Intel Core i9 11900K Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£400
  • Avg. price in US: ~$430
  • PassMark benchmark result: 24952
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.3 GHz

Intel Core i9 11900K review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

6.4

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%

6.1

Technical Score

10.0%

9.4

User score

Good
6.1

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%

6.3

Performance

18.0%

5.8

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.3

Platform

1.0%

6.8

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%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(1546)
amazon
4.6
(649)
amazon
3.9
(16)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 6.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    6.5

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    7.0

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    8.5

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    3.3

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

  • 4.6
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    5.3

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    5.2

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    3.3

    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 i9-11900K is an 11th-generation 'Rocket Lake' flagship desktop processor built on a 14nm process with 8 cores and 16 threads, featuring a 3.5 GHz base clock and a maximum turbo boost of up to 5.3 GHz via Thermal Velocity Boost. Key technical specifications include 16MB of Intel Smart Cache, a 125W TDP, support for up to 128GB of DDR4-3200 memory, and 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes, alongside integrated Intel UHD Graphics 750. Its primary advantages include exceptional single-core performance and high frame rates in gaming, further enhanced by technologies like Adaptive Boost and Deep Learning Boost for AI acceleration. However, notable drawbacks include a core count reduction from the previous generation's 10 cores, leading to weaker multi-threaded productivity performance compared to rivals, as well as high power consumption and significant heat generation that typically necessitates high-end liquid cooling.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 11900K

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%

6.3

Performance

18.0%

5.8

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.3

Platform

1.0%

6.8

Integrated Graphics

6.1
Intel Core i9 11900K has a technical score of 6.11 points, which is higher than that of 65.9% 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%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(1546)
amazon
4.6
(649)
amazon
3.9
(16)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.4
Intel Core i9 11900K has a user score of 9.43 points, which is higher than that of 93% 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 11900K 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%

6.4

Overall score

40.0%

8.4

Price

7.0
Intel Core i9 11900K has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is higher than 72.2% 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 11900K 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 11900K 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, Q470, Q570, W480, W580
Intel Core i9 11900K supports Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, Q470, Q570, W480, W580 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 64.3% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% 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 11900K 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+

8
Intel Core i9 11900K has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 63.4% of processors and equal to 13.6% 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+

16
Intel Core i9 11900K offers 16 CPU threads, which is more than 71.1% of processors and equal to 13.9% 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 11900K 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

5.3 GHz
Intel Core i9 11900K reaches a boost clock of 5.3 GHz which is higher than that of 92.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% 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

8 x 3.5 GHz
Intel Core i9 11900K has a base clock of 8x3.5 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 11900K 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 11900K 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

16 MB
Intel Core i9 11900K has an L3 cache of 16 MB which is larger than that of 64.2% of processors and equal to that of 12.7% 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

4 MB
Intel Core i9 11900K has an L2 cache of 4 MB which is larger than that of 55.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.2% 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

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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 11900K 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

3,200 MHz
Intel Core i9 11900K supports memory speeds up to 3,200 MHz, which is higher than that of 51.5% of processors and equal to 8.3% 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

DDR4-3200 MHz
Intel Core i9 11900K supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-3,200 MHz, which is higher than that of 51.1% of processors and equal to 8.4% 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

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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 11900K supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% 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

yes
Intel Core i9 11900K 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 750
Intel Core i9 11900K uses the Intel UHD Graphics 750 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 55.7% and equal to that in 1.2%.
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

32
Intel Core i9 11900K has 32 GPU execution units, which is more than 70.8% of processors and equal to 9.9% 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 11900K 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

AV1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i9 11900K supports AV1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 63.1% of processors and equal to 10.8% of processors.
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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

125 W
Intel Core i9 11900K has a TDP of 125 W which is higher than that of 92.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% 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

125 W
Intel Core i9 11900K has a base power of 125 W which is higher than that of 92.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% 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

250 W
Intel Core i9 11900K has a boost power of 250 W which is higher than that of 96.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% 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

56 seconds
Intel Core i9 11900K has a turbo duration of 56 seconds which is shorter than that of 96.7% of processors and equal to that of 3.3% 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

yes
Intel Core i9 11900K supports configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 95 W
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Intel Core i9 11900K vs the average processor

