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Intel Core i9 11900K Review | 78 Data compared

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
CPU socket: LGA1200
TDP (Thermal design power): 125 W

Intel Core i9 11900K review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

8.0

Excellent

7.8

Very good

9.4

Exceptional

8.3
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
?
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
?
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
10
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
?
L3 cache
8.0%
6.4
N. of physical cores
7.7
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
?
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
6.4
N. of physical cores
20.0%
?
CPU threads
15.0%
?
L3 cache

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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

Overall score

8.0

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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.

Platform

8.3

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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Performance

8.6

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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+

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+

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: LOW

Good value: 2

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

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

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Cache & Architecture

6.4

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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: MEDIUM

Good value: <10 nm

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: LOW

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

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

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: LOW

Good value: >=512 KB

?

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Memory & PCIe

6.8

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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: LOW

Good value: DDR5

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: LOW

Good value: >=4800 MHz

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: LOW

Good value: >=5600 MHz

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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=128 GB

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Integrated Graphics

6.8

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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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=24

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: LOW

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

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Power & Thermal

5.7

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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: LOW

Good value: <30 W

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: LOW

Good value: <30 W

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: LOW

Good value: <50 W

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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: LOW

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

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Intel Core i9 11900K vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i9 11900K better than the average processor?

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2.36x higher PassMark score
Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (24,952 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 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 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.24,952 vs 10,572.5
2.34x higher multi-core score
Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,301 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 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 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.11,301 vs 4,829
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
40.2% better single-core performance
Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,504 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 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 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.3,504 vs 2,500
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
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i9 11900K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
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: LOW
Intel Core i9 11900K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
More advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i9 11900K uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Rocket 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: HIGH
Intel Core i9 11900K uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Rocket Lake vs Kaby Lake).Rocket Lake vs Kaby Lake
Modern CPU socket
Intel Core i9 11900K uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,200 vs FP4).
Includes crypto acceleration
Intel Core i9 11900K includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not. 0% of processors include crypto acceleration.
2.36x higher PassMark score
Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (24,952 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
2.34x higher multi-core score
Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,301 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
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.
40.2% better single-core performance
Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,504 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.
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.
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i9 11900K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
Higher base clock
Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x3.5 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
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.
22.3% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (598 vs 489). The average processor scores 489 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
Supports Turbo Core
Intel Core i9 11900K supports Turbo Core, the average processor does not. 1% of processors support Turbo Core.
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. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.
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.

Cache & Architecture

Why is Intel Core i9 11900K worse than the average processor?

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55.9% larger die size
Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher die size than the average processor (276 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 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.
Limited PCIe bifurcation
Intel Core i9 11900K supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4).
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)).
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.
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: LOW
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
55.9% larger die size
Intel Core i9 11900K has a higher die size than the average processor (276 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 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 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².276 mm² vs 177 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: MEDIUM
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: LOW
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
Limited PCIe bifurcation
Intel Core i9 11900K supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4).
What it is: The supported ways PCIe lanes can be split across multiple slots or devices.
When it matters: When you plan multiple expansion cards or NVMe adapters.
Importance: LOW
Intel Core i9 11900K supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4).x16, x8/x8 vs x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4
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: LOW
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

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 11900K and other processors

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(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

pcmag.com

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K Review - PCMag Would you like a comparison of these benchmark results against the newer i9-12900K or the competing Ryzen 5900X?

