If you’re looking for a capable GPU to go with your i9-12900K PC build, then we have you covered right here.
Now, the Intel Core i9-12900K is a powerhouse CPU, boasting exceptional performance for demanding workloads like high-end gaming and professional content creation applications. And to use its computing power to the fullest, you need a GPU that is equally powerful.
In this article, we have explored the most suitable GPU options currently available, ensuring a balanced and performant system for the i9-12900K. Our in-house experts have chosen GPUs from Nvidia as well as AMD. We have looked at raw performance benchmarks, power consumption considerations, and other factors.
Products at a glance
- Best GPU for i9-12900K
Gigabyte RTX 4080 Super Windforce V2
- GPU: AD103
- CUDA Cores: 10,240
- VRAM: 16GB GDDR6X
- Bandwidth: 736.3 GB/s
- Memory bus width: 256-bit
- Base clock speed: 2295 MHz
- Best AMD GPU for i9-12900K
ASUS TUF Radeon RX 7900 XTX OC
- GPU: Navi 31 die
- Stream processors: 6,144
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6
- Bandwidth
- Base clock speed: 1,929 MHz
- Boost clock speed (OC Mode): 2,615 MHz
- Best Nvidia GPU for i9-12900K
ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC
- GPU: AD102
- CUDA cores: 16,384
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6X
- Memory bus: 384-bit
- Bandwidth: 1,008 GB/sec
- Base clock: 2235 MHz
- Best RTX 30 GPU for i9-12900K
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming X Trio 24G
- CUDA Cores: 10,496
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6X
- Memory Bus: 384-bit
- Base Clock Speed: 1400 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 1700 MHz
How we selected the best GPU for i9-12900K
The i9-12900K is highly esteemed for its exceptional speed and robust cores, making it a popular choice for content creators and professionals who require a high-performance system. However, selecting a GPU that won’t bottleneck the system’s performance is crucial.
For this guide, we have tested the GPUs hands-on. We looked at the boost speed of potential GPUs to ensure they match the i9-12900K’s speed and prevent graphics data processing delay or lag. Additionally, it’s vital to examine the GPU’s core count to ensure it can handle modern tools’ processing demands. Then, we looked into memory configuration – VRAM, memory bus, and bandwidth – to give you a better idea of the performance. In addition to this, we have checked the cooling system, overclocking abilities, and more.
- GPU: AD103
- CUDA Cores: 10,240
- VRAM: 16GB GDDR6X
- Bandwidth: 736.3 GB/s
- Memory bus width: 256-bit
- Base clock speed: 2295 MHz
- Boost clock speed: 2550 MHz
- 10,240 CUDA Cores for smooth performance
- 16GB GDDR6X VRAM for fast memory performance
- Excellent framerates for 4K and 1440p
- Can be expensive
If you want the best GPU to pair with your i9-12900K with a powerful GPU, then we think that the new RTX 4080 Super is a good match.
To start with, the GPU comes with 10,240 CUDA cores, which can tackle even the most graphically intensive applications and games with ease. So, you can expect fast rendering, smooth framerates, and overall faster performance.
The RTX 4080 Super comes equipped with GDDR6X memory, offering faster speeds compared to previous GDDR6 iterations. This translates to smoother texture loading, reduced stuttering, and an overall more responsive gaming experience. With a massive memory capacity of 16GB, you’ll have ample space to store complex textures and game assets for seamless gameplay.
The GPU comes with 10,240 CUDA cores, which can tackle even the most graphically intensive applications and games with ease.
PCWer
In our RTX 4080 Super review, we found out that the RTX 4080 Super performs slightly better than the base RTX 4080 card. We played The Finals at “Epic settings,” and we got averages of 189fps in 1440p and 99fps in 4K. Plus, the framerates didn’t take much of a hit with ray-tracing enabled.
Overall, the RTX 4080 Super is a good buy when you compare it to the RTX 4080. You get a slightly tweaked performance at the same price.
What users say
On Best Buy, the Gigabyte RTX 4080 Super Windforce V2 has a rating of 5 stars, and 5 people have reviewed it. Most customers were satisfied with the performance and build quality. “My 43” 4k monitor runs smoothly with everything at max and hitting 130+ FPS easily!” one of the customers wrote in a review.
