Core i9-12900K vs Core i9-10900

	Core i9-12900K	Core i9-10900
Category	Desktop	Desktop
Target	enthusiast	enthusiast
Socket Compatibility	1700	LGA1200
Integrated Graphics	UHD Graphics 770	Intel UHD Graphics 630
Cooler Included	No	Yes
Overclock Potential	1 %	0 %
Year	2021 Model	2020 Model
Price	589.99 USD	439 USD
Number of Cores	16 Cores	10 Cores
Number of Threads	24 Threads	20 Threads
Core Frequency	3.2 GHz	2.8 GHz
Boost Frequency	5.2 GHz	5.2 GHz
Max Stable Overclock	5.3 GHz	5.2 GHz
Power Consumption	125 W	65 W
Manufacturing Process	10 nm	14 nm
L3 Cache	30 MB	20 MB
Maximum Supported Memory	128 GB	128 GB
Price-Value Score	75.2 %	74.6 %
Speed Score	87 %	0 %
Productivity Score	71 %	0 %
Gaming Score	98 %	0 %
Max 1080p Bottleneck	3.8 %	12.1 %
Max 1440p Bottleneck	1.9 %	6 %
Max 4K Bottleneck	0.9 %	3 %

Armed with 10 cores, the Core i9-10900 outmatches the Core i9-12900K, which has 16 cores, in the multi-threaded quests of the digital realm. A base clock speed of 3.2GHz propels the Core i9-12900K to superior performance in the vast majority of applications. The Core i9-10900 sips power at just 65W, a testament to its efficiency. Boasting a 10nm manufacturing process, the Core i9-12900K ensures cooler battles and longer quests. The Core i9-12900K emerges as the fresher warrior, recently forged in the tech forges.

Core i9-12900K

Pros

• At just $589.99, it's like finding epic loot for a bargain.
• Champion-level performance for gaming quests.
• Unleash the power with an excellent boost clock speed of 5.2GHz.
• Wield the advantages of a relatively new champion in the tech arena.
• Experience top-tier general gaming performance, fit for a gaming legend.

Cons

• Power efficiency's not its strong suit at 125W, might heat up your battle station.
• No CPU Cooler in the box means shelling out an extra $25 to $90 for a cool rig.

Core i9-10900

Pros

• Ascend to new heights with an excellent boost clock speed for gaming and single-thread tasks.
• Conserve your energy reserves with a mere 65W power draw.
• Wield the advantages of a relatively new champion in the tech arena.
• Enjoy the spoils of battle with a CPU cooler included at no extra cost.

Cons

• Base clock speed's more of a slow stroll than a sprint.