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 cooling. Ultimately, with poor multi-threaded value and close competition from the Core i7-11700K, the i9-11900K is difficult to recommend for general productivity, according to PCMag.

tech-critter.com

03/04/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K Performance Overview - Tech Critter

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 boost, settling between 4.8GHz and 5.0GHz, while extreme heat generation leads to rapid thermal throttling even with high-end 360mm AIO coolers. Ultimately, Tech Critter considers the chip an unfavorable investment compared to the i7-11700K or the older 10th Gen flagship due to high power consumption and marginal, if not regressive, performance gains. Tech CritterKey pros identified include significantly improved single-core performance, native PCIe 4.0 support, and excellent memory overclocking capabilities through the new controller. Conversely, cons center on the regressive core count, disappointing gaming performance relative to the i9-10900K, extreme power draw, and poor overall value. Tech Critter

uk.pcmag.com

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K - Review 2021 - PCMag UK

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 premium liquid cooling. The review notes that while it is a strong choice for specific high-end gaming, the overall value proposition is weak against AMD competitors and the more cost-effective Core i7-11700K. Key pros include exceptional single-core speeds, PCIe 4.0 support, and high gaming frame rates, while cons focus on lower core counts, high operating temperatures, power inefficiency, and high cost.

servethehome.com

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K Review Two Perspectives

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 Adaptive Boost Technology enabled. A significant drawback is the reduction in core count from the previous i9-10900K, causing performance regressions in heavily multi-threaded, productivity-focused workloads. The "Two Perspectives" analysis further notes platform instability, including BIOS-related issues, and ultimately suggests that cheaper alternatives, such as the Core i5-11600K or the previous-gen i9-10900K, offer better value for most users.

tomshardware.com

10/04/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K and Core i5-11600K Review

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 identified as a strong, cost-effective contender for gaming with significant generational improvements, while both chips face major drawbacks regarding excessive power consumption and thermal output.

kitguru.net

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K Review - KitGuru

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 in gaming with 5.3GHz boost speeds, using Adaptive Boost Technology (ABT) causes massive power consumption, making high-end liquid cooling essential. Key pros include top-tier single-core performance and PCIe Gen 4 support, though cons such as excessive heat, lower core count, and high price make competitors more appealing.

pcgamer.com

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9 11900K review

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, while multithreaded tasks suffer, rendering it slower than both the i9-10900K and AMD's Ryzen 9 5900X in productivity workloads. Key pros include improved single-core speeds, Xe graphics, and PCIe 4.0, but these are outweighed by the lower core count, excessive power consumption, and poor value compared to AMD's Zen 3 architecture.

m.hexus.net

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Review: Intel Core i9-11900K - CPU - HEXUS.net

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. However, the chip suffers from high power consumption (potentially drawing 300W with Adaptive Boost) and poor value compared to the 10-core i9-10900K, leading to a lack of recommendation in favor of lower-tier chips or future platforms. Copy

techradar.com

02/02/2022

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K review - TechRadar

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 and requires superior cooling solutions. Significant cons highlighted are the high power consumption, thermal issues, and lower efficiency compared to AMD's Ryzen 5000 series, making it a hard recommendation for most users. Copy

notebookcheck.com

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Rocket Lake-S Review: Core i9-11900K Down to Just 8 Cores

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 speeds, UHD Graphics 750 (Xe), and PCIe 4.0 support. Significant cons arise from high power consumption and extreme heat generation, often requiring high-end cooling, despite the reduced core count resulting in multi-threaded performance that barely matches the older i9-10900K. The chip’s high price and limited platform lifespan (LGA1200) make it a difficult recommendation compared to 10th Gen or AMD alternatives. Copy

gamestar.de

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Core i9-11900K Review: Can Intel Reclaim the Throne from AMD?

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 offer marginal real-world gains over cheaper alternatives. Key advantages include the introduction of PCIe 4.0 support, boost clocks up to 5.3 GHz, and enhanced UHD 750 integrated graphics. Conversely, the processor is heavily criticized for its extreme power consumption and thermal output, frequently exceeding 250-300W under load and necessitating premium liquid cooling. Its reduced core count causes it to underperform in multi-threaded tasks compared to competitive options like the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X. High power demands, paired with a significant price tag, make it difficult to recommend over superior, more efficient alternatives, including Intel’s own lower-tier options. Copy

lesnumeriques.com

30/03/2026

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K Review: A processor that goes all-in on gaming performance

