Intel’s 16-core flagship Alder Lake i9-12900K processor delivers a staggering performance improvement over it's predecessor (+70% 64-core). It features a new hybrid architecture which combines eight hyper-threaded performance cores with eight efficiency cores for a total of 24 threads. Alder Lake CPUs will require a new Z690 chipset which supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0. At an MRSP of $590 USD, the i9-12900K is aimed at power users who demand the best of the best. That said, Intel’s 10-core 12600K matches the 12900K’s performance for the majority of consumer use cases at a 50% price discount. [Nov '21CPUPro]
If you're after low-power computing then this is a good, basic processor to get work done. Based on the 2016 14nm Apollo Lake architecture it is designed for mobile efficiency and comes in a range of laptops from budget to mid-tier. It uses about 4 to 6 watts under load (yes, four to six whole watts) and generally idles under 2 watts.
It has four cores with four threads and has a 1.1GHz base clock with a 2.2GHz boost, with the included HD 500 series graphics boasting 12 execution units running at up to 700MHz, although information regarding this is limited given its budget application.
If you're processing data then forget anything with this. Although possible, it'll take forever as you're limited to 256k of L1 and 2MB of L2 cache - no L3 at all. The included graphics won't help you here either.
For everyday processing, or a cheap laptop for the kids, this is a decent processor but throw more than 2 or 3 basic tasks at it and it flounders. Anything more complex than everyday word processing, internet and multimedia is beyond it, but given that's what the majority of users will be doing this isn't an issue.
The bonus? Ultra-light, thin and quiet latops with passive cooling and sub- $250USD price points. Not bad! [Jul '19boingk]
We calculate effective speed which measures real world performance for typical users. Effective speed is adjusted by current prices to yield a value for money rating. Our calculated values are checked against thousands of individual user ratings. The customizable table below combines these factors to bring you the definitive list of top CPUs. [CPUPro]
Welcome to our PC speed test tool. UserBenchmark will test your PC and compare the results to other users with the same components. You can quickly size up your PC, identify hardware problems and explore the best value for money upgrades.