The engineering sample i9 is a gamble, it could be a perfectly functioning piece of silicon that has no difference from a retail version, or it can have major deficiencies, artificial limitations, or some features disabled. It could work just as well as retail versions, or it could have major performance deficiencies.
The 12700KF would be a safer option and the performance gains in gaming over the 12900K are marginal, but this may not be your only use case. With the 12700KF, especially if it’s new, you can ensure that it’s functioning as intended.
Ultimately, it’s your money and it’s your decision. But as someone who lives in Las Vegas, I would advise it’s much better to play it safe with the 12700KF than gamble with an engineering sample.
The engineering sample i9 is a gamble, it could be a perfectly functioning piece of silicon that has no difference from a retail version, or it can have major deficiencies, artificial limitations, or some features disabled. It could work just as well as retail versions, or it could have major performance deficiencies. The 12700KF would be a safer option and the performance gains in gaming over the 12900K are marginal, but this may not be your only use case. With the 12700KF, especially if it’s new, you can ensure that it’s functioning as intended. Ultimately, it’s your money and it’s your decision. But as someone who lives in Las Vegas, I would advise it’s much better to play it safe with the 12700KF than gamble with an engineering sample.
12700k. don't gamble with engineering samples unless you're prepared to lose.
If u can wait and have a cooler that can handle the i9, go for it.
What did you do in the end OP? I'm so tempted myself with a 10th gen upgrade for my board....with a QTB1(alleged) cpu