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 output, resulting from high clock speeds on a 14nm process, require robust cooling solutions. While delivering top-tier 1080p gaming performance and supporting PCIe 4.0, its efficiency is poor and it underperforms in heavy workloads compared to competitors, making it a specialized, expensive choice.

comptoir-hardware.com

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Review: Intel Core i9-11900K / i7-11700K / i5-11600K & Z590

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 deliver native PCIe 4.0 and improved DDR4 support. The generation suffers from high power consumption and thermal output—up to 400W for the i9 with boost—making it a challenging, high-heat option, though it offers a strong, niche performance edge in specific AVX-512 applications. The i5-11600K and i7-11700K are recommended for gaming value, while the i9 often falls short of the Ryzen 9 5900X in productivity, marking a strained final effort for the 14nm process. Copy

hardwarecooking.fr

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K Review: The long-awaited 8-core, 16-thread CPU

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 i9-10900K in multi-threaded productivity tasks. Key pros include top-tier gaming performance and the introduction of PCIe 4.0, while major cons center on extreme power consumption, heat, and poor value compared to its predecessor and competitors. Copy

madboxpc.com

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K and Core i5-11600K Review [LGA-1200]

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 excellent single-threaded performance in gaming, alongside the introduction of PCIe 4.0 and improved memory flexibility. However, the chips face significant drawbacks regarding extremely high thermal output and power consumption, alongside reduced multi-threaded performance on the i9 compared to its predecessor. The review concludes that while these processors deliver top-tier gaming performance, they require substantial cooling solutions and are best suited for users prioritizing gaming over heavy multi-threaded productivity tasks. For the full analysis, read the review at MadBoxPC. madboxpc

geeknetic.es

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K Review: Full In-Depth Analysis

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 and AMD competitors. Significant drawbacks include excessive power draw (exceeding 300W in some scenarios) and extreme heat generation that leads to thermal throttling. Pros include top-tier gaming speeds, PCIe 4.0, and high IPC, while cons are the reduced core count, high power/thermal output, and poor value.

elchapuzasinformatico.com

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Review: Intel Core i9-11900K - El Chapuzas Informático

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 tasks. Pros include excellent single-core speed and memory overclocking, though it is undermined by a high price, extreme power draw, and poor value compared to the Core i7-11700K.

profesionalreview.com

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K Review (Complete Analysis)

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 power consumption and thermal output, the processor requires robust cooling and often acts as a stop-gap solution rather than a significant upgrade. For more details, visit Professional Review.

gameit.es

19/04/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K: Full review of Intel's new high-end flagship

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 frame rates, and the introduction of native PCIe 4.0 support for the platform. However, the review notes significant drawbacks, including high power consumption, excessive heat generation requiring premium cooling, and lower multi-threaded performance compared to the previous generation and AMD rivals.

digitec.ch

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Intel i9-11900K: Back on top of the gaming processor charts with two fewer cores

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, the review notes. Despite adding PCIe 4.0 and Adaptive Boost Technology, the i9-11900K offers only marginal, single-digit FPS improvements over the i9-10900K in 1080p gaming, making it poor value against cheaper competition like the Ryzen 7 5800X, according to the review. DigitecPros include leading single-core speeds and PCIe 4.0 support, while cons are centered on the core count regression and high heat output. Digitec

global.techradar.com

06/04/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K Review

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 prevent thermal throttling. Ultimately, the review finds the i9-11900K to be a poor value proposition against competitors like the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, recommending older 10th-gen or newer 12th-gen alternatives instead. Copy

hwupgrade.it

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K, i7-11700K and i5-11600K: Rocket Lake review

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 excellent gaming performance and PCIe 4.0 support, balanced against cons of high power consumption, elevated heat, and reduced core counts on the flagship model. Copy

tomshw.it

30/03/2021

Summary of the review

Intel Core i9-11900K, Core i7-11700KF and Core i5-11600K

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. While offering high IPC gains, the lineup is considered an "awkward" release with poor value for the i9, making it more suited for pure gaming than heavy productivity work.

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