Intel recently made significant announcements through Product Change Notifications (PCN), revealing the discontinuation of several processors, including the Core i9-12900KS, released just over two years ago.
The latest PCNs not only mark the end of the Core i9-12900KS, a special-edition variant of the Core i9-12900K, but also signal the discontinuation of remaining CPUs from Intel’s 10th-gen lineup. This includes various models from Intel’s Pentium, Celeron, and even the popular Core i5-10400F, known for its budget-friendly performance.
The Core i9-12900KS is particularly notable for being Intel’s first “Special Edition” model since the Core i9-9900KS in 2019, which was discontinued after about a year. In contrast, the Core i9-12900KS had a longer lifecycle but now sets a new precedent for Intel’s product cadence. Looking ahead, Intel plans to introduce Special Edition models for its upcoming Core i9-13900K and Core i9-14900K, which may follow a similar trajectory.
These changes will take effect at the beginning of 2025, giving consumers a window to purchase the Core i9-12900KS at a heavily discounted price. Currently priced around $330, significantly lower than its launch price of $800, it presents a compelling option for those looking to upgrade.
However, with its impending discontinuation, prices are expected to rise post-discontinuation, much like what happened with the Core i9-9900KS. This model now commands prices nearing $400 for preowned units and up to $550 for new ones.
Despite the discontinuation, Intel will continue to provide support for customers using the Core i9-12900KS after it stops accepting new orders in 2025. This move signifies Intel’s transition away from its 14nm era, closing the chapter on both its 11th-gen and now 10th-gen lineups, as it focuses on advancing with the Intel 7 process and the introduction of 12th-gen CPUs amidst stiff competition from AMD’s Ryzen series.
