Intel Core i9-12900k

★★★★☆

PROS

• Impressive application performance.

• “Best” gaming performance.

• Better value than AMD.

CONS

• DDR5 adds price premium.

• Can be a power hog under heavy loads.

• Ryzen is still faster in some multi-threaded tests.

BOTTOM LINE

After a long absence, Intel’s 12th-gen Core i9-12900k and its hybrid design puts Intel back on top in desktop CPUS while offering next-generation technology and a big surprise: relatively good value over Ryzen.

$649