So far, Intel has only introduced its 12th Generation Core 'Alder Lake' K-series desktop processors for enthusiasts that tend to overclock their CPUs (K models). The company has yet to introduce its 'regular' 12th-Gen processors designed for regular desktops, but PC makers have now listed them along with their preliminary specifications. Furthermore, the listings confirm that Intel plans to release non-K 12th Gen Core CPUs without integrated graphics.
Dell, Dospara (a Japanese PC maker), and some retailers began to list systems based on Intel's non-K Alder Lake processors or the CPUs themselves this week, as noticed by @momomo_us (1, 2). Demand for Intel's 12th-Gen Core processors is very high, but overclockable CPUs are pretty expensive. As such, it isn't surprising that suppliers have listed cheaper non-K versions even though they aren't currently available.
Speaking of availability, some optimistic retailers from the Netherlands expect Intel's Core i3-12100, Core i5-12400, Core i5-12500, and Core i9-12900 to be on shelves as early as November 26, 2021. Meanwhile, all non-K Alder Lake CPUs are rumored to be introduced at CES 2022 and hit the market early next year.
The specs published by Dell and Dospara should be taken with a huge grain of salt because they might not be final. Meanwhile, it is pretty obvious from the leaked specs that Intel plans to extensively use its so-called Alder Lake-6P silicon for inexpensive versions of its 12th Generation Core processors.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Configuration | P-Core Clocks | E-Core Clocks | Cache | TDP |
| Core i9-12900K / KF | 8P + 8E | 24 threads | 3.20 ~ 5.20 GHz | 2.40 ~ 3.90 GHz | 30MB | 125W |
| Core i9-12900 | 8P + 8E | 24 threads | 2.40 ~ 5.10 GHz | 1.80 ~ ? GHz | 30MB | 65W |
| Core i9-12900F | 8P + 8E | 24 threads | 2.40 ~ 5.? GHz | 1.80 ~ ? GHz | 30MB | 65W |
| Core i7-12700K / KF | 8P + 4E | 20 threads | 3.60 ~ 5.0 GHz | 2.70 ~ 3.80 GHz | 25MB | 125W |
| Core i7-12700 / F | 8P + 4E | 20 threads | 2.10 ~ 4.90 GHz | 1.60 ~ ? GHz | 25MB | 65W |
| Core i5-12600K / KF | 6P + 4E | 16 threads | 3.70 ~ 4.90 GHz | 2.80 ~ 3.60 GHz | 20MB | 125W |
| Core i5-12600 | 6P | 12 threads | 3.30 ~ ? GHz | - | 18MB | 125W |
| Core i5-12500 | ? | 3.00 ~ ? GHz | - | ? | ? |
| Core i5-12400F | 6P | 12 threads | 2.50 ~ ? GHz | - | 18MB | 65W |
| Core i3-12100 / F | ? | 3.30 GHz | - | ? | ? |
Perhaps the most surprising piece about the Alder Lake-S family revealed by the leaks is that Intel is preparing non-K versions of 12th Generation Core CPUs without integrated graphics.
Such processors are aimed primarily at inexpensive machines that use integrated graphics in most cases. Offering a Core i3 or a Core i5 CPU without a built-in GPU is not a good idea in a world where even entry-level standalone graphics cards cost $300 – $500. Perhaps, Intel is preparing the market for its lower-end Arc Alchemist discrete graphics boards, but this is a strange way to do it.
It's noteworthy that there are organizations that demand low-end discrete graphics cards in their PCs. Large OEMs may get CPUs with a disabled GPU from Intel, but these parts are usually considered semi-custom (or off-roadmap). In fact, non-K series processors without a built-in GPU have only been in Intel's standard lineup once in recent years: in early 2019, when Intel released its Coffee Lake Refresh parts.
