Intel's 12th Gen Alder Lake processors have barreled into the list of best CPUs for gaming, but more SKUs are on the way. In addition, Best Buy (via momomo_us (opens in new tab)) has revealed the specifications and pricing for the upcoming non-K models that target consumers with stricter budgets.
According to rumors making the rounds in hardware circles, Intel will reportedly announce Alder Lake's non-K chips at CES 2022. Considering the time frame of Best Buy's listings, it's doubtful that they're placeholders. The non-K series may launch at CES 2022. Nonetheless, we recommend you approach the information with caution.
For buyers who don't need the power or unlocked multiplier of the Core i9-12900K ($599), the Core i9-12900 and Core i9-12900F are legit alternatives at $529.99 and $509.99, respectively. You still get all the 8P + 8E configuration benefits, albeit at lower clock speeds.
The Core i7-12700K ($419) is one of the more balanced options in Intel's Alder Lake product stack. Nonetheless, the more budget-friendly and power-efficient options include the Core i7-12700 and Core i7-12700F, which may retail for $359.99 and $329.99, respectively.
Intel Alder Lake Non-K Specifications And Pricing
| Processor | Pricing | Configuration | Cores / Threads | P-Core Base/Boost (GHz) | L3 Cache (MB) | Graphics | PBP (W) | Part Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i9-12900 | $529.99 | 8P + 8E | 16 / 24 | 2.4 / 5.1 | 30 | UHD Graphics 770 | 65 | BX8071512900 |
| Core i9-12900F | $509.99 | 8P + 8E | 16 / 24 | 2.4 / 5.1 | 30 | N/A | 65 | BX8071512900F |
| Core i7-12700 | $359.99 | 8P + 4E | 12 / 20 | 2.1 / 4.9 | 25 | UHD Graphics 770 | 65 | BX8071512700 |
| Core i7-12700F | $329.99 | 8P + 4E | 12 / 20 | 2.1 / 4.9 | 25 | N/A | 65 | BX8071512700F |
| Core i5-12600 | $239.99 | 6P + 0E | 6 / 12 | 3.3 / 4.8 | 18 | UHD Graphics 770 | 65 | BX8071512600 |
| Core i5-12500 | $219.99 | 6P + 0E | 6 / 12 | 3.0 / 4.6 | 18 | UHD Graphics 770 | 65 | BX8071512500 |
| Core i5-12400 | $209.99 | 6P + 0E | 6 / 12 | 2.5 / 4.4 | 18 | UHD Graphics 730 | 65 | BX8071512400 |
| Core i5-12400F | $179.99 | 6P + 0E | 6 / 12 | 2.5 / 4.4 | 18 | N/A | 65 | BX8071512400F |
| Core i3-12100 | $139.99 | 4P + 0E | 4 / 8 | 3.3 / 4.3 | 12 | UHD Graphics 730 | 60 | BX8071512100 |
| Core i3-12100F | $109.99 | 4P + 0E | 4 / 8 | 3.3 / 4.3 | 12 | N/A | 58 | BX8071512100F |
| Pentium Gold G7400 | $79.99 | 2P + 0E | 2 / 4 | 3.7 | 6 | UHD Graphics 710 | 46 | BX80715G7400 |
| Celeron G6900 | $59.99 | 2P + 0E | 2 / 4 | 3.4 | 4 | UHD Graphics 710 | 46 | BX80715G6900 |
Currently, we consider the Core i5-12600K ($299) as the best overall processor for gaming. But if your budget doesn't allow it, the Core i5-12600, Core i5-12500, and Core i5-12400 are good 65W options as well. However, there will be a performance gap between the models above and the K-series chip.
The Core i5-12600 could be available for $239.99, whereas the Core i5-12500 may retail for $219.99. Like last generation's Core i5-11400, the Core i5-12400 will probably be the best budget gaming Alder Lake chip. At $209.99, the Core i5-12400 could potentially offer the best bang for your buck. Or, if you don't require integrated graphics, the Core i5-12400F might sell for as low as $179.99. The Core i3-12100, Core i3-12100F, Pentium Gold G7400, and Celeron G6900 will also have their place in the market with price tags below the $140 mark.
The pricing for Alder Lake non-K processors certainly looks very attractive, but their success will depend partially on the price of the upcoming H670, B660, and H610 motherboards as well. In addition, it'll be interesting to see how AMD reacts to the new Alder Lake chips. The chipmaker's Ryzen 5000 (Zen 3) had crushed it before Alder Lake arrived and stole the show, but a small price cut could put Ryzen back in the picture.
