OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Intel Core i9 10900 Review | 78 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price: ~£380
  • PassMark benchmark result: 19096
  • N. of physical cores: 10
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.2 GHz

Intel Core i9 10900 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.6

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.3

Technical Score

10.0%

8.2

User score

Good
5.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

5.3

Performance

18.0%

4.3

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

4.9

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.7

Platform

1.0%

7.0

Integrated Graphics

Good
8.2

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

6.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(116)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 5.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    5.3

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.9

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    8.2

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    3.8

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    4.3

    N. of physical cores

  • 4.6
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    4.2

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.3

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    6.4

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    3.8

    L3 cache

  • intel-core-i9-10900
  • intel-core-i9-10900
  • intel-core-i9-10900
  • intel-core-i9-10900
  • intel-core-i9-10900
  • intel-core-i9-10900
intel-core-i9-10900
intel-core-i9-10900
intel-core-i9-10900
intel-core-i9-10900
intel-core-i9-10900
intel-core-i9-10900

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i9-10900 is a 10th Gen 'Comet Lake' desktop processor featuring 10 cores and 20 threads, built on a 14nm process for the LGA 1200 socket. It operates at a 2.8 GHz base frequency and can reach a maximum turbo boost of 5.2 GHz via Intel Thermal Velocity Boost, supported by 20 MB of Intel Smart Cache and a 65W TDP. Main pros include its high core count for excellent multitasking, strong single-core performance for gaming, and the inclusion of a bundled thermal solution. However, notable cons include its locked multiplier which prevents traditional overclocking, reliance on an older 14nm architecture compared to competitors, and the requirement for a 400-series chipset motherboard.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 10900

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

5.3

Performance

18.0%

4.3

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

4.9

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.7

Platform

1.0%

7.0

Integrated Graphics

5.3
Intel Core i9 10900 has a technical score of 5.31 points, which is higher than that of 51.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

6.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(116)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.2
Intel Core i9 10900 has a user score of 8.15 points, which is higher than that of 84.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
6.2
Intel Core i9 10900 has a popularity of 6.2 points, which is higher than 83.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.6

Overall score

40.0%

8.5

Price

6.5
Intel Core i9 10900 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is higher than 53% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i9 10900 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1200
Intel Core i9 10900 uses the LGA1200 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 69.9% of processors and equal to that of 4.5% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, B460, H410, Q470, Q570
Intel Core i9 10900 supports Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, B460, H410, Q470, Q570 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 63.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i9 10900 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

10
Intel Core i9 10900 has 10 CPU cores, which is more than 77.1% of processors and equal to 4.3% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

20
Intel Core i9 10900 offers 20 CPU threads, which is more than 85.4% of processors and equal to 4.5% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i9 10900 offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

5.2 GHz
Intel Core i9 10900 reaches a boost clock of 5.2 GHz which is higher than that of 90.3% of processors and equal to that of 2.6% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

10 x 2.8 GHz
Intel Core i9 10900 has a base clock of 10x2.8 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i9 10900 uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i9 10900 is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

20 MB
Intel Core i9 10900 has an L3 cache of 20 MB which is larger than that of 79.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

2.5 MB
Intel Core i9 10900 has an L2 cache of 2.5 MB which is larger than that of 48.8% of processors and equal to that of 1.3% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

640 KB
Intel Core i9 10900 has an L1 cache of 640 KB which is larger than that of 74.6% of processors and equal to that of 2.5% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i9 10900 supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,933 MHz
Intel Core i9 10900 supports memory speeds up to 2,933 MHz, which is higher than that of 46.3% of processors and equal to 5.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2933 MHz
Intel Core i9 10900 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2,933 MHz, which is higher than that of 46.8% of processors and equal to 4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

2,933 MHz
Intel Core i9 10900 supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 2,933 MHz, which is higher than that of 90% of processors and equal to 0.5% of processors.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i9 10900 supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i9 10900 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 630
Intel Core i9 10900 uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 44.3% and equal to that in 8.3%.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i9 10900 has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i9 10900 has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode)
Intel Core i9 10900 supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 78.5% of processors and equal to 0.8% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i9 10900 has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i9 10900 has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

224 W
Intel Core i9 10900 has a boost power of 224 W which is higher than that of 94.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i9 10900 has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i9 10900 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core i9 10900 vs the average processor

  • 20.9% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.5.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 12 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 10900 has more CPU threads than the average processor (20 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i9 10900 has more CPU threads than the average processor (20 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.20 vs 8
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i9 10900 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i9 10900 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 4 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 10900 has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i9 10900 has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.10 vs 6
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 10900 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i9 10900 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 76.2% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,443 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,443 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.8,443 vs 4,793
  • 2.5x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
    When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=16 MB

    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.20 MB vs 8 MB
  • 81.3% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (19,096 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (19,096 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.19,096 vs 10,532.5
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 10900 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1200 vs FP2).
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 10900 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core i9 10900 supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • Broader instruction support
    Intel Core i9 10900 supports a broader instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, CLMUL, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 20.9% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 12 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 10900 has more CPU threads than the average processor (20 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 4 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 10900 has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 76.2% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,443 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 81.3% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (19,096 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 20.3% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,988 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 16.4% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,712 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 9.3% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (529 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 2.5x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 66.7% larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (640 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i9 10900 has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 10900 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 10900 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i9 10900 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • 42.7% slower classroom rendering
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (453.7 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i9 10900 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 10900 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 15.7% larger die size
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher die size than the average processor (206 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 3.5x higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (224 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 10900 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i9 10900 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i9 10900 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 3.5x higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (224 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (224 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.224 W vs 64 W
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i9 10900 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
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 10900 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i9 10900 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 10900 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i9 10900 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 42.7% slower classroom rendering
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (453.7 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the Classroom scene, used to show how quickly the processor can complete a demanding rendering workload.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >1500

    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (453.7 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.453.7 vs 791,745
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i9 10900 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
Total
Overall
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 10900 and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
116 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i9 10900?