  • 23.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.3 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 11900K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.5.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 63.2% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,400 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,400 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.2,400 vs 1,471
  • 2.36x higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,301 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 11900K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,301 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.11,301 vs 4,793
  • 41.1% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,504 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,504 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.3,504 vs 2,483
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 11900K 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 11900K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 2.37x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (24,952 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 11900K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (24,952 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.24,952 vs 10,532.5
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 11900K has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 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 11900K has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.16 vs 8
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i9 11900K supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
    What it is: The newest PCIe generation the processor can use directly for graphics cards, SSDs, and other high-speed expansion devices.
    When it matters: When you want support for newer GPUs or SSDs, or more bandwidth for high-speed expansion hardware.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 4.0

    Intel Core i9 11900K supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).4.0 vs 3.0
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 11900K uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1200 vs FP2).
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 11900K includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • 23.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 63.2% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,400 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 2.36x higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,301 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 41.1% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,504 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 11900K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 2.37x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (24,952 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 11900K has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 23.6% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (598 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 11900K has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 1 wider front-end design
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher front-end width than the average processor (5 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i9 11900K uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Rocket Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 2x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i9 11900K 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.
  • 60% larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (4 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i9 11900K supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 11900K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i9 11900K has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (20 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 11900K has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 55.1% larger die size
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher die size than the average processor (276 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i9 11900K supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • 3.91x higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (250 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 2.78x higher base power
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 2.78x higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher TDP than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 28 seconds shorter turbo duration
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (56 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
  • 3.91x higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (250 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 11900K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (250 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.250 W vs 64 W
  • 2.78x higher base power
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (125 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 11900K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.125 W vs 45 W
  • 55.1% larger die size
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher die size than the average processor (276 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 11900K has a higher die size than the average processor (276 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².276 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 11900K 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 11900K 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
  • 2.78x higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher TDP than the average processor (125 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 11900K has a higher TDP than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.125 W vs 45 W
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i9 11900K supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    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

    Intel Core i9 11900K supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).AV1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • 60% more expensive
    Intel Core i9 11900K is more expensive than the average processor (£400 vs £250).
    Intel Core i9 11900K is more expensive than the average processor (£400 vs £250).£400 vs £250
  • 28 seconds shorter turbo duration
    Intel Core i9 11900K has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (56 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
    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

    Intel Core i9 11900K has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (56 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.56 seconds vs 28 seconds

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 11900K and other processors

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i9 11900K?

  • Strong single-core performance and high IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) gains
  • Excellent for high-refresh-rate gaming in specific titles
  • Introduction of PCIe 4.0 support for faster storage and GPUs
  • Improved integrated Xe graphics (UHD 750) compared to previous generations
  • Support for AVX-512 instructions, beneficial for niche AI and machine learning tasks

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 11900K?

  • Regression in core count (8 cores vs. 10 cores in the previous i9-10900K)
  • Extremely high power consumption, reaching up to 300W under heavy loads
  • Runs very hot and requires high-end liquid cooling for stable operation
  • Poor value proposition; often outperformed by cheaper or similarly priced AMD Ryzen chips
  • Frequent thermal throttling and stability issues on early BIOS versions
  • Limited multi-threaded performance gains due to the reduced core count

Expert reviews

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pcmag.com
30/03/2021

The Intel Core i9-11900K, a 14nm "Cypress Cove" chip, boasts impressive 19% IPC gains but regresses to 8 cores and 16 threads, making it a "pedestrian" flagship that struggles against AMD's 12-core alternatives. While it excels in single-threaded tasks and sets records in select 1080p games, the chip is notoriously power-hungry and runs extremely hot, requiring robust liquid...Read more

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tech-critter.com
03/04/2021

Tech Critter describes the Intel Core i9-11900K as a "confusing" flagship, noting that while the Cypress Cove architecture delivers impressive single-core IPC gains, the reduction to 8 cores often results in multi-core performance that merely matches the previous 10-core i9-10900K. The review highlights that stock gaming performance frequently fails to hit the advertised 5.3GHz...Read more

