	20
Base	P: iii.6GHz E: ii.7GHz	P: 3.6GHz E: 2.7GHz
Turbo	P: iv.9GHz Eastward: 3.8GHz	P: 4.9GHz E: 3.8GHz
Intel Turbo Boost Max	5.0GHz	5.0GHz
Cache	L2: 12MB L3: 25MB	L2: 12MB L3: 25MB
GPU	❌	Intel UHD Graphics 770
TDP (boost)	125W (190W)	125W (190W)
Price	$384	$450

Core i9

This is where we enter enthusiast territory. Intel's Core i9 processors are impressive with high clock speeds for meliorate overall throughput. They're overkill for nigh PC builds, just if yous can utilize the available performance, they'll be an fantabulous addition to your list of components.

Intel Core i9-12900K

You likely don't need something like the Core i9-12900K, but it would be amazing to have one installed within your PC. These monsters have sixteen cores and 24 threads, and can turbo boost all the style up to 5.2GHz.

Category	Core i9-12900KF	Core i9-12900K
Cores	16	16
Threads	24	24
Base	P: 3.2GHz Eastward: 2.4GHz	P: 3.2GHz E: 2.4GHz
Turbo	P: five.1GHz East: 3.9GHz	P: 5.1GHz E: 3.9GHz
Intel Turbo Boost Max	v.2GHz	5.2GHz
Cache	L2: 14MB L3: 30MB	L2: 14MB L3: 30MB
GPU	❌	Intel UHD Graphics 770
TDP (boost)	125W (241W)	125W (241W)
Price	$564	$650

The choice is yours

Which processor is perfect for your build depends on what you'll demand the PC to do, every bit well as how much coin is available. We rounded up the all-time processors for building a PC on unlike budgets.

The best CPUs for your desktop PC

AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Primal

When looking for a new CPU, it's like shooting fish in a barrel to automatically go for the more expensive options expecting a render in performance, and you'd be correct in that assumption. Still, the question is whether or not you demand that kind of ability and whether or not you really need to pay that much. See our collection of the best options based on several performance and price points.

Best CPUs for your next PC build

Other than that, the rule of thumb is to spend every bit much equally you can, inside reason. Information technology'due south better to buy a Core i7 instead of a Cadre i5 and then take to upgrade sooner, which will cost more in the long run.

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Best motherboards for Intel Core i7-12700K 2022

All-time motherboard

Best motherboards for Intel Cadre i7-12700K 2022

The Core i7-12700K tin brand good apply of the best motherboards with a Z690 chipset. Connect DDR5 RAM and the latest GPUs, and you lot've got one astonishing gaming machine. Here are some of our favorite boards.