Intel Unveils 12th Generation of Core Processors

Intel launched the 12th generation of the  Core processor family with the six new unlocked desktop processors. The company touted Core i9-12900K as the world’s best gaming processor.

The full 12th Gen Intel Core family will include 60 processors, set to power more than 500 designs from a broad set of partners. The new performance hybrid architecture, the first built on Intel 7 process, delivers scalable performance from 9 to 125 watts to enable every PC segment from ultra-thin-and-light laptops to enthusiast desktops and out to the edge.

“The performance hybrid architecture of 12th Gen Intel Core processors is an architectural shift made possible by close co-engineering of software and hardware that will deliver new levels of leadership performance for generations,“ said Gregory Bryant, Intel executive vice president and general manager of the Client Computing Group. “This begins with the arrival of our flagship Core i9-12900K and you will see even more incredible experiences as we ship the rest of the 12th Gen family and beyond.“

The six unlocked desktop processors are the first based on Intel’s performance hybrid architecture featuring a combination of Performance-cores (P-cores), the highest performing CPU core Intel has built, and Efficient-cores (E-cores), designed for scalable multi-threaded workload performance. Thread Director enables the two new core microarchitectures to work seamlessly together by guiding the operating system to place the right thread on the right core at the right time.

Alongside the new desktop processors, Intel is launching the new 600 Series Chipset with advanced features. New PCIe Gen 4.0 lanes make for 28 total lanes off the chipset, integrated USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 provides up to double the bandwidth, DMI Gen 4.0 increases the chipset to CPU throughput for fast access to peripheral devices and networking. For the first time, Intel is bringing  Volume Management Device to PC chipsets to simplify storage control by allowing direct control and management of NVMe-based SSDs from the PCIe bus without additional controllers or adaptors.

Unlocked Core desktop processors will be available from Nov. 4 with more than 140 customers in more than 30 countries expected to add the new processors to their lineups by the end of the year. Pricing starts at $264 to $589 for the unlocked desktop processors.