Prime Day deal sees Intel’s previous-gen flagship CPU plummet in price
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Prime Day CPU deals are live and kicking for October, covering a range of Intel and AMD products of various generations. One older-gen chip we've seen that caught our eye is the Intel Core i9-12900K – the flagship processor in the 12th gen line-up, this bad boy still packs a punch in both gaming and multi-processor scenarios and is now available at a very tempting price indeed.
Intel Core i9-12900K Gaming Desktop Processor
For a mere $244.99, the Intel Core i9-12900K blends high clock speeds and hybrid (‘p' and ‘e' core) efficiency into one powerful package. It's equally suited for hardcore gamers and multitasking creators, delivering consistent top-tier performance. The ‘K' in the name indicates that the CPU can be overclocked to squeeze out additional performance, so for those who want an unlocked processor with strong reliability, this chip remains a standout choice in Intel's line-up.
What we like about the Intel Core i9-12900K
Hybrid architecture for peak efficiency
The Intel Core i9-12900K uses a hybrid architecture with 8 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores, balancing heavy workloads with optimized power draw. This design ensures you can handle both high-intensity gaming and background tasks without bottlenecks, providing more performance per watt than earlier Intel generations.
Unlocked for overclocking freedom
As an unlocked chip, the i9-12900K gives enthusiasts the ability to push frequencies higher. With performance cores reaching up to 5.2 GHz, it delivers impressive speed for single-threaded tasks and gaming. Overclockers will appreciate the flexibility to fine-tune settings for maximum output.
Integrated Intel UHD 770 graphics
Even without a dedicated GPU, the included Intel UHD 770 graphics can manage light gaming, video playback, and daily productivity. It's a handy fallback for troubleshooting or building PCs before investing in a discrete card. While not meant for AAA titles, it adds extra versatility.
Broad platform compatibility
The chip works seamlessly with Intel 600 and 700 series motherboards (see our Prime Day motherboard deals hub for offers on these), supporting PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory. This ensures forward-looking compatibility, despite the CPU being of a slightly older generation, letting users pair the CPU with the fastest storage and GPUs available.
Large cache and multitasking power
With 30MB of Intel Smart Cache, the processor minimizes latency and accelerates multitasking. This extra headroom is especially useful for creators and gamers who switch between demanding apps. Combined with 16 cores and 24 threads, it keeps systems running smoothly under load.
Who's this CPU deal for?
The Intel Core i9-12900K is well-suited for gamers, streamers, and creators who want good all-round performance at an affordable price. Its hybrid architecture makes it ideal for people who game while running other applications, such as live-streaming or video editing in the background. Those seeking a platform that supports PCIe 5.0 GPUs, DDR5 memory, and cutting-edge storage solutions but who don't necessarily want to fork out for the latest generation chips will find it particularly valuable. It's also a solid choice for PC builders who want an unlocked processor for custom overclocking.
Other Prime Day CPU deals
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU
Intel Core Ultra 7 Desktop Processor 265K
Intel Core i7-13700KF Gaming Desktop Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D – Ryzen 7 9000 Series Zen 5 8-Core 5.2 GHz
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X 12-Core, 24-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D with free AIO Cooler
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 16-Core Processor
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, Gigabyte X870E Aorus Elite WiFi7, G.Skill Flare X5 Series 32GB DDR5 6000 Kit
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