Intel is moving on from its past, discontinuing a range of processors, including the coveted Core i9-12900KS, a special edition CPU launched just over two years ago. This announcement marks the end of an era for Intel, as it also discontinues the remaining models in its 10th-gen lineup. While the main components of the 10th-gen lineup, like the Core i9-10900K, were discontinued earlier, the latest Product Change Notification (PCN) includes less prominent models, such as the Pentium and Celeron series, as well as the popular budget option, the Core i5-10400F.
The discontinuation of the Core i9-12900KS is particularly noteworthy. Intel has historically released a special edition model for its flagship CPUs, but the Core i9-12900KS was the only exception in the 10th and 11th generations. This trend continues with the latest generations, with special edition models released for both the Core i9-13900K and Core i9-14900K, hinting at a similar discontinuation timeline for these models.
Although the change is effective from the beginning of 2025, the Core i9-12900KS currently sits at a remarkably low price, significantly lower than its initial $800 list price. This presents a golden opportunity for anyone interested in acquiring this 16-core processor at a bargain. However, the price is likely to climb once the CPU is officially discontinued. This trend is already evident with the Core i9-9900KS, which is now more expensive than the Core i9-12900KS.
The Core i9-12900KS, being a special edition, has always had a limited lifespan. Despite its discontinuation, it remains a valuable option. While Intel will stop accepting orders for the CPU next year, it will continue to provide support to customers.
With the discontinuation of the remaining 10th-gen models, Intel officially bids farewell to its 14nm era. The company faced significant challenges in transitioning from its 14nm node, primarily due to competition from AMD’s Ryzen CPUs. This led to the development of the Intel 7 process and the introduction of 12th-gen CPUs, marking a significant step forward for Intel.
