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Intel Core i9 10900X Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£320
  • Avg. price in US: ~$390
  • PassMark benchmark result: 22335
  • N. of physical cores: 10
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.7 GHz

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

6.0

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%

5.6

Technical Score

10.0%

9.4

User score

Good
5.6

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%

5.2

Performance

18.0%

6.4

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.9

Platform

1.0%

2.8

Integrated Graphics

Good
9.4

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%

9.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(230)
amazon
4.5
(122)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 4.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.5

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.5

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    6.7

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    3.7

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    4.3

    N. of physical cores

  • 4.8
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    4.6

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.3

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    6.4

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    3.7

    L3 cache

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

Verdict

The Intel Core i9-10900X is a 10th Gen X-Series High-End Desktop (HEDT) processor featuring 10 cores and 20 threads with a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a Turbo Boost Max 3.0 frequency of up to 4.7 GHz. Built on a 14nm process for the LGA 2066 socket, it offers 48 PCIe 3.0 lanes, supports up to 256 GB of quad-channel DDR4-2933 RAM, and includes a 19.25 MB Intel Smart Cache. Main pros include its unlocked multiplier for enthusiast overclocking, high memory capacity support for workstation tasks, and strong multi-threaded performance in creative workloads like video editing. However, it suffers from a high 165W TDP that requires significant cooling, lacks integrated graphics, and faces stiff competition from mainstream CPUs that often offer better gaming performance and power efficiency for the price.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 10900X

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%

5.2

Performance

18.0%

6.4

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.9

Platform

1.0%

2.8

Integrated Graphics

5.6
Intel Core i9 10900X has a technical score of 5.61 points, which is higher than that of 57.6% 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%

9.1

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(230)
amazon
4.5
(122)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.4
Intel Core i9 10900X has a user score of 9.39 points, which is higher than that of 91.8% 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.
10
Intel Core i9 10900X has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 88.3% 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%

6.0

Overall score

40.0%

8.8

Price

6.8
Intel Core i9 10900X has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.8 points, which is higher than 65.9% 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

workstation
Intel Core i9 10900X belongs to the workstation processor class, which is more advanced than that of 95.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.9% 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

LGA2066
Intel Core i9 10900X uses the LGA2066 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 74.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% 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

X299
Intel Core i9 10900X supports X299 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 95.3% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% 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 10900X 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.
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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 10900X 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 10900X 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 10900X 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

4.7 GHz
Intel Core i9 10900X reaches a boost clock of 4.7 GHz which is higher than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 3.7% 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 3.7 GHz
Intel Core i9 10900X has a base clock of 10x3.7 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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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 10900X 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 10900X 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

19.25 MB
Intel Core i9 10900X has an L3 cache of 19.25 MB which is larger than that of 79.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% 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

10 MB
Intel Core i9 10900X has an L2 cache of 10 MB which is larger than that of 80.5% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% 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 10900X 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.
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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 10900X 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 10900X supports memory speeds up to 2933 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 10900X supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2933 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

?
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

256 GB
Intel Core i9 10900X supports up to 256 GB of memory, which is more than 89.4% of processors and equal to 8.3% of processors.
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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

no
Intel Core i9 10900X does not include integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors 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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
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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

165 W
Intel Core i9 10900X has a TDP of 165 W which is higher than that of 95.9% of processors and equal to that of 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

165 W
Intel Core i9 10900X has a base power of 165 W which is higher than that of 95.9% of processors and equal to that of 1% 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

?
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 10900X 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 10900X does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i9 10900X vs the average processor

  • 2.43x better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (6,762 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (6,762 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.6,762 vs 2,783
  • 32 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i9 10900X has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (48 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    What it is: The number of PCIe lanes provided directly by the processor.
    When it matters: When you connect fast GPUs, SSDs, or expansion cards.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=20

    Intel Core i9 10900X has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (48 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.48 vs 16
  • 12 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 10900X 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 10900X has more CPU threads than the average processor (20 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.20 vs 8
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 10900X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Has an unlocked CPU multiplier, which makes manual CPU overclocking much easier on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When you plan to push clock speeds beyond stock settings instead of leaving the processor completely at default behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i9 10900X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 4x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (10 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    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

    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (10 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.10 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 4x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 10900X has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    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

    Intel Core i9 10900X has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.256 GB vs 64 GB
  • 2.05x higher memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (94 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
    What it is: The maximum theoretical memory bandwidth the processor can support.
    When it matters: When memory-heavy workloads matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >75 GB/s

    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (94 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.94 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
  • 97.8% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,479 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 10900X has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,479 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.9,479 vs 4,793
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 10900X uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2,066 vs FP2).
  • Higher-end processor class
    Intel Core i9 10900X belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
  • 2.43x better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (6,762 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 12 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 10900X has more CPU threads than the average processor (20 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 10900X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 97.8% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,479 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 2.12x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (22,335 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 4 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 10900X has more CPU cores than the average processor (10 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 9.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 7.5% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,668 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 4x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (10 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 2.41x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (19.3 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 2x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 10900X 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.
  • 66.7% larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (640 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 32 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i9 10900X has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (48 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 4x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 10900X has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 2.05x higher memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (94 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 10900X supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 6 °C lower CPU temperature
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (94 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 10900X does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 58.9% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (136.4 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 42.7% slower classroom rendering
    Intel Core i9 10900X 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.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i9 10900X uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Cascade Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 2 fewer memory channels
    Intel Core i9 10900X has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
  • No integrated graphics
    Intel Core i9 10900X does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    Intel Core i9 10900X 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.
  • 3.67x higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 10900X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 6 °C lower TJ Max
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (94 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • 58.9% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (136.4 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
    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: >290

    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (136.4 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.136.4 vs 331.88
  • 3.67x higher base power
    Intel Core i9 10900X 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.
    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 10900X 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
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 10900X 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 10900X 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
    Intel Core i9 10900X uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Cascade 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 10900X uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Cascade Lake vs Kaby Lake).Cascade Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 3.67x higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 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 10900X 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
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 10900X 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 10900X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 6 °C lower TJ Max
    Intel Core i9 10900X has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (94 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
    What it is: The highest safe operating junction temperature before the CPU starts throttling or protecting itself.
    When it matters: When you tune cooling or monitor thermals under load.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=100 °C

    Intel Core i9 10900X has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (94 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.94 °C vs 100 °C
  • 42.7% slower classroom rendering
    Intel Core i9 10900X 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 10900X 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
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 10900X and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
230 Reviews
amazon
4.5
122 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i9 10900X?

  • High PCIe lane count (48 lanes) supports multiple NVMe drives and multi-GPU setups
  • Supports high memory capacity up to 256 GB of quad-channel DDR4 RAM
  • Solid performance in workstation tasks like CAD, audio creation, and video transcoding
  • Compatible with existing X299 motherboards, allowing for an easier upgrade path for older HEDT systems
  • Features AVX-512 instruction set support for specific professional workloads
  • Unlocked multiplier allows for overclocking to improve performance

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 10900X?

  • Weak price-to-performance ratio compared to mainstream alternatives like the Ryzen 3900X
  • Underwhelming IPC gains as it is a refresh of older Skylake-X architecture
  • High power consumption, especially when overclocked, reaching significant wattage draws
  • Runs hot under load, requiring high-end cooling solutions (AIO or premium air coolers)
  • Mediocre gaming performance compared to cheaper mainstream processors like the i9-9900K or newer generations
  • Lacks support for modern standards like PCIe 4.0

Expert reviews

F
forbes.com
26/02/2020
Intel Cascade Lake-X Core i9-10900X, 10920X and 10940X Reviews: Performance Comparison vs. i9-9900X

Antony Leather's Forbes review finds that Intel’s Cascade Lake-X CPUs (Core i9-10900X, 10920X, 10940X) gain value against the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X largely through drastic price cuts rather than superior, cutting-edge performance. The 10920X and 10940X models offer advantages for HEDT users, specifically in quad-channel memory and 48 PCIe lanes, although the 10900X is considered less...Read more

B
bit-tech.net
23/01/2020
Intel Core i9-10900X Review

The Intel Core i9-10900X, analyzed by bit-tech.net, is a 10-core/20-thread Cascade Lake-X processor serving as an entry-level HEDT option with 4.7GHz peak boost, offering hardware-level security and 256GB quad-channel DDR4 support. While functional, it represents a modest refresh of older architecture, making it an unexciting choice in a competitive market. Performance is mixed,...Read more

T
tweakreviews.com
17/01/2020
Intel Core i9-10900X & i9-10940X Processor Review

The Intel Core i9-10900X is a 10-core, 20-thread HEDT processor designed for professionals and developers, offering strong performance in workstation tasks like content creation and rendering. It provides 48 PCIe lanes and support for up to 256GB of DDR4 memory on the mature X299 platform, serving as a $600 entry point into the Cascade Lake-X series. Key advantages include...Read more

E
eteknix.com
26/11/2019
Intel Core i9-10900X & i9-10940X Processor Review

The eTeknix review of the Intel Core i9-10900X (10-core) and i9-10940X (14-core) "Cascade Lake-X" processors identifies them as high-end desktop (HEDT) parts targeting professional workstation tasks, featuring compatibility with existing LGA 2066 X299 motherboards. While excelling in productivity with strong quad-channel memory performance and reaching 5.0 GHz all-core overclocking,...Read more

P
pcgameshardware.de
25/11/2019
Intel Core i9-10980XE Review: Cascade Lake-X Benchmarks (Detailed benchmarks including i9-10900X)

The Intel Core i9-10980XE ("Cascade Lake-X") is an 18-core/36-thread flagship utilizing a refined 14nm process with higher clock speeds (up to 4.8 GHz) than its predecessor, accompanied by an aggressive, near 50% price reduction to improve competitiveness. Technical advantages include increased PCIe 3.0 lanes, support for up to 256GB quad-channel DDR4, Intel Deep Learning Boost, and...Read more

(Translated)Show original
V
valid.x86.fr
01/03/2026
CPU-Z Single-Thread Benchmark for Intel Core i9-10900X

The CPU-Z validator benchmark (itgf3d) highlights the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D as a high-performance 8-core, 16-thread processor utilizing 3D V-Cache technology on the AM4 platform. It acts as a slightly down-clocked, more efficient alternative to the 5800X3D with a 4.1 GHz max boost, offering high-tier gaming performance. Key pros include exceptional value for existing AM4 users,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tomshw.it
28/11/2019
Intel Core i9-10980XE Review (Including i9-10900X Benchmarks)

The Tom's Hardware Italy review evaluates the Intel Core i9-10980XE, an 18-core, 36-thread Cascade Lake-X HEDT processor designed for content creators and demanding workstation tasks. It serves as a refined, higher-clocked update to the previous generation, specifically targeting users on the mature X299 motherboard platform. The review highlights a major price reduction compared to...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hardware.info
25/11/2019
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X & 3970X vs. Intel Core i9 10900X & 10980XE Review

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X and 3970X processors dominate high-end desktop (HEDT) performance, offering up to 32 cores and significantly outperforming Intel’s 18-core Core i9-10980XE in multi-threaded tasks like rendering and video encoding. Key advantages include PCIe 4.0 support and massive cache sizes, though these processors require expensive new TRX40 motherboards and...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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