Intel’s 12th Gen ‘Alder Lake’ CPUs: A Roaring Comeback After Years of Struggle
Intel’s 12th Gen ‘Alder Lake’ processors mark a monumental shift, boasting the company’s largest architectural change in a decade. This groundbreaking launch, akin to wiping the slate clean, signals a fresh start for Intel, long plagued by performance and manufacturing struggles while AMD thrived. ‘Alder Lake’ leverages the combined strength of two distinct core types, a native 10nm manufacturing process, and a cutting-edge platform that harnesses the latest high-speed interconnect standards, resulting in a leap in performance.
With a focus on gamers and enthusiasts, Intel kicks off its 12th Gen product roadmap with flagship desktop CPUs, a refreshing departure from its recent emphasis on thin-and-light notebooks. Notably, all the launched CPUs are unlocked and overclockable, signaling Intel’s ambition to reclaim the performance crown. More mainstream options for everyday use are expected to be unveiled early next year.
Let’s take a deep dive into the 12th Gen Core ‘Alder Lake’ CPU architecture, analyze benchmark test results, and dissect Intel’s newfound push into the performance and gaming enthusiast PC market.
Intel 12th Gen Core ‘Alder Lake’ Architecture and Specifications
The arduous 14nm node saga, stretching back to the introduction of the Broadwell (5th Gen Core) die shrink in 2014, finally draws to a close – at least for Intel’s desktop CPUs. The 11th Gen ‘Rocket Lake’ family, a 10nm design backported to 14nm due to production constraints, has paved the way for Intel to confidently move forward.
Intel christens its current 10nm process implementation as ‘Intel 7′, positioning it as technologically equivalent to its competitors’ matured 7nm efforts. While transistor size at this scale is not definitively reflected in such nomenclature, the modular tile-based CPU design allows for variations in size. ‘Intel 7’ highlights a resurgence of confidence in Intel’s own fabs and foundries, especially considering the delays anticipated for the next-generation node.
Beyond the manufacturing process, a pivotal shift involves Intel’s separation of architectural and manufacturing endeavors. This allows for mixing and matching different CPU components, including cores, integrated GPU, cache memory, I/O logic, and security subsystems. ‘Alder Lake’ will have varied configurations for different market segments, encompassing desktops, laptops, and ultra-mobile devices.
At the forefront is the Core i9-12900K desktop CPU, featuring a potent combination of eight “Performance” cores, codenamed ‘Golden Cove’, and eight “Efficient” cores, codenamed ‘Gracemont’.
The P-cores represent what we’re familiar with – Golden Cove is the evolution of ‘Willow Cove’, the foundation for all 11th Gen 10nm CPUs. Gracemont, a derivative of the former Intel Atom CPU lineup, has found its place in multiple Intel embedded CPU offerings, as well as low-end Pentium Silver and Celeron CPUs over time. Notably, Intel’s first hybrid offering, ‘Lakefield’, also combined previous-gen ‘-cove’ and ‘-mont’ cores.
While Intel is deliberately avoiding the term ‘big.LITTLE’, popularized and trademarked by rival Arm for a decade, the concept remains identical: dividing tasks between high-performance, power-hungry cores and low-power cores for optimal power and efficiency. This strategic shift marks a significant shift in Intel’s philosophy.
To manage the allocation of work across these diverse core types, Intel has introduced ‘Thread Director’, a robust, responsive real-time scheduler. Currently, this feature is only compatible with Windows 11, with no plans to bring it to Windows 10. A Linux solution is underway. Intel cautions that users might experience a slight performance drop with Windows 10, but Alder Lake CPUs will remain functional.
A noteworthy change in Alder Lake hybrid CPUs is the exclusive support for Hyper-Threading (running two threads concurrently when resources permit) on P-cores. Consequently, the 16-core Core i9-12900K can handle 24 threads, not 32. The P-cores take priority, followed by E-cores, and only when the E-cores are fully utilized will a P-core be tasked with a second thread.
