Intel
Core i9-12900K
Alder Lake · 16C/24T · 125 W · LGA1700
84
/ 100
From $589
VS
Intel
Intel Core Ultra 5 345K
Panther Lake · 14C · 5.5 GHz
84
/ 100
From $329
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Core i9-12900K lands at 84 and Intel Core Ultra 5 345K at 84. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Core i9-12900K if…
- ✓Strong per-core performance
- ✓Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- ✓Wide platform availability
Pick Intel Core Ultra 5 345K if…
- ✓Latest generation silicon
- ✓Improved perf-per-watt
- ✓Full modern feature set
Core i9-12900K 84
vs 84 Intel Core Ultra 5 345K
Score breakdown
Core i9-12900K
84 single 86
multi 84
gaming 83
efficiency 78
Intel Core Ultra 5 345K
84 single 86
multi 84
gaming 85
efficiency 86
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Core i9-12900K | Intel Core Ultra 5 345K |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Alder Lake | Panther Lake |
| Cores | ▲ 16 | 14 |
| Threads | 24 | — |
| TDP | 125 W | — |
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1851 |
| Release year | 2021 | 2025 |
Core i9-12900K
Pros
- +Strong per-core performance
- +Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- +Wide platform availability
Cons
- −Power draw on top SKUs
- −Frequent socket changes
- −Arrow Lake gaming regressions
Intel Core Ultra 5 345K
Pros
- +Latest generation silicon
- +Improved perf-per-watt
- +Full modern feature set
Cons
- −Premium pricing
- −Requires up-to-date platform
- −Initial stock scarcity likely
FAQ: Core i9-12900K vs Intel Core Ultra 5 345K
Which is better, Core i9-12900K or Intel Core Ultra 5 345K? +
Both score 84 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Core i9-12900K worth the price? +
At $589, Core i9-12900K delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in single.
Is Intel Core Ultra 5 345K worth the price? +
At $329, Intel Core Ultra 5 345K delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in single.
Does Core i9-12900K or Intel Core Ultra 5 345K last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.