Microcenter (via momomo_us (opens in new tab)) has spilled the beans on U.S. retail pricing for Intel's upcoming Core i9-12900K and Core i7-12700K Alder Lake-S desktop processors. According to the two product listings for the processors, they will retail for $669.99 and $469.99, respectively.
For comparison, the current-generation Rocket Lake-based Core i9-11900K and Core i7-11700K are priced at $544.89 and $389.99 (opens in new tab), respectively at Amazon. In other words, if this Alder Lake-S pricing turns out to be accurate, it would represent the highest starting points ever for Core i9 and Core i7 processors.
The U.S.-based retailer has since removed pricing information, but the product listings and specifications remain. It also appears that Microcenter has already received a slow trickle of Alder Lake processors to its various retail store locations across the country. For example, the Cambridge, MA location shows five Core i9-12900K in stock, while the Parkville, MD store has 6. That's definitely not enough to satisfy demand from enthusiasts. However, we're still at least two weeks away from the alleged November 4th launch of Alder Lake-S, so there's plenty of time for MicroCenter to pad its inventory.
| U.S. Price | Configuration | Clocks | Cache | |
| Core i9-12900K / KF | $669 | 8P + 8E | 24 threads | 3.20 ~ 5.20 GHz | 30MB |
| Core i9-11900K | $549 | 8P | 16 threads | 3.50 ~ 5.30 GHz | 16MB |
| Ryzen 9 5950X | $799 | 16P | 32 threads | 3.40 ~ 4.90 GHz | 64MB |
| Core i7-12700K | $469 | 8P + 4E | 20 threads | 3.60 ~ 5.0 GHz | 25MB |
| Core i7-11700K | $409 | 8P | 16 threads | 3.60 ~ 5.0 GHz | 16MB |
| Ryzen 7 5800X | $449 | 8P | 16 threads | 3.80 ~ 4.70 GHz | 32MB |
| Core i5-12600K / KF | $343 (K) - $312 (KF) | 6P + 4E | 16 threads | 3.70 ~ 4.90 GHz | 16MB |
| Core i5-11600K | $272 | 6P | 12 threads | 3.90 ~ 4.90 GHz | 12MB |
| Ryzen 5 5600X | $299 | 6P | 12 threads | 3.70 ~ 4.60 GHz | 32MB |
The MicroCenter listings confirm part numbers BX8071512900K for the Core i9-12900K (16 cores, 24 threads) and BX8071512700K for the Core i7-12900K (12 cores, 20 threads). It also confirms that the following four chipsets support the LGA 1700 processors:
- Intel Z690
- Intel H670
- Intel B660
- Intel H610
The Core i9-12900K is confirmed with a 3.2 GHz base clock, 5.2 GHz turbo clock, 30MB of L3 cache, and a TDP of 125 watts. The Core i7-12700K, on the other hand, operates at a base frequency of 3.6 GHz and a 5.0 GHz turbo frequency with 25MB of L3 cache and a 125-watt TDP. Both processors come backed by a 3-year retail box warranty and support up to DDR4-3200 memory or DDR5-4800 memory. Neither processor comes with a cooler in the box, so you'll have to select one to pair with your new rig.
This is just the latest leak involving Alder Lake in recent days. Yesterday, images leaked of a Core i9-12900K showing off its fancy retail box and included a mock golden wafer (made of plastic). A Core i9-12900K was also recently overclocked to 5.20 GHz across all 16 cores. However, core voltage was increased to 1.385 volts to achieve that feat, resulting in power consumption of 330 watts (versus the stock 125 watts).
According to previous reports, Intel will announce its Alder Lake-S desktop processor family next week, with an official launch shortly after on November 4th.
