Intel Core i9-12900KS socket: LGA 1700
The Intel Core i9-12900KS uses the LGA 1700 socket. It is a binned special edition of the 16-core Alder Lake flagship that reaches 5.5 GHz, running on 600 series boards and later 700 series boards.
- Socket
- LGA 1700
- Launched
- April 5, 2022
- Cores and threads
- 16 and 24
- Base power
- 150 W
- Codename
- Alder Lake
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i9
- Clocks
- 3.4 / 5.5 GHz
Intel Core i9-12900KS specifications
| Cores | 16 (8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores) |
|---|---|
| Threads | 24 |
| Core architecture | Golden Cove (P-cores) and Gracemont (E-cores) |
| P-core clocks | 3.4 GHz base, up to 5.2 GHz turbo, 5.3 GHz with Turbo Boost Max 3.0, 5.5 GHz with Thermal Velocity Boost |
| E-core clocks | 2.5 GHz base, up to 4.0 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 30 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) and 14 MB total L2 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 150 W |
| Maximum turbo power | 241 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 7 |
| Memory support | DDR5 up to 4800 MT/s or DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s, two channels, up to 128 GB |
| PCI Express | 20 lanes from the CPU: PCIe 5.0 x16 (or 2 x8) plus PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (KS special edition) |
| Package | FCLGA1700 |
| Cooler in the box | None |
| Launch price | $739 (Intel RCP) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i9-12900KS needs a motherboard with a LGA 1700 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 700 series | Z790, H770, B760 | Works out of the box |
| 600 series | Z690, H670, B660, H610, Q670, W680 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1700.
Recommended GPU pairing
| Recommended tier | High-end 4K |
|---|---|
| Example GPUs | GeForce RTX 3090 Ti, Radeon RX 6950 XT |
| Target resolution | 4K high settings |
Sixteen binned cores with boost to 5.5 GHz, 20 PCIe lanes with PCIe 5.0 graphics and DDR5 match high-end 4K cards from early 2022. A faster card still works and the balance shifts with game, settings and resolution.
This is a rough match for a new build at the stated resolution, not a limit. A faster card still works and helps at higher resolutions or in games that load the GPU more than the CPU. A slower card is fine for lighter games and office use. The exact balance shifts with the game, the settings and the resolution, so no percentage is given.
LGA 1700 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,700 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 45.0 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | November 2021 |
| Memory | DDR4 or DDR5, set by the motherboard (one type per board) |
| Cooler mounting holes | 78 × 78 mm |
What the Core i9-12900KS is
The Core i9-12900KS is a sixteen core, twenty-four thread special edition that Intel released in April 2022. It uses selected Alder Lake silicon with 8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores. Performance-cores run 3.4 GHz base to 5.2 GHz turbo, reaching 5.3 GHz with Turbo Boost Max 3.0 and 5.5 GHz with Thermal Velocity Boost on favored cores below the temperature limit, while Efficient-cores run 2.5 GHz to 4.0 GHz. Cache is 30 MB of shared L3 with 14 MB of total L2.
Against the 12900K the gains are narrow: 200 MHz higher P-core base, 300 MHz higher peak boost, and a 25 W higher base power. Intel rates the base power at 150 W with maximum turbo power at 241 W. The process is Intel 7.
Intel UHD Graphics 770 cover display output, and the multiplier is unlocked. The launch price was $739 (Intel RCP). Supply was limited and the line is now discontinued.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 12900KS fits the LGA 1700 socket. At launch it paired with 600 series boards (Z690, H670, B660, H610, Q670, W680), with Z690 the expected match for a binned overclocking chip. Later 700 series boards accept it as part of socket-wide compatibility.
A Z-series board with strong voltage stages is close to mandatory. The 150 W base rating already exceeds the K, and sustained all-core loads hold high current for long stretches. Intel recommended the latest BIOS for the best behavior.
Thermal Velocity Boost reaches 5.5 GHz only below 50 C on favored cores, so cooling decides whether the KS behaves differently from a K. A 360 mm liquid cooler was the practical baseline.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
The memory controller supports DDR5 up to 4800 MT/s or DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s, with the board deciding the type. Two channels carry up to 128 GB. Fast DDR5 helped the chip hold its peak frequencies, with XMP profiles on Z-series boards.
The CPU supplies 20 PCIe lanes: x16 at PCIe 5.0 for graphics, splittable into two x8, plus x4 at PCIe 4.0 for storage. Board makers sometimes borrow graphics lanes for a Gen 5 M.2 slot, so check the block diagram.
Plan cooling around 150 W base with 241 W peaks on the 78 mm LGA 1700 pattern. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide covers aftermarket brackets.
Adaptive Boost and platform behavior
The KS premiered Adaptive Boost Technology on the desktop, letting multi-core turbo opportunistically exceed rated frequencies within power and thermal budgets. Results vary by cooler and board, which is why reviews paired the chip with premium cooling.
Thread Director scheduling applies as on other Alder Lake chips, with Windows 11 making the fullest use of its hints. DDR4 boards kept costs down while DDR5 boards bought early access to the new standard.
Upgrade paths
Next to the Intel Core i9-12900K, the KS buys binned silicon and a higher peak for overclocking attempts, at a clear premium and higher base power. Most builders kept the K and spent the difference on cooling or graphics.
Later LGA 1851 platforms need a new board and DDR5. The KS fits collectors and overclockers who want the fastest clocked Alder Lake chip.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i9-12900KS use?
It uses LGA 1700, written FCLGA1700 in Intel's documents.
What is the difference between the 12900KS and the 12900K?
The KS is binned silicon with a 5.5 GHz peak against 5.2 GHz on the K, plus a higher 150 W base power. Most other specs match.
Does the 12900KS run in a Z690 motherboard?
Yes, and Z690 is the natural match. Check for the latest BIOS, which Intel recommended for this chip.
Does the 12900KS work with DDR4 memory?
Yes, on a DDR4 board up to DDR4-3200. A DDR5 board needs DDR5 modules instead, up to DDR5-4800.
Does the 12900KS come with a cooler?
No. Intel ships the KS without a cooler, and a 360 mm liquid cooler is the realistic baseline.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core i9-12900KS specifications (Intel)
- Intel 12th Gen Core i9-12900KS launches April 5 (Windows Central)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .