Intel’s extra-binned Core i9-12900KS is now available to buy for a rather considerable price of $799. For comparison, the 12900K is now going for roughly $600 which means you’re paying another $200 just for a simple overclock out of the box. The older SKU has a maximum Turbo Boost 3.0 Frequency of 5.2GHz (for the fastest two cores) while the factory-overclocked Core i9-12900KS boosts up to 5.5GHz using Thermal Velocity Boost (when not overheating).
The Turbo Boost 3.0 algorithm boosts the Core i9-12900KS to 5.3GHz across the two fastest cores. Intel’s Adaptive Boost Technology should allow for an all-core boost of 5.2GHz on the KS while the 12900K tops out at 5.1GHz.
Moving onto the TDP, the Core i9-12900K has a base TDP of 125W and a boost of 241W. The 12900KS pushes the base power to 150W while the boost remains unchanged. We’re likely going to see a higher sustained power draw as virtually all systems ignore the Tau limit these days. (savethechimps.org)