Windows 11 leverages Thread Director to prioritize tasks based on needs. For instance, you could be encoding media in the background while simultaneously engaging in other activities. While users can’t override this priority system and manually assign task preferences to specific core types, it will be intriguing to see how upcoming 12th Gen laptop CPUs incorporate battery life into this intricate task management system.
An unexpected twist is Intel’s claim that heavily multi-threaded workflows, such as video encoding, will favor E-cores – a departure from the conventional notion that P-cores would excel in such tasks.
Another hurdle to address is the incompatibility of some older software with heterogenous cores, failing to recognize them as belonging to the same CPU. This could lead to compatibility issues. For instance, the Denuvo game DRM scheme has been identified as incompatible, barring access to at least 50 older games due to a perceived change in system specifications. Fortunately, users can disable E-cores entirely via the motherboard BIOS, with Intel even offering a dedicated key (Scroll Lock) to toggle this functionality.
Intel also opted to disable the AVX-512 instruction set, lauded since Ice Lake for accelerating AI workloads. This decision was attributed to the P-cores’ exclusive AVX-512 support and the need for instruction uniformity across core types. However, disabling E-cores in the BIOS seemingly enables AVX-512, presenting users with a trade-off.
Each P-core boasts 1.25MB of L2 cache memory, while the E-cores are grouped in clusters of four, sharing a 2MB L2 cache. These L2 caches feed into a common L3 cache. Intel also provides base and turbo speeds for each core type, with higher-tier CPU models adding support for Intel’s Turbo Boost Max feature, which designates “favored cores” for even higher boosts. This intricate clock speed system makes direct specifications comparison less straightforward. The CPUs maintain a 125W base TDP, and for the first time, Intel publishes power targets for sustained load, which can reach up to 241W for the Core i9. With a capable thermal solution, users can run these CPUs at Turbo speeds indefinitely – not just in bursts.
Let’s delve into the specific models:
- Core i9-12900K: Its eight E-cores operate between 2.4GHz and 3.9GHz, while the eight P-cores range between 3.2GHz and 5.1GHz (all cores) or 5.2GHz (favored cores). It boasts 14MB of L2 cache and 30MB of L3 cache memory.
- Core i7-12700K: This model loses four E-cores, resulting in eight P-cores and four E-cores (20 threads). Peak power usage is rated at 190W.
- Core i5-12600K: This CPU has six P-cores and four E-cores, with a peak power draw rating of 150W.
All three CPU models feature integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 integrated GPUs based on the Xe-LP architecture. Aside from lower base and higher boost clocks, the integrated UHD 770 is largely similar to the 11th Gen’s UHD 750 GPU. All three CPUs come with ‘-F’ suffix variants that lack integrated graphics and are priced slightly lower.
Intel 12th Gen Core ‘Alder Lake’ Z690 Platform
The significant changes implemented with ‘Alder Lake’ necessitate a new socket and motherboards. These CPUs are physically larger than their predecessors and are now rectangular rather than square. The pad count has increased to 1700 (from 1200), introducing the LGA1700 socket, which hopefully will last for at least one more generation. Most coolers designed for previous-gen motherboards should still work, though a retrofit kit might be required. It’s best to consult your cooler’s manufacturer regarding compatibility.
The most prominent change for users is the introduction of DDR5 RAM, promising substantial gains in bandwidth, maximum capacity, and power efficiency. DDR4, despite its long reign, is unlikely to disappear soon. DDR5 RAM kits, however, are currently difficult to find and quite expensive, particularly in India. Z690 motherboards offer both DDR4 and DDR5 slots (dual-channel for each standard). No manufacturer has unveiled a hybrid board yet, requiring users to choose a standard upfront.
Intel is the first to introduce PCIe 5.0, doubling internal I/O bandwidth compared to PCIe 4.0. While no components like SSDs currently leverage this enhanced speed, users benefit from shared bandwidth, enabling multiple devices to operate at higher speeds. Motherboards can have one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot or route the bandwidth to two PCIe 5.0 x8 slots, with these slots connecting directly to the CPU. Additional PCIe 4.0 lanes are now dedicated to SSDs, and the Z690 controller itself manages 12 PCIe 4.0 lanes and 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for various components. CPU-to-Z690 bandwidth has also doubled.