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uk.pcmag.com
30/03/2021

The PCMag review characterizes the Intel Core i9-11900K as a powerful but "awkward" 2021 flagship that sacrifices multi-threaded performance by dropping to eight cores, compared to its ten-core predecessor. While offering fast single-threaded speeds and top-tier gaming performance, the chip is hindered by high power consumption and significant heat generation that often requires...Read more

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servethehome.com
30/03/2021

The ServeTheHome review characterizes the Intel Core i9-11900K as a transitional 8-core, 16-thread flagship that brings PCIe Gen4, AVX-512 support, and improved Xe graphics to a 14nm architecture. While offering competitive single-threaded performance and strong gaming results in select titles, the processor suffers from high power consumption and thermal output, especially with...Read more

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tomshardware.com
10/04/2021

Tom's Hardware review of Intel’s 11th Gen Rocket Lake-S CPUs highlights a mixed release, focusing on significant architectural IPC gains on a 14nm node. The flagship i9-11900K delivers impressive single-threaded performance and top-tier gaming, but suffers from a core count reduction to 8 cores, lagging behind competitors in multi-threaded tasks. Conversely, the i5-11600K is...Read more

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kitguru.net
30/03/2021

Leo Waldock’s review for KitGuru characterizes the Intel Core i9-11900K as a problematic flagship that fails to justify its cost, despite a 19% IPC increase from the Cypress Cove architecture. The processor, restricted by a 14nm process, features only 8 cores—a regression from the 10-core i9-10900K—which hampers multi-threaded performance in tasks like video editing. While it excels...Read more

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pcgamer.com
30/03/2021

The PC Gamer review describes the Intel Core i9-11900K as a "jarring" 14nm, 8-core flagship that regresses in core count from its predecessor due to Intel's production struggles. While offering a 19% IPC improvement and PCIe 4.0 support, the chip is deemed not worth its $539 price, with a strong recommendation against purchasing it. Performance is limited to marginal gaming gains,...Read more

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m.hexus.net
30/03/2021

The Hexus review characterizes the Intel Core i9-11900K as a "Frankenstein" flagship,, noting that while it brings the 10nm "Cypress Cove" architecture to the 14nm node, the core count was reduced to eight, limiting multi-threaded performance. Pros include roughly 19-20% higher IPC for strong single-thread gaming, native PCIe 4.0 support, and improved Xe-LP integrated graphics....Read more

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techradar.com
02/02/2022

The TechRadar review of the Intel Core i9-11900K describes the processor as a lateral move, or "stopgap," offering limited upgrades over its predecessor while reducing the core count from 10 to 8, resulting in inferior multi-core performance. Pros include high single-core performance for gaming, native PCIe 4.0 support, and high overclocking potential, though it runs extremely hot...Read more

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notebookcheck.com
30/03/2021

The Intel Core i9-11900K review by Notebookcheck highlights a significant architectural shift, prioritizing high single-core performance via backported 10nm Cypress Cove cores on a 14nm process. It achieves a roughly 19% IPC improvement and excels in gaming, though its 8-core count represents a downgrade from the previous 10-core flagship. Key pros include top-tier single-threaded...Read more

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gamestar.de
30/03/2021

The GameStar review characterizes the Intel Core i9-11900K as a technically advanced, yet strategically flawed, 14nm flagship that brings the 8-core Cypress Cove architecture to the desktop, resulting in fewer cores than its predecessor, the i9-10900K. While it boasts a 19% increase in IPC and leads in single-core performance for high-refresh-rate gaming, these improvements often...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
30/03/2026

The Intel Core i9-11900K, based on the 11th Gen "Rocket Lake" architecture with Cypress Cove cores, offers a roughly 19% IPC improvement over its predecessor. This allows for excellent single-core performance suitable for gaming, yet it regresses to 8 cores compared to the 10-core i9-10900K, limiting multi-threaded productivity. The chip's extreme power consumption and thermal...Read more

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comptoir-hardware.com
30/03/2021

The Comptoir-Hardware review of Intel’s 11th Gen "Rocket Lake" CPUs (i9-11900K, i7-11700K, i5-11600K) highlights a significant IPC increase, with the i5-11600K providing a strong 16-20% gaming boost over its predecessor. However, the flagship i9-11900K, dropping to 8 cores, struggles with multi-threaded efficiency, often trailing the 10th Gen i9-10900K, while all models on Z590...Read more

