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Intel Core i9 11900KB Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£440
  • Avg. price in US: ~$540
  • PassMark benchmark result: 22724
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.3 GHz

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

6.8

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%

6.8

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
6.8

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%

7.6

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.9

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.9

Platform

1.0%

7.5

Integrated Graphics

Good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    6.0

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    6.7

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    8.5

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    4.4

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

  • 6.4
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    9.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    5.2

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    4.4

    L3 cache

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £440

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Intel Core i9-11900KB is a specialized 11th Gen processor primarily featured in high-end small-form-factor systems like the Intel Beast Canyon NUC. Based on the 10nm Tiger Lake-H architecture, this octa-core CPU features 16 threads, a 3.3 GHz base frequency, and a Thermal Velocity Boost that reaches up to 5.3 GHz, alongside a significant 24 MB L3 cache and support for 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes. Its main pros include high energy efficiency with a 65W TDP, a more advanced 10nm process compared to standard 14nm 11th Gen desktop chips, and powerful integrated Intel UHD Xe Graphics. However, its primary cons are its limited availability as an OEM-only BGA component that cannot be bought for DIY desktop builds, and its soldered nature which prevents future processor upgrades.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 11900KB

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%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

6.8
Intel Core i9 11900KB has a technical score of 6.85 points, which is higher than that of 81.7% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Intel Core i9 11900KB has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% 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%

6.8

Overall score

40.0%

8.2

Price

7.3
Intel Core i9 11900KB has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.3 points, which is higher than 79.4% 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 11900KB 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

FCBGA1787
Intel Core i9 11900KB uses the FCBGA1787 CPU socket, which is older than that of 69.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.1% 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

QM580, HM570, WM590
Intel Core i9 11900KB supports QM580, HM570, WM590 chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 56.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.2% 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 11900KB 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 11900KB 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 11900KB 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 11900KB 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 11900KB 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 3.3 GHz
Intel Core i9 11900KB has a base clock of 8x3.3 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

10 nm
Intel Core i9 11900KB uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of processors and equal to that of 19.1% 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 10 nm SuperFin
Intel Core i9 11900KB is built on the Intel 10 nm SuperFin foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 54% of processors and equal to that of 2.6% 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

24 MB
Intel Core i9 11900KB has an L3 cache of 24 MB which is larger than that of 81.5% of processors and equal to that of 5.8% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

10 MB
Intel Core i9 11900KB has an L2 cache of 10 MB which is larger than that of 80.5% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

768 KB
Intel Core i9 11900KB has an L1 cache of 768 KB which is larger than that of 78.2% of processors and equal to that of 3.4% 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 11900KB 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 11900KB supports memory speeds up to 3200 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 11900KB supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-3200 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

?
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 11900KB 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 11900KB includes 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

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

65 W
Intel Core i9 11900KB has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i9 11900KB has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
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

yes
Intel Core i9 11900KB supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 65 W
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Intel Core i9 11900KB vs the average processor

  • 23.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 11900KB 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 11900KB 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
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 11900KB 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 11900KB has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 57% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,310 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 11900KB has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,310 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.2,310 vs 1,471
  • 4x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (10 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (10 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.10 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i9 11900KB has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.1.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i9 11900KB includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i9 11900KB includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 2.16x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (22,724 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 11900KB has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (22,724 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.22,724 vs 10,532.5
  • 33.1% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,305 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 11900KB has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,305 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.3,305 vs 2,483
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 11900KB includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • 23.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 11900KB 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.
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 57% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,310 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 2.16x higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (22,724 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 33.1% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,305 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 69.3% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,712 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 30% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (629 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 2.58x better overclocked performance
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher overclocked performance than the average processor (23,378 vs 9,051). The average processor scores 9,051 in overclocked PassMark.
  • 1 wider front-end design
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher front-end width than the average processor (5 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 4x larger L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (10 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 2.5x more L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 75% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (3 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 3x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (24 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i9 11900KB uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Tiger Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 2x larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (768 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core i9 11900KB uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 10 nm SuperFin vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a lower process node than the average processor (10 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Intel Core i9 11900KB supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 11900KB supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 4 more PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i9 11900KB 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 11900KB has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 1 more supported displays
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has more supported displays than the average processor (4 vs 3). The average processor supports 3 displays.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i9 11900KB includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 11900KB uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,787 vs FP2).
  • 6.7% larger die size
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher die size than the average processor (190 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i9 11900KB 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)).
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i9 11900KB 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 11900KB 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)
  • 76% more expensive
    Intel Core i9 11900KB is more expensive than the average processor (£440 vs £250).
    Intel Core i9 11900KB is more expensive than the average processor (£440 vs £250).£440 vs £250
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
  • 6.7% larger die size
    Intel Core i9 11900KB has a higher die size than the average processor (190 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 11900KB has a higher die size than the average processor (190 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².190 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 11900KB uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,787 vs FP2).
    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

    Intel Core i9 11900KB uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,787 vs FP2).FCBGA1787 vs FP2
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Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 11900KB and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i9 11900KB?

  • High single-core performance with Turbo Boost reaching up to 5.3 GHz.
  • Efficient 10nm SuperFin architecture compared to the 14nm desktop counterparts.
  • Significant cache size (24MB L3) which aids in gaming and certain creative workloads.
  • Lower base TDP (65W) makes it suitable for compact, small form factor builds.
  • Strong connectivity support including PCIe 4.0 (20 lanes), Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6E.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 11900KB?

  • Limited availability as it is a BGA (soldered) solution, not available as a standalone socketed CPU.
  • Lower multi-threaded performance compared to same-generation AMD Ryzen 9 or even the 10th-gen i9-10900K due to having only 8 cores.
  • Can still run quite hot under heavy loads in compact chassis, often hitting thermal limits.
  • High platform cost when factored into the 'Beast Canyon' NUC kit prices.
  • Performance is often marginally better than much cheaper i7 or i5 alternatives in gaming scenarios.

Expert reviews

C
cpubenchmark.net
Q3 2021
Intel Core i9-11900KB @ 3.30GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i9-11900KB is an 11th Gen, 10nm Tiger Lake octa-core processor designed for small-form-factor systems like the Beast Canyon NUC, offering high performance with a 65W TDP. While boasting a 5.3 GHz boost clock and 24 MB L3 cache, benchmarks indicate it is about 6-9% slower than the desktop-class, 125W i9-11900K. As a soldered BGA1787 component with limited availability,...Read more

E
engadget.com
29/07/2021
Intel NUC 11 Extreme review: A tiny gaming desktop you may actually want

The Engadget review of the Intel NUC 11 Extreme ("Beast Canyon") highlights a more practical, 8-litre modular design capable of housing full-sized, 12-inch graphics cards, addressing limitations of previous, smaller models. Powered by an 11th-gen Core i9-11900KB "Compute Element," this compact system features dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, PCIe 4.0 support, and straightforward assembly....Read more

G
geeknetic.es
05/09/2021
Intel NUC 11 Extreme NUC11BTMi9 Review

The Intel NUC 11 Extreme (NUC11BTMi9), known as "Beast Canyon," is an 8-liter modular PC featuring an 11th Gen Core i9-11900KB processor that supports full-size, dual-slot graphics cards. According to Geeknetic, this system utilizes a "Compute Element" design, offering desktop-level performance with extensive connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4, 2.5GbE, and ample USB 3.2 ports....Read more

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Video reviews

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