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Intel Core i9 9900 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£410
  • Avg. price in US: ~$450
  • PassMark benchmark result: 16260
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.0 GHz

Intel Core i9 9900 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.0

Technical Score

10.0%

7.1

User score

Good
5.0

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%

4.5

Performance

18.0%

5.2

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.8

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.8

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.0

Platform

1.0%

6.9

Integrated Graphics

Good
7.1

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%

9.3

User reviews

30.0%

1.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(4)
amazon
5.0
(3)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 5.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.9

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.6

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    7.6

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    3.3

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

  • 3.9
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.7

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

Verdict

The Intel Core i9-9900 is a high-performance 9th Generation 'Coffee Lake' desktop processor featuring 8 cores, 16 threads, and a 16MB Smart Cache. It operates at a 3.10 GHz base frequency with a maximum turbo boost of up to 5.00 GHz, all while maintaining a 65W TDP for better power efficiency compared to its 'K' series counterparts. Main pros include its exceptional multi-threaded performance for gaming and content creation, integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630, and support for up to 128GB of DDR4-2666 memory. However, notable cons include its locked multiplier which prevents traditional overclocking, reliance on the older LGA 1151 socket and PCIe 3.0 standard, and the tendency to run hot under sustained heavy workloads despite the lower rated TDP.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 9900

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%

4.5

Performance

18.0%

5.2

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.8

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.8

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.0

Platform

1.0%

6.9

Integrated Graphics

5.0
Intel Core i9 9900 has a technical score of 5.03 points, which is lower than that of 54.1% 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%

9.3

User reviews

30.0%

1.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(4)
amazon
5.0
(3)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.1
Intel Core i9 9900 has a user score of 7.08 points, which is lower than that of 94.5% 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.
1.9
Intel Core i9 9900 has a popularity of 1.9 points, which is higher than 75.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.2

Overall score

40.0%

8.4

Price

6.2
Intel Core i9 9900 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is lower than 56.1% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i9 9900 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

LGA1151
Intel Core i9 9900 uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% 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

Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310
Intel Core i9 9900 supports Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 57.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% 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 9900 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 9900 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 9900 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 9900 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

5.0 GHz
Intel Core i9 9900 reaches a boost clock of 5.0 GHz which is higher than that of 80.3% of processors and equal to that of 5.7% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

8 x 3.1 GHz
Intel Core i9 9900 has a base clock of 8x3.1 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 9900 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 9900 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 9900 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

2 MB
Intel Core i9 9900 has an L2 cache of 2 MB which is smaller than that of 51.3% of processors and equal to that of 11.1% 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

512 KB
Intel Core i9 9900 has an L1 cache of 512 KB which is larger than that of 63.6% of processors and equal to that of 9.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i9 9900 supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,666 MHz
Intel Core i9 9900 supports memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR5-4800 MHz
Intel Core i9 9900 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR5-4,800 MHz, which is higher than that of 66.5% of processors and equal to 5.6% 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

2,666 MHz
Intel Core i9 9900 supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is higher than that of 88.6% of processors and equal to 1% of processors.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i9 9900 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 9900 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 630
Intel Core i9 9900 uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 44.3% and equal to that in 8.3%.
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

24
Intel Core i9 9900 has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% 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 9900 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

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
Intel Core i9 9900 supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 72.1% of processors and equal to 2.9% 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 9900 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 9900 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

119 W
Intel Core i9 9900 has a boost power of 119 W which is higher than that of 78.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% 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

28 seconds
Intel Core i9 9900 has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i9 9900 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i9 9900 vs the average processor

  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 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 9900 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.5.0 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i9 9900 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 9900 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 9900 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 9900 has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.16 vs 8
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 9900 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i9 9900 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 40.9% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,920 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,920 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.3,920 vs 2,783
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 9900 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    Intel Core i9 9900 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 9900 has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i9 9900 has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.8 vs 6
  • 49.9% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,183 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 9900 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,183 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.7,183 vs 4,793
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i9 9900 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 9900 has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 40.9% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,920 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 49.9% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,183 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 9900 has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 54.4% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (16,260 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 12.8% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,800 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 9.9% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,617 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 2x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i9 9900 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 9900 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.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i9 9900 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
  • 33.3% larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (512 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i9 9900 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 9900 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i9 9900 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 9900 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 41.6% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (193.8 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 20.4% slower classroom rendering
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (630.1 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 9900 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 20% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (2 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 9.2% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (41.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 85.9% higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (119 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i9 9900 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.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 9900 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 41.6% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (193.8 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >290

    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (193.8 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.193.8 vs 331.88
  • 85.9% higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 9900 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (119 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 9900 has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (119 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.119 W vs 64 W
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 9900 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 9900 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
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i9 9900 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 9900 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
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i9 9900 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 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 9900 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 9900 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i9 9900 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 9900 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 9900 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
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 9900 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
    What it is: Built-in hardware support for accelerating encryption and cryptographic tasks.
    When it matters: When encryption speed or secure workloads matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i9 9900 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.AES vs AES, SHA
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 9900 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
4 Reviews
amazon
5.0
3 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i9 9900?