- GPU: Navi 31 die
- Stream processors: 6,144
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6
- Bandwidth
- Base clock speed: 1,929 MHz
- Boost clock speed (OC Mode): 2,615 MHz
- Amazing 4K performance
- Huge 24GB VRAM
- Cheaper than the RTX 4090
- Advanced features like FSR
- Prices may vary with manufacturer
- Might be expensive for some
The ASUS TUF Radeon RX 7900 XTX OC is an excellent choice for users seeking a powerful and cost-effective AMD GPU to pair with the i9-12900K. Its exceptional rasterization capabilities make it an ideal option for demanding applications and games.
To start with, the RX 7900 XTX comes with 6,144 stream processors, making it capable of handling even the most demanding tasks with ease. Then, you get a base clock speed of 1,895 MHz, a game clock speed of 2,395 MHz, and a boost clock speed of 2,565 MHz – so you can expect good performance.
Further, the GPU has 24GB GDDR6 memory on a 384-bit memory bus with a bandwidth of 960 GB/sec, which means faster memory performance. Now, the GPU has GDDR6 VRAM and not GDDR6X, which is slightly faster.
The RX 7900 XTX is an excellent choice for users looking for a high-performance GPU capable of handling demanding tasks like 4K gaming, VR, and content creation.
PCWer
In our RX 7900 XTX review, we found out that the card delivers excellent performance for 4K and 1440p. For instance, we played Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and got 107 FPS for 4K and 161 FPS for 1440p, which should give you an idea of this card’s capabilities.
As far as size is concerned, the card has dimensions of 352.9 x 158.2 x 72.6mm, which should make it compatible with most PC cases, while its power requirements of 850W and TBP of 355W are reasonable given its performance capabilities, offering users a balance between performance and energy efficiency.
The RX 7900 XTX is an excellent choice for users looking for a high-performance GPU capable of handling demanding tasks like 4K gaming, VR, and content creation. However, users should be aware of its higher power requirements and TBP when building a system around this GPU, as it may require a larger and more powerful power supply than other GPUs on the market.
What users say
On Amazon, the Asus TUF Radeon RX 7900 XTX GPU has a rating of 4.4 stars, and over 340 people have reviewed it. Most of the reviews said that they were happy with the performance, quality, and other aspects. One of the customers wrote in a review, “If you are gonna get a high-end graphics card, I personally believe this is the best value you can get. It offers remarkable 1440p and 4K performance with blazing fast frame rates with room to spare.” However, a few customers said that they found the RGB lights too bright.
- GPU: AD102
- CUDA cores: 16,384
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6X
- Memory bus: 384-bit
- Bandwidth: 1,008 GB/sec
- Base clock: 2235 MHz
- Boost clock: 2610 MHz
- Staggering 16,384 CUDA Cores
- 24GB VRAM on a 384-bit memory bus
- Unmatched 4K performance
- Quite expensive
- Overkill for entry-level and mid-level builds
The ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC is the ultimate high-end GPU in Nvidia’s top-of-the-line RTX 4000 series. With its impressive AD102-300 GPU variant and advanced features like ray tracing and DLSS, the RTX 4090 is the pinnacle of graphics cards.
The RTX 4090 is widely recognized as the best GPU for pairing with the i9-12900K (or any other powerful CPU, for that matter). The GPU comes with 16,384 CUDA cores, which should automatically translate into powerful graphics. The GPU offers a boost clock speed of 2,640 MHz, which is quite fast.
In our RTX 4090 review, we found out that the card’s true 4K gaming and creativity capabilities cannot be matched by another card at the moment.
PCWer
One of the standout features of the RTX 4090 is its advanced ray tracing and DLSS technology, setting it apart from the competition. While AMD GPUs may offer stronger rasterization capabilities, the RTX 4090’s exceptional Deep Learning Super Sampling technology is ideal for power users specializing in machine learning or gaming.
In our RTX 4090 review, we found out that the card’s true 4K gaming and creativity capabilities cannot be matched by another card at the moment. For gaming, we played Cyberpunk 2077 at ultra settings, and the GPU gave us 74 FPS at 4K and 135 FPS at 1440p.
However, due to its high TDP and premium MSRP, the RTX 4090 may not be the most feasible option for users looking for a more budget-friendly solution or having limited power supply capabilities. For those users, alternative options that offer a good balance between performance and cost should be considered.
What users say
On Amazon, the ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC Edition has a rating of 4.5 stars, and it has been reviewed by over 600 customers. A lot of the customers mentioned in the review that they were satisfied with the performance, quality, and efficiency of the GPU. “In conclusion, the GeForce RTX 4090 OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card is a tour de force in the world of gaming and graphics technology. It’s not just a graphics card; it’s a gateway to gaming excellence, visual mastery, and cutting-edge innovation,” one of the customers wrote. However, a few customers found the card to be a bit expensive.
