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Intel Core i9 10940X Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£880
  • Avg. price in US: ~$780
  • PassMark benchmark result: 27665
  • N. of physical cores: 14
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.8 GHz

Intel Core i9 10940X review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

6.6

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%

6.4

Technical Score

10.0%

8.4

User score

Good
6.4

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%

6.4

Performance

18.0%

6.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.6

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.8

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.2

Platform

1.0%

3.4

Integrated Graphics

Good
8.4

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%

8.9

User reviews

30.0%

7.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(122)
amazon
4.3
(41)
amazon
4.5
(5)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 5.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.5

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.4

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    7.0

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    3.7

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    5.9

    N. of physical cores

  • 5.9
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    5.3

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.9

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    8.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    3.7

    L3 cache

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Best rankings

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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 i9-10940X is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor from the 10th Gen Cascade Lake-X series, featuring 14 cores and 28 threads with a 3.3 GHz base frequency and a Turbo Boost Max 3.0 speed of up to 4.8 GHz. Built on a 14nm process for the LGA2066 socket, it offers 19.25 MB of Intel Smart Cache, supports quad-channel DDR4-2933 memory up to 256 GB, and provides 48 PCIe 3.0 lanes for extensive expansion. Its primary strengths include excellent multi-threaded performance for content creation tasks like Adobe Premiere Pro, significant overclocking headroom (often reaching 4.9 GHz across all cores), and a robust HEDT platform that balances cost better than higher-core alternatives. However, it is hindered by a high 165W TDP that requires substantial cooling, is based on an aging architecture that struggles to compete with more power-efficient modern mainstream CPUs, and does not include a thermal solution in the box.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 10940X

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%

6.4

Performance

18.0%

6.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.6

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.8

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.2

Platform

1.0%

3.4

Integrated Graphics

6.4
Intel Core i9 10940X has a technical score of 6.39 points, which is higher than that of 71.4% 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%

8.9

User reviews

30.0%

7.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(122)
amazon
4.3
(41)
amazon
4.5
(5)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.4
Intel Core i9 10940X has a user score of 8.43 points, which is higher than that of 85.9% 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.
7.3
Intel Core i9 10940X has a popularity of 7.3 points, which is higher than 85.4% 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%

6.6

Overall score

40.0%

5.9

Price

6.4
Intel Core i9 10940X has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is higher than 49.1% 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 10940X 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 10940X 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 10940X 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 10940X 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+

14
Intel Core i9 10940X has 14 CPU cores, which is more than 87.1% 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+

28
Intel Core i9 10940X offers 28 CPU threads, which is more than 94.4% of processors and equal to 0.5% 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 10940X 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

4.8 GHz
Intel Core i9 10940X reaches a boost clock of 4.8 GHz which is higher than that of 71.2% of processors and equal to that of 4.3% 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

14 x 3.3 GHz
Intel Core i9 10940X has a base clock of 14x3.3 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 10940X 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 10940X 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 10940X 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

14 MB
Intel Core i9 10940X has an L2 cache of 14 MB which is larger than that of 87.5% of processors and equal to that of 2.2% 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

896 KB
Intel Core i9 10940X has an L1 cache of 896 KB which is larger than that of 82.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% 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 10940X 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 10940X 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 10940X 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

4,000 MHz
Intel Core i9 10940X supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 4000 MHz, which is higher than that of 93.2% 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

256 GB
Intel Core i9 10940X 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 10940X 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

?
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 10940X 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 10940X 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

?
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 10940X does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i9 10940X vs the average processor

  • 3.07x better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (8,550 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 10940X has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (8,550 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.8,550 vs 2,783
  • 20 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 10940X has more CPU threads than the average processor (28 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 10940X has more CPU threads than the average processor (28 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.28 vs 8
  • 8 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 10940X has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 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 10940X has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.14 vs 6
  • 5.6x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 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 10940X has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.14 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 32 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i9 10940X 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 10940X has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (48 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.48 vs 16
  • 2.35x higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,287 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 10940X has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,287 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.11,287 vs 4,793
  • 2.63x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (27,665 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 10940X has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (27,665 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.27,665 vs 10,532.5
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 10940X 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 10940X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 10940X uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2,066 vs FP2).
  • Higher-end processor class
    Intel Core i9 10940X belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
  • 3.07x better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (8,550 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 20 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 10940X has more CPU threads than the average processor (28 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 8 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 10940X has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 2.63x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (27,665 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 2.35x higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,287 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 10940X has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 11.6% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 6.9% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,655 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 5.6x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 2.41x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (19.3 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 2.33x larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (896 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 2x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 10940X 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.
  • 32 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i9 10940X 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 10940X 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 10940X 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 10940X supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 14 °C lower CPU temperature
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (86 °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
  • 3.92x larger die size
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher die size than the average processor (698 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 10940X 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 10940X uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Cascade Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 2 fewer memory channels
    Intel Core i9 10940X has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
  • No integrated graphics
    Intel Core i9 10940X does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    Intel Core i9 10940X 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 10940X has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 14 °C lower TJ Max
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (86 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 10940X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    Intel Core i9 10940X 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 10940X 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
  • 3.92x larger die size
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher die size than the average processor (698 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i9 10940X has a higher die size than the average processor (698 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².698 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 10940X 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 10940X 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 10940X 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 10940X 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 10940X 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 10940X 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
  • 14 °C lower TJ Max
    Intel Core i9 10940X has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (86 °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 10940X has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (86 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.86 °C vs 100 °C
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 10940X 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 10940X does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 3.52x more expensive
    Intel Core i9 10940X is more expensive than the average processor (£880 vs £250).
    Intel Core i9 10940X is more expensive than the average processor (£880 vs £250).£880 vs £250
Total
Overall
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 10940X and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
122 Reviews
amazon
4.3
41 Reviews
amazon
4.5
5 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i9 10940X?

  • High multi-threaded performance suitable for rendering, code compilation, and professional software like Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Support for 48 PCIe lanes (72 total platform lanes), making it ideal for workstations using multiple GPUs and NVMe drives
  • Features quad-channel memory support and a high maximum memory capacity of up to 256 GB
  • Unlocked multiplier allows for significant overclocking headroom; some users achieved stable speeds of 4.8 GHz to 5.0 GHz across all 14 cores
  • Lower pricing compared to previous-generation HEDT models and high-end AMD Threadripper alternatives at the time of launch
  • Compatible with existing X299 motherboards, offering a cost-effective upgrade path for users already on that platform

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 10940X?

  • High power consumption, especially when overclocked, with system draws reaching over 500W in some tests
  • Requires high-end cooling solutions (typically 240mm+ AIO or custom loops) to manage extreme heat under load
  • Lags behind mainstream CPUs in single-threaded tasks and gaming performance due to its MESH architecture and lower base clock speeds
  • Poor value proposition compared to AMD's Ryzen 9 3950X or 5000-series, which often outperformed it in many standard benchmarks for less money
  • Lack of modern features like PCIe 4.0 support, which was already being offered by competitors during its release window

Expert reviews

O
openbenchmarking.org
Q1 2020
Intel Core i9-10940X Performance Benchmarks

The Intel Core i9-10940X, a 14-core/28-thread Cascade Lake-X HEDT processor, features a 3.3 GHz base clock and up to 4.8 GHz boost, supported by quad-channel DDR4 and 48 PCIe 3.0 lanes. OpenBenchmarking data confirms its strength in professional Linux workloads, particularly in AVX-512 accelerated applications and rendering. The processor provides a capable upgrade path for existing...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
Q4 2019
Intel Core i9-10940X @ 3.30GHz - CPU Benchmarks Would you like to see gaming-specific benchmark comparisons for this processor or workstation performa...

The Intel Core i9-10940X is a 14-core, 28-thread Cascade Lake-X processor designed for content creation, offering robust multithreaded performance and support for up to 48 PCIe lanes on the X299 platform. While providing strong performance in rendering applications, it faces stiff competition from modern alternatives, with a 165W TDP that requires high-end cooling and struggles in...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 and i9-10940X highlights them as professional-grade HEDT processors designed for the mature X299 LGA2066 platform, offering 48 PCIe lanes and support for up to 256GB of DDR4 memory. A major pro is their backward compatibility with existing X299 motherboards via a BIOS update, although a significant con is the 165W TDP that requires...Read more

B
bit-tech.net
07/02/2020
Intel Core i9-10940X Review

Bit-tech's review of the 14-core Intel Core i9-10940X describes it as a niche Cascade Lake-X processor that offers a significant price reduction over its predecessor but faces stiff competition from AMD's Ryzen 9 3950X. The chip, built on an aging 14nm process, delivers competitive performance in specific workloads like Adobe Premiere Pro and features strong HEDT capabilities,...Read more

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
01/03/2026
Intel Core i9-10940X BX8069510940X - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i9-10940X is a 14-core, 28-thread Cascade Lake-X HEDT processor designed for the X299 platform, offering 48 PCIe lanes and quad-channel memory support for workstation tasks. It features an unlocked multiplier allowing for substantial overclocking, often reaching 4.9 GHz for enhanced creative application performance. However, it is a power-hungry 165W TDP chip that...Read more

