https://videocardz.com/newz/intel-core-i9-12900ks-pre-binned-cpu-with-5-2-ghz-all-core-frequency-allegedly-in-the-works
 
(Rumor) 
Our sources claim that a new processor called Intel Core i9-12900KS is now being tested by board partners. It is basically a pre-binned SKU with an all-core (Performance core) boost at 5.2 GHz, so 200 MHz higher than 12900K. This frequency heavily depends on a workload, and most reviews have shown that stock 12900K reaches around 4.85-4.9 GHz all-core boost, which is why the 12900KS should easily offer 5.0 GHz out of the box. Intel has not released a KS variant since Core i9-9900KS. There were leaks that Intel might be releasing a Core i9-10900KS model, but those were debunked quickly. The 11th Gen Core series did not include a KS variant either, meaning that 12900KS will be the first pre-binned chip in 3 generations.
 
The unlocked and pre-binned Alder Lake-S CPU appears at the same time as AMD is about to launch its Ryzen CPUs with 3D V-Cache based on Zen3 microarchitecture. AMD themselves promised 15% higher gaming performance thanks to the larger L3 cache, so it should be quite competitive compared with Alder Lake-S CPUs. The release date of the i9-12900KS is currently unknown, but one could guess it might be shown during CES 2022 press conference. During this event, Intel will also be launching its 12th Gen Core non-K series rated at 65W and 35W. Those CPUs should be paired with new H670, B660, and H610 motherboards, most of them supporting DDR4 memory.
 
It will be interesting to see if this is true. Lack of DDR5 for the motherboards is still limiting sales in my opinion. 
 

No doubt this is Intel's answer to AMD's 1st quarter 2022 CPU release.