  • Excellent gaming performance with high boost clocks
  • Effective 10-core/20-thread multitasking for heavy workloads
  • Significant performance gains (up to 40%) when power limits are lifted
  • Includes a stock heatsink and integrated graphics
  • Ideal for small form factor (ITX) builds due to lower default power draw
  • Features Thermal Velocity Boost up to 5.2 GHz without manual overclocking

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 10900?

  • Default 65W TDP significantly limits potential performance 'out of the box'
  • Becomes very hot and power-hungry when power limits are removed
  • Multiplier is locked, preventing traditional overclocking
  • Stock cooler is often considered inadequate for sustained heavy loads
  • Lacks support for PCIe Gen 4, which was available on contemporary AMD alternatives
  • Poor value at stock settings compared to the unlocked i7-10700K or Ryzen 9 3900X

Expert reviews

T
techpowerup.com
13/07/2020
Intel Core i9-10900 Review - Performance Summary & Performance per Dollar

The TechPowerUp review of the Intel Core i9-10900 reveals a "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" scenario, where strict 65W power limits (PL1) at stock settings cause performance throttling, resulting in poor multi-threaded performance compared to the cheaper Core i7-10700K. However, the review highlights that removing these power limits in the BIOS transforms the CPU into a "price/performance...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
13/07/2020
Intel Core i9-10900 Review - Clock Frequencies & Overclocking

TechPowerUp characterizes the Intel Core i9-10900 as a "fail at stock" but "impressive when unlocked," noting that its default 65W power limit heavily restricts productivity performance. Removing these limits in the BIOS transforms the processor into a price/performance competitor, rivaling the i9-10900K, though the CPU is not traditionally overclockable due to a locked multiplier....Read more

T
techpowerup.com
13/07/2020
Intel Core i9-10900 Review - Architecture

The Intel Core i9-10900 is a 10-core/20-thread Comet Lake processor (LGA1200) with a 65W TDP, capable of 5.2 GHz boost speeds, but heavily throttled to 65W in stock configurations, which limits long-term multi-threaded performance. Key advantages include excellent out-of-the-box gaming performance, an included cooler, and significant performance gains (up to 40%) when power limits...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
13/07/2020
Intel Core i9-10900 Review - Game Tests 1440p

The TechPowerUp review describes the Intel Core i9-10900 as a "Jekyll and Hyde" processor heavily defined by its 65W TDP power limits, which severely limit multi-threaded performance unless unlocked in the BIOS. While restricted at stock settings, removing these limits transforms the 10-core chip into a high-performance, cost-effective alternative to the K-series, particularly for...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
13/07/2020
Intel Core i9-10900 Review - Game Tests 1080p

The TechPowerUp review describes the Intel Core i9-10900 as a processor that fails at default 65W settings due to severe performance throttling, yet becomes impressive when power limits are removed. While the stock configuration offers excellent gaming, it underperforms in multi-threaded tasks, prompting the review to recommend unlocking the power limits for up to 40% higher...Read more

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core i9-10900 - CPU UserBenchmarks Would you like to see a comparison of benchmark results between this 65W model and the unlocked i9-10900K ver...

The Intel Core i9-10900 is a 10-core, 20-thread 10th Gen "Comet Lake" processor designed for high-end gaming and productivity with a 65W TDP. It offers impressive single-core speeds, boosting up to 5.20 GHz, but lacks the manual overclocking found on K-series models. Key pros include exceptional 1080p gaming performance and better efficiency for smaller, air-cooled builds compared...Read more

P
pcgameshardware.de
19/08/2020
Intel Core i9-10900 Review: What’s left of the flagship without the 'K'?

The PC Games Hardware review of the Intel Core i9-10900 (non-K) highlights it as a 10-core, 65W, locked processor offering exceptional 1080p gaming performance with up to 5.2 GHz boost speeds, frequently outperforming the Ryzen 9 3900X in that specific metric. Pros include integrated graphics and lower TDP, though it falls behind in multi-threaded tasks by 31-41% due to fewer cores,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
B
bpm-power.com
11/08/2020
Intel Core i9-10900: Discover All the Latest News", "Intel Core i9-10900: Everything You Need to Know

The Intel Core i9-10900 is a 10-core, 20-thread "Comet Lake" processor operating at 65W, designed for high-performance computing and gaming with a 5.2 GHz max turbo. Key pros include exceptional single-threaded performance and efficiency compared to the K-series, along with included integrated graphics and a stock cooler. However, cons involve performance limitations in...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

intel-core-i9-14900k
Intel Core i9 14900K

Processors

8.5
intel-core-ultra-9-285k
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

Processors

8.9
amd-ryzen-9-7950x
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X

Processors

8.4
intel-core-i9-14900
Intel Core i9 14900

Processors

8.1
amd-ryzen-7-9800x3d
AMD Ryzen 7 9800x3d

Processors

7.9
amd-ryzen-9-9900x
AMD Ryzen 9 9900X

Processors

8.5
intel-core-i9-12900
Intel Core i9 12900

Processors

7.4
amd-ryzen-9-9950x
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X

Processors

8.5
intel-core-i7-14700k
Intel Core i7 14700K

Processors

8.2
No image
Intel Core i7 13700T

Processors

7.4
intel-core-i9-12900ks
Intel Core i9 12900KS

Processors

8.0
intel-core-i7-14700
Intel Core i7 14700

Processors

7.9

Compare Intel Core i9 10900 with other processors

VS
VS

Compare