- CUDA Cores: 10,496
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6X
- Memory Bus: 384-bit
- Base Clock Speed: 1400 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 1700 MHz
- Offers excellent performance at 4K and 1440p
- Advanced features like ray tracing and DLSS
- You may find an RTX 3090 at discounted rate
- High cost for a last-gen card
- High power consumption
With a whopping 10496 CUDA cores, the RTX 3090 is a beast when it comes to gaming, rendering, and other resource-intensive applications.
In terms of clock speeds, the RTX 3090 has a base clock speed of 1.4 GHz and a boost clock speed of 1.7 GHz, providing lightning-fast performance across all applications. Additionally, it supports Nvidia’s DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology, which uses artificial intelligence to enhance lower-resolution images and improve frame rates. Further, the card sports 24 GB GDDR6X VRAM on a 384-bit memory bus, which gives you a lot of headroom for heavy games and tasks.
In our RTX 3090 review, we discovered that the card delivers powerful performance for 4K and 1440p. Of course, since the card is a few years old at this point, the performance is not as powerful as some of the newer cards, like the RTX 4080.
Even though the RTX 3090 is not the latest GPU in the market, it still offers outstanding performance that can compete with the current high-end graphics cards.
PCWer
Not only is the RTX 3090 an excellent gaming GPU, but it is also a workstation GPU with advanced features such as support for ECC memory and NVLink, which enables users to connect multiple GPUs for even greater performance. It is an ideal choice for content creators, video editors, and other professionals who demand exceptional performance in their work.
In summary, even though the RTX 3090 is not the latest GPU in the market, it still offers outstanding performance that can compete with the current high-end graphics cards. Its immense VRAM and CUDA cores, high clock speeds, and advanced features make it an excellent option for demanding applications.
What users say
The MSI card has a rating of 4.4 stars, and over 170 people have reviewed it on Amazon. Most customers wrote positively about the GPU’s performance. “I can now play most every game including Microsoft Flight Simulator at the highest settings,” one of the customers said in a review. While most customers seemed to be pleased with the performance, a few said that the card was heavy and somewhat expensive.
Features and considerations
The Intel Core i9-12900K was the highest CPU of Intel’s last generation. With this CPU, you can have the best performance out of any GPU you want to use. One of the first things you’ll have to consider is whether or not you want access to the new gen. With a CPU like the 12900K, you can easily bundle in a new-gen Nvidia or AMD, but also you can cut prices a bit and connect a past-gen GPU. The great compatibility between them will help out.
When purchasing a GPU for a high-end CPU like the i9-12900K, consider the following:
Performance
The i9-12900K is a powerhouse CPU, so you need to choose a GPU that can keep up, aiming for high frame rates. (ideally above 144 FPS for smooth gameplay) at your desired resolution. Extensive benchmarks and reviews on our site will help you compare different GPUs and determine which one delivers the best performance for your needs and budget.
VRAM
VRAM (which is short for Video Random Access Memory) stores textures and game data. So, you need to choose a GPU with sufficient VRAM to handle high-resolution textures and demanding future games without bottlenecks. Now, higher resolutions require more VRAM. For 1080p gaming, 8GB might be sufficient, but 1440p and 4K gaming often benefit from 12GB or even 16GB of VRAM.
Cooling
Most powerful and high-end GPUs generate significant heat, so you need to look for a well-ventilated case with ample airflow to keep your system cool. Look for GPUs with robust cooling systems, like large heatsinks or liquid cooling options, to ensure optimal performance and prevent overheating. Further, ensure that the GPU fits into your case comfortably.
How much power do I need for an i9-12900K and a high-end GPU?
A 750w PSU should be enough to support an i9-12900K with a high-end Nvidia or AMD GPU. However, a slightly more powerful PSU in the range of 1000W is recommended.
Is an i9-12900K good for gaming?
If you’re looking to get the highest fps for the best gaming experience, then look no further. However, when compared to other CPUs, such as the 5900x, the price-to-performance comparison showed diminishing returns. So, for those on a budget, other CPUs may be more viable.
Does it come with an integrated graphics card?
The CPU does come with a UHD770 integrated graphics card. However, if you’re looking to run GPU-intensive software and the latest AA games, purchasing a separate GPU is highly recommended.
