OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i7-9800X review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£130PassMark multi-core score:18151N. of physical cores:8CPU boost clock speed:4.5 GHzCPU socket:LGA2066TDP (Thermal design power):165 W

Intel Core i7-9800X Review: Compare 74 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i7-9800X
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 55% of models
Score components

40%

6.2

Technical score

25%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.2, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–²Better than 55% of processors
7.8

Value for money

Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–²Better than 77%
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 56% of models
Score components

60%

6.4

Performance

18%

5.8

Architecture

10%

7.1

Memory & PCIe

7%

3.9

Power & Thermal

4%

8.1

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

â–²Better than 56%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.2.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • intel-core-i7-9800x
  • intel-core-i7-9800x
  • intel-core-i7-9800x
  • intel-core-i7-9800x
intel-core-i7-9800x
intel-core-i7-9800x
intel-core-i7-9800x
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7-9800X

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 56% of models
Score components:

60%

6.4

Performance

18%

5.8

Architecture

10%

7.1

Memory & PCIe

7%

3.9

Power & Thermal

4%

8.1

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

6.2
Reviews score
7.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.8
Processor type
workstation
This processor belongs to the workstation processor class, which is more advanced than that of 95.4% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA2066
This processor uses the LGA2066 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 73.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% of processors.
Chipset
X299
This processor supports X299 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 95.5% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES instruction sets, which is narrower support than 51.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
8
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 61.2% of processors and equal to 13.9% of processors.
CPU threads
16
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 16 CPU threads, which is more than 69% of processors and equal to 14.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.5 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.5 GHz which is higher than that of 53.9% of processors and equal to that of 5.5% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
8x 3.8 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 8x3.8 GHz which is higher than that of 84% of processors and equal to that of 1.3% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
18,151
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 18,151 in PassMark, which is higher than 64.9% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
14 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 32.9% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
This processor is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.9% of processors and equal to that of 29% of processors.
L3 cache
16.5 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 16.5 MB which is larger than that of 74.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
L2 cache
8 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 8 MB which is larger than that of 72% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
L1 cache
512 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 512 KB which is larger than that of 62.8% of processors and equal to that of 9.4% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This processor supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 25.2% of processors and equal to that of 31.1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
2,666 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 56.7% of processors and equal to 7.9% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 59.8% of processors and equal to 7.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
N/A
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 59.3% of processors and equal to 22.8% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
no
This processor does not include integrated graphics. 85.4% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
N/A
Integrated media encoders/decoders
N/A
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
165 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 165 W which is higher than that of 96.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
165 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 165 W which is higher than that of 96% of processors and equal to that of 1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
165 W
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 165 W which is higher than that of 89.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more

Intel Core i7-9800X vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 4 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    8 vs 4
  • 28 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    44 vs 16
  • 8 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    16 vs 8
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 58.3% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,151 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    18,151 vs 11,469
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x3.8 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    8x3.8 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 2.67x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (8 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    8 MB vs 3 MB
  • 42.2% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,405 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    7,405 vs 5,209
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2066 vs FP5).
    LGA2066 vs FP5
  • Higher-end processor class
    This processor belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
    workstation vs mobile
  • 4 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    8 vs 4
  • 8 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    16 vs 8
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 58.3% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,151 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    18,151 vs 11,469
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x3.8 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    8x3.8 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 42.2% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,405 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    7,405 vs 5,209
  • 2 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    8 vs 6
  • More advanced Turbo Core
    This processor has a more advanced Turbo Core version than the average processor (3 vs 2).
    Intel Turbo Boost Max
    3 vs 2
  • 10 higher clock multiplier
    This processor has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (38 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    38 vs 28
  • 2.67x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (8 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    8 MB vs 3 MB
  • 2x more L2 per core
    This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 83.3% larger L3 cache
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (16.5 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    16.5 MB vs 9 MB
  • 33.3% larger L1 cache
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (512 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    512 KB vs 384 KB
  • 28 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    44 vs 16
  • 81.2% higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (85 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    85 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 5 °C lower CPU temperature
    This processor has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    95 °C vs 100 °C
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    165 W vs 45 W
  • 2.58x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    165 W vs 64 W
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, SGX, TXT, MPX vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, SGX, TXT, MPX vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 2.73x larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    484 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 51.8% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (192 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    192 vs 398.015
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 3.67x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    165 W vs 45 W
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, SGX, TXT, MPX vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, SGX, TXT, MPX vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 2 years older release date
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2018 vs 2020).
    December 2018
    2018 vs 2020
  • 51.8% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (192 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    192 vs 398.015
  • 8.9% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,399 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,399 vs 1,535
  • 2.73x larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    484 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    14 nm vs 12 nm
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
    Skylake vs Kaby Lake
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • 16.7% lower memory speed
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    2,666 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • 2 fewer memory channels
    This processor has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
    4 vs 2
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR4-2666 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR4-2,666 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • No integrated graphics
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, while the average processor does. 85.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    165 W vs 45 W
  • 2.58x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    165 W vs 64 W
  • 3.67x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    165 W vs 45 W
  • 5 °C lower temperature limit
    This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    95 °C vs 100 °C

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7-9800X

  • Supports quad-channel memory, providing high bandwidth for memory-bound applications
  • Provides 44 PCIe lanes, which is excellent for multi-GPU setups and NVMe SSD expansion
  • Features an unlocked multiplier, making it easy to overclock for enthusiasts
  • Solid performance in professional productivity and multitasking workloads
  • Includes support for AVX-512 instruction sets, beneficial for specific calculation-heavy tasks
  • Uses a soldered heat spreader (IHS) which some users found improves heat transfer compared to older thermal paste methods

What customers don't like about Intel Core i7-9800X

  • High power consumption with a 165W TDP, requiring high-end cooling solutions
  • Runs very hot, especially when overclocked or under heavy AVX loads, sometimes hitting thermal limits
  • Premium pricing compared to mainstream chips like the i9-9900K, which often offer better gaming performance
  • Requires the more expensive X299 motherboard platform
  • Lacks support for ECC RAM, which some workstation users consider a significant deficiency
  • Mesh architecture can result in higher latency compared to the ring-bus design found in consumer-grade Intel CPUs

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-9800X is an enthusiast-grade X-Series processor based on the Skylake architecture, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads with a 3.8 GHz base frequency and up to 4.5 GHz boost via Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0. Built for the LGA 2066 socket and X299 chipset, it offers 16.5 MB of Smart Cache, 44 PCIe lanes for extensive expansion, and supports quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory up to 128 GB. Key advantages include its high PCIe lane count and quad-channel memory bandwidth, which are superior to standard desktop chips like the i7-9700K for workstation tasks. However, it suffers from a very high 165W TDP, resulting in significant heat production that requires premium cooling solutions, and lacks integrated graphics, necessitating a discrete GPU.

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