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hardwarecooking.fr
30/03/2021

The HardwareCooking review of the Intel Core i9-11900K highlights the "Rocket Lake-S" processor as a 14nm backported chip offering strong single-core performance but a controversial reduction to 8 cores from the previous generation's 10. While achieving high 5.3 GHz boost clocks and significant IPC gains, the processor is described as a "mixed bag," often falling behind the...Read more

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madboxpc.com
30/03/2021

The MadBoxPC review of the 11th Gen "Rocket Lake-S" processors highlights a significant single-core performance boost, with the i9-11900K reclaiming the gaming crown at up to 5.3 GHz, despite a reduction to 8 cores and high power consumption. The i5-11600K is identified as a strong mid-range contender, offering high clock speeds and solid performance for gamers. Key pros include...Read more

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geeknetic.es
30/03/2021

The Intel Core i9-11900K, a 14nm "Rocket Lake" flagship with 8 cores and 16 threads, delivers a 19% IPC increase over its predecessor via "Cypress Cove" cores, despite having fewer cores than the i9-10900K. It boasts high-end gaming performance, support for PCIe 4.0, and improved UHD 750 graphics, yet it struggles in multi-threaded tasks, often underperforming both the 10th Gen i9...Read more

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elchapuzasinformatico.com
30/03/2021

According to El Chapuzas Informático, the Intel Core i9-11900K is a 14nm "Rocket Lake-S" chip that controversially reduces core count to 8 to achieve up to 19% higher IPC via "Cypress Cove" cores. While it supports PCIe 4.0 and hits 5.3 GHz for top-tier gaming performance, the, design suffers from high heat and power consumption, often losing to its predecessor in multi-threaded...Read more

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profesionalreview.com
30/03/2021

The Intel Core i9-11900K ("Rocket Lake-S") transitions to a 14nm back-ported Cypress Cove architecture, delivering a 19% IPC boost that excels in single-core performance and gaming. Key advantages include native PCIe 4.0 support and improved Xe integrated graphics, although it drops to 8 cores, reducing its competitiveness against 12-core rivals like the Ryzen 9 5900X. Due to high...Read more

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gameit.es
19/04/2021

The GameIt review of the Intel Core i9-11900K highlights that despite reducing the core count to 8 cores/16 threads compared to its predecessor, the "Rocket Lake" chip delivers strong performance through its new Cypress Cove architecture, achieving high IPC and frequencies up to 5.3 GHz. Strengths identified in the review include exceptional single-core performance, top-tier gaming...Read more

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digitec.ch
30/03/2021

The Intel Core i9-11900K is identified by Digitec.ch as a top-performing gaming processor with exceptional single-core speed, setting records in benchmarks like CPU-Z. However, the chip is considered a "tough sell" due to a reduction to eight cores, resulting in lower multi-core performance than its predecessor, alongside extreme power consumption (up to 275W) and thermal issues,...Read more

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global.techradar.com
06/04/2021

The TechRadar review describes the Intel Core i9-11900K as a "stopgap" flagship featuring a reduced 8-core/16-thread count compared to its predecessor, which brings strong single-core performance and PCIe 4.0 support but regressions in multi-threaded tasks. While offering high clock speeds, the processor is criticized for being hot and power-hungry, requiring extreme cooling to...Read more

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hwupgrade.it
30/03/2021

Intel’s 11th Gen Rocket Lake-S CPUs, featuring the Cypress Cove architecture on a 14nm process, deliver substantial IPC gains and strong single-threaded performance. While the top-tier Core i9-11900K regresses to 8 cores, offering lower multi-threaded performance than its predecessor, the i7-11700K and i5-11600K provide better value and balanced performance. Key pros include...Read more

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tomshw.it
30/03/2021

Intel's 11th Gen Rocket Lake processors, featuring Cypress Cove cores and PCIe 4.0, deliver exceptional single-threaded performance and top-tier gaming results, with the i5-11600K highlighted as a strong, cost-effective option. However, the flagship i9-11900K suffers from high power consumption, extreme heat, and reduced multi-core performance compared to its 10-core predecessor....Read more

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