Connectivity also receives a boost, with support for up to four USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20Gbps) – not to be confused with USB4 Gen3, which can also achieve 20Gbps with the same Type-C connector. Up to 10 USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps) ports are available, spread across the rear panel and additional headers. PCIe and M.2 slot configurations vary based on motherboard manufacturers. Intel has incorporated a Wi-Fi 6E controller, an upgrade over Wi-Fi 6, while retaining integrated Gigabit Ethernet. Naturally, technologies like Intel Optane are supported, and all Z-series motherboards are overclocking-friendly.
Lower-end platforms will be unveiled upon the launch of non-K 12th Gen CPUs, with Intel yet to clarify their distinctions and whether features will be exclusive to the top-tier Z690. The split between DDR4 and DDR5 will undoubtedly lead to a vast array of Z690 motherboards. Brands like Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, ASRock, and others have introduced a variety of options in the Indian market.
Performance of the Intel Core i9-12900K and Core i5-12600K
Both CPUs were tested using a common set of components, beginning with the Asus TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 motherboard and Strix LC II 360 ARGB AIO cooler. The rest of the test rig comprised:
- 2x16GB Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR4-3600 RAM kit
- Sapphire Nitro+ Radeon RX 590 graphics card (removed during integrated GPU tests)
- 2TB Kingston KC3000 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
- 1TB Samsung SSD 860 EVO SSD
- Corsair RM850 power supply
- Asus PB287Q 4K monitor
All tests were executed using a fresh installation of Windows 11 with all available patches and updated drivers. The use of DDR4 RAM and the possibility of not all tests recognizing and utilizing heterogenous cores might impact benchmark results. We’ve compared test results with the previous-gen Core i9-11900K and Core i5-11600K, as well as some previous-gen and HEDT Intel and AMD CPUs. (Lockdown restrictions prevent a direct comparison with the Ryzen 5000 series).
(Insert table with benchmark scores for Core i9-12900K, Core i5-12600K, Core i9-11900K, Core i5-11600K, Ryzen 9 3900X, Core i9-10980XE, Ryzen Threadripper 3970X)
The most striking observation is the substantial performance gains in benchmarks that leverage multiple cores and threads. The previous-gen Core i9 flagship maxed out at 8 cores and 16 threads, and the jump to 16 and 24 respectively, regardless of architecture, delivers a significant performance boost. 3D rendering and ray tracing benchmarks showcase impressive scaling, and even though Windows 11 Task Manager doesn’t distinguish between core types, it displayed all 24 threads on the Core i9-12900K fully saturated during these demanding tasks.
Single-threaded performance also benefits significantly, ensuring a noticeable improvement in game performance if GPU limitations are not a bottleneck. The Core i5-12600K strikes a remarkable balance with its numerous cores and architectural advantages that benefit lightly-threaded tasks. Despite its high price for a mid-range CPU, it could even be a worthwhile upgrade over previous generations of Core i7 and Core i9 models. Gamers are likely to embrace this model.
Power consumption deserves special attention. Intel’s TDP rating system has evolved to acknowledge the significant power draw exceeding the rated level under stress. Now, CPUs can run at turbo speeds virtually unrestricted as long as cooling remains adequate. Extended CPU stress will translate to higher PSU demand, but also ensures exceptional task completion.
Automatic overclocking with the Asus TUF Gaming Z690-Plus Wifi D4 motherboard is as simple as adjusting a few BIOS settings and letting the system determine its limits. Intel’s Extreme Tuning Utility or Asus’ AI Suite 3 utilities can also be employed through Windows. Achieving a 5.3GHz overclock on the P-cores and 4GHz on the E-cores took less than a minute, and the system remained stable with benchmark results unaffected, though the Strix cooler ran noticeably louder and reached full speed faster.
