Did I make a mistake buying the 12900k?

The 13700K is basically an improved 12900K. It looks like the 13700K is $550 CAD plus tax at most stores … so it’s not like you overpaid, but the extra expense might’ve been worth it. The 13900K is a whole different beast, but it comes with higher caveats of heat and power consumption.

Still, nothing wrong with the 12900K! Using one myself.

14th gen (13th gen refresh) is right around the corner.

No I don't think you made a bad decision at all I think all of these modern CPUs are plenty powerful. That being said if you're already eyeballing something new then you mine as well hold off for another couple months.

12900K and 13900K longevity is virtually identical. Those additional 8 e-cores do NOT make any difference to 99% of usual home usage including gaming.

I also upgraded from 4790K, but to a 12700k. Paired with a 3090 and game at 4K 120Hz. The only issue I think you’d cross sooner than me would be if you are trying to push 240Hz plus at lower resolution for gaming. We also can upgrade to 13th gen if we come across a really good deal down the road.

My 4790K now takes on home server duties and still does great. One day my 12700K will take over and I’ll get a new shiny CPU but I reckon we won’t be missing out on much if anything for another 3 years minimum.

Yes you are overthinking it. You have a very capable CPU and decent upgrade over your last one.

Yes you are overthinking - a Lot. If every time you buy a CPU or other hardware , and then you immediately went to check what's new on the market... You will obviously gonna see something new and better (and more expensive). Unless you want to have every single last model launched on the market, just because... If you think like that, you'll never be fine with any hardware. Since on IT constantly is being launched new models of everything. I don't see the mistake of buying a 12900k. Specially when you come from a 4790K, you should notice a "difference"... Lol I am on a 12400F upgraded last year from a 9400f and I am no shame about. Meet my needs and my budget. If I wanted to have a 13900K? Sure, I don't need that, but why not!? If your 12900k does the job, meet your needs, and you are happy with that. Just chill and enjoy what you have. Just stop searching new CPUs lol 😂

Considering you upgraded from 4th gen, I think you did fine. 13th gen might have been a better idea for down the line but it's not gonna make a huge difference. 12900 should still be good for at least as long as your old CPU was good for.

12900k is a great CPU if you're good with tweaking to get the heat right.

Wow, I too upgraded from a 4790k just last month. I got the 13700k. The 4790k lasted me a good 6-7 years without much problems(I play 1440p 60fps) up until Elden Ring the cpu showed clear struggle but I put off upgrading for a while still, now I can finally play it.

I think you did fine considering the jump between 8 generations of cpu’s. If you’re mostly gaming it should last you quite some time.