Intel Core i9-12900K accidentally sold before being announced

Intel Core I9 12900k Leak 4
Intel Core I9 12900k Leak 4 (Image credit: Seby9123 via Reddit)

What you need to know

  • A Reddit user managed to purchase two Intel Core i9-12900K processors.
  • Intel has not officially announced the Intel Core i9-12900K yet but is expected to do so later this month alongside other Alder Lake chips.
  • The CPUs were purchased for $610 each, according to the Reddit poster.

Despite the Intel Core i9-12900K not being officially announced, a Reddit user has managed to purchase two of them (via The Verge). "Seby9123" was able to buy two Intel Core i9-12900K CPUs for $610 each. The Intel Core i9-12900K is expected to be announced later this month as the flagship of Intel's Alder Lake line of processors.

The Reddit post shows several images of the retail box the Intel Core i9-12900K was sold in. The packaging includes the chip itself and a wafer ornament (the item that looks like a waffle). The retail packaging shared by Seby9123 matches earlier leaks spotted by VideoCardz.

Even though someone has managed to get their hands on the CPU, several key details remain unknown. The processor and frequency core count of the chip aren't listed on its box. The CPU also can't be used at this time. Z690 motherboards are required to run the Intel Core i9-12900K. Because these aren't available yet, the Reddit poster couldn't run benchmarks or share performance information if they wanted to.

Rumors suggest that Intel's Alder Lake CPUs will be announced later this month. Intel shared a preview of its Alder Lake chips in August 2021. Alder Lake will utilize Intel's hybrid architecture, which includes both performance and efficiency x86 cores. It will also support Wi-Fi 6E, Thunderbolt 4, DDR5, and PCIe Gen 5.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.