Following this slight overclock, CineBench R20’s single-core score increased from 760 to 791, and the multi-core score from 10,324 to 10,795. POVRay’s render time was reduced from 29 seconds to 27 seconds, and the Corona rendering benchmark completed in 57 seconds, down from 1 minute, 18 seconds. Additionally, NeroScore, a benchmark measuring AI-powered photo tagging, achieved 2,584 before overclocking and 3,284 afterwards. With manual tweaking on a top-tier motherboard paired with DDR5 RAM, there’s likely more performance headroom to explore.
Intel’s UHD 770 integrated GPU doesn’t offer groundbreaking performance gains over the previous generation. While its practical utility might be limited, it remains a valuable asset for troubleshooting and assembly. Given the current challenging GPU market, an integrated GPU can be a lifesaver, making a CPU with an iGPU preferable to an -F variant unless there’s a significant price difference.
Verdict:
When the 11th Gen ‘Rocket Lake’ Core CPU family launched in March this year, I described it as a temporary solution, already anticipating the arrival of ‘Alder Lake.’ Intel firmly refuted this characterization, arguing that these CPUs were the best available for specific workloads, which was true at the time. However, I still recommended holding off on purchases, recognizing the imminent shift in the landscape.
Waiting has proven to be a wise decision. The 12th Gen offers a significant improvement across virtually all aspects of performance. This launch will convince many to upgrade from their current setups. It marks a triumphant comeback for Intel after years of lackluster updates, initially due to a lack of competition, followed by internal struggles. The combination of DDR5, PCIe 5.0, Windows 11, and heterogenous-core CPUs has breathed new life into the PC market.
In content creation and multitasking, the new Alder Lake generation is undoubtedly a success. The most appealing aspect for buyers is the competitive pricing of these unlocked 12th Gen Core CPUs. Performance at mainstream price points surpasses that of the 18-core Core i9-10980XE, once considered a bargain at around Rs. 70,000, which was itself half the price of its predecessor. The Core i9-12900K effectively eclipses Intel’s X-series, and it’s unsurprising that the HEDT segment has not received a refresh this year.
For those seeking higher performance, the Ryzen Threadripper series offers impressive multi-core performance, but it belongs to a completely different market segment, with pricing reflecting that distinction.
However, Intel has not quite achieved a decisive victory over AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series. Certain workloads still favor the Zen architecture with its numerous cores, and a new generation from AMD is around the corner. It’s important to remember that maximizing these unlocked enthusiast SKUs requires a costly Z690 motherboard and DDR5 RAM. When factoring in these additional costs, AMD may be a more attractive option for many users.
Intel Core i9-12900K
- Price (approximate MOP): Rs. 60,000
Pros
- Excellent single- and multi-threaded performance
- DDR5, PCIe 5.0, fast platform-level IO
- Overclockable
Cons
- High platform cost
- Basic integrated graphics
- Power-hungry
- Potential compatibility issues
Ratings (out of 5)
- Performance: 4.5
- Value for Money: 4
- Overall: 4.5
Intel Core i5-12600K
- Price (MOP): Rs. 31,500
Pros
- Excellent single- and multi-threaded performance
- DDR5, PCIe 5.0, fast platform-level IO
- Overclockable
Cons
- Expensive, high platform cost
- Basic integrated graphics
- Potential compatibility issues
Ratings (out of 5)
- Performance: 4
- Value for Money: 3.5
- Overall: 4
Asus TUF Gaming Z690-Plus Wifi D4
- Price (MOP): Rs. 25,000
Pros
- Simple design, integrated IO shield, M.2 clamps
- Four M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, USB 3.2×2 (20Gbps)
- Stable performance, easy auto overclocking
- Well-designed UEFI BIOS
Cons
- No BIOS failsafe or diagnostic display
Ratings (out of 5)
- Features: 4
- Performance: 4.5
- Value for Money: 4
- Overall: 4