H
hardwareluxx.de
15/05/2020
Tower Workstation: Corsair One Pro i200 with Core i9-10940X and RTX 2080 Ti Review

The Hardwareluxx review of the Corsair One Pro i200 highlights a compact 12-liter workstation featuring an Intel Core i9-10940X and NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti, aimed at creative professionals needing high performance in a small footprint. Key advantages include an innovative, whisper-quiet liquid cooling system for both CPU and GPU, paired with a high-quality aluminum chassis and 64GB of...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hardwaredealz.com
25/06/2026
Intel Core i9-10940X Review: Benchmarks & Gaming Performance

The Intel Core i9-10940X is a 14-core Cascade Lake-X processor designed for HEDT users, offering 48 PCIe lanes and quad-channel memory support. Key pros include excellent performance in specific professional applications like Premiere Pro and solid overclocking capabilities, while the main cons are high power consumption, thermal demands, and a 165W TDP. Compared to newer mainstream...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hardwareluxx.de
25/11/2019
Intel Tries to Catch Up: Core i9-10980XE with 18 Cores Reviewed (Includes i9-10940X Benchmarks)

The Hardwareluxx review of the Intel Core i9-10980XE highlights a "refresh" approach where Intel focuses on aggressive pricing and minor refinements rather than architectural leaps. Built on the 14nm process, this 18-core Cascade Lake-X processor features improved Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 reaching 4.8 GHz and introduces Deep Learning Boost for AI workloads on the established...Read more

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V
valid.x86.fr
01/03/2026
CPU-Z Single-Thread Benchmark for Intel Core i9-10940X

The Intel Core i3-12100F (Alder Lake) benchmark on valid.x86.fr shows strong single-core performance (approx. 643 CPU-Z score) and 3486 multi-thread, positioning it as a capable budget processor. Its primary advantages include high efficiency, low TDP, and single-core speed that competes with previous-generation high-end chips. Limitations include a restricted 4-core count that...Read more

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P
profesionalreview.com
04/10/2019
i9-10980X, i9-10940X, i9-10920X and 10900X - Professional Review

Intel's Cascade Lake-X HEDT lineup (i9-10980XE to i9-10900X) on the X299 platform features aggressive pricing—nearly half of predecessors—alongside moderate clock speed boosts up to 4.8 GHz. These processors offer robust quad-channel DDR4-2933 memory support, 48 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, and excellent performance in specific workstation tasks like Adobe Premiere Pro. However, they remain on...Read more

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H
hwupgrade.it
25/11/2019
Intel Core i9-10980XE: The 10th Gen Core-X CPU (includes i9-10940X)

The HWUpgrade review of the Intel Core i9-10980XE (Cascade Lake-X) highlights it as a refined 14nm 18-core/36-thread processor, primarily defined by a 50% price reduction over its predecessor to compete with AMD, despite limited architectural advancements. It offers improved boost clocks up to 4.8 GHz and 48 PCIe 3.0 lanes, excelling in professional, quad-channel memory workloads...Read more

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

The Intel Core i9-10980XE Extreme Edition is presented as a modest, 14nm 18-core/36-thread refinement aimed at the HEDT market, distinguished primarily by a significant 50% price reduction to $979 and higher boost clocks (4.8 GHz). A key pro is its drop-in compatibility with the mature X299 chipset (LGA 2066), supporting 256GB of DDR4-2933 memory and 48 PCIe 3.0 lanes. While Intel...Read more

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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 redefine high-end desktop performance with 24 and 32 cores, offering immense multi-threaded advantages and PCIe 4.0, though they come with high costs for new TRX40 motherboards and intense cooling requirements. Conversely, Intel’s Cascade Lake-X lineup, led by the i9-10980XE, presents a budget-focused refresh that, despite lower...Read more

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T
tweakers.net
25/11/2019
New Threadrippers and Core Extreme - Review

This 2019 Tweakers review examines the high-end desktop (HEDT) market, highlighting a shift driven by AMD’s 3rd Gen Ryzen Threadripper and Intel's competitively priced Cascade Lake-X processors. AMD’s Threadripper 3960X and 3970X processors on the new TRX40 platform set new performance benchmarks in productivity, offering significantly higher multi-threaded throughput and PCIe 4.0...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
ct.nl
23/05/2023
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D vs Intel Core i9-13900KS: Which CPU is Better? (Including i9-10940X Benchmarks)

a little longer According to the Ct.nl review, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is the superior gaming CPU, leveraging 3D V-Cache to outperform the Core i9-13900KS with high energy efficiency (186 Cinebench points per watt). Pros include unrivaled gaming performance and lower power consumption, while the primary con is slightly lower performance in some professional applications compared to...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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