  • High gaming performance, especially at 1080p where it remains a top-tier choice for its generation
  • Strong single-core performance with boost clocks reaching up to 5.0 GHz
  • Solid 8-core/16-thread architecture suitable for heavy multitasking and content creation
  • Excellent longevity, with many users reporting it still handles modern titles well years after release
  • Compatible with existing Z370 and Z390 motherboards, facilitating easier upgrades for users on those platforms
  • Features a soldered heat spreader (STIM) for improved thermal transfer compared to previous generations

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 9900?

  • High power consumption and significant thermal output, often requiring high-end liquid cooling
  • Expensive compared to rivals like AMD Ryzen, which often offer better value for multi-core productivity
  • The multiplier is locked on the base i9-9900 model, limiting manual overclocking potential
  • Does not include a stock cooler in the box, adding to the total build cost
  • Diminishing returns in 4K gaming where the GPU becomes the primary bottleneck
  • Older 14nm architecture makes it less power-efficient than more modern 7nm or 10nm alternatives

Expert reviews

B
browser.geekbench.com
29/03/2026
Intel Core i9-9900 Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Core i9-9900 is a 9th Gen "Coffee Lake Refresh" desktop processor, featuring 8 cores, 16 threads, and a 3.1 GHz base clock that boosts up to 5.0 GHz. Designed for the LGA 1151 socket, it offers a 65W TDP, providing a more power-efficient option than "K" series counterparts for systems not requiring manual overclocking. Key pros include exceptional single-core performance...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
29/03/2026
Intel Core i9-9900 @ 3.10GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i9-9900 (3.10GHz) is an 8-core/16-thread 9th-gen desktop processor featuring a 16,256 PassMark score and 2,799 single-thread rating, designed for demanding gaming and creative workloads. It operates efficiently with a 65W TDP—lower than its "K" counterpart—making it suitable for standard, smaller builds without requiring enthusiast-grade cooling or motherboards....Read more

O
openbenchmarking.org
Q4 2018
Intel Core i9-9900 Benchmarks, Linux Performance

Based on OpenBenchmarking data, the Intel Core i9-9900 series (8-core/16-thread) delivers strong single-threaded performance and high 5GHz+ boost clocks, making it a competitive, though older, option for workstation and gaming tasks. Pros include high-performance-per-dollar, robust AVX2/AES-NI support, and excellent overclocking potential on the Z390 platform. Cons involve high...Read more

I
inria.hal.science
22/06/2021
Calibration Done Right: Noiseless Flush+Flush Attacks (Scientific performance test using i9-9900)

"Calibration Done Right: Noiseless Flush+Flush Attacks" (June 2021) addresses the reliability of flush-based cache side-channel attacks on modern, complex processor topologies, highlighting the stealthier, faster nature of the Flush+Flush variant. The researchers significantly improved Flush+Flush by optimizing calibration to account for cache slice distribution, turning a...Read more

(Translated)Show original
V
valid.x86.fr
01/03/2026
CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i9-9900 (4T)

The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D (validation gkemfu/4) is an 8-core, 16-thread Zen 3 processor for the AM4 platform that utilizes 3D V-Cache technology to enhance performance. Running with 4 threads, the chip achieved a multi-thread score of approximately 5,823, leveraging a massive 96MB of L3 cache, a 3.0 GHz base clock, and a 4.1 GHz boost clock. Key pros include its high value for gamers,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
V
valid.x86.fr
01/03/2026
CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i9-9900 (Single-Thread)

The Intel Core i7-12700K is a 12-core (8 E) Alder Lake processor featuring Intel 7 process technology, a 3.6 GHz base clock, and 5.0 GHz boost capability, supporting PCIe 5.0 and both DDR4/DDR5 memory. It delivers exceptional gaming and multi-threaded performance, frequently matching or exceeding more expensive competitors, while remaining fully unlocked for overclocking. However,...Read more

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G
geeknetic.es
19/10/2018
Intel Core i9-9900K Processor Review - Geeknetic

The Intel Core i9-9900K, analyzed by Geeknetic, is a 14nm++ processor featuring 8 cores and 16 threads that reaches a 5.0 GHz boost clock. While it secures top-tier gaming performance, its multi-threaded advantage over competitors like the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X is minimal, often only a 5% margin. The CPU uses soldered thermal interface material (STIM) to improve heat management, yet...Read more

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E
elchapuzasinformatico.com
19/10/2018
Intel Core i9-9900K Review - El Chapuzas Informático

a little longerThinking a little longer The Intel Core i9-9900K is presented as a high-performance 8-core, 16-thread CPU for the LGA1151 platform, utilizing Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) for improved heat transfer and achieving up to 5.0 GHz boost speeds. Key pros include its status as the fastest gaming CPU at the time of release, delivering a significant, over 20%...Read more

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P
profesionalreview.com
19/10/2018
Intel Core i9-9900K Review (Complete Analysis)

The Profesional Review analysis positions the Intel Core i9-9900K as a market-leading 8-core, 16-thread CPU capable of 5.0 GHz, featuring soldered heat spreaders for improved cooling, though the source was not provided in the citation list. Performance benchmarks indicate superior results in both gaming and productivity against competitors, making it a high-performance choice for...Read more

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C
cpubenchmark.net
20/11/2019
Intel i9-9900 vs i9-9900K: CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i9-9900K and i9-9900 are 8-core, 16-thread processors, with the "K" variant offering higher clock speeds (3.6 GHz base vs 3.1 GHz) and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. The i9-9900K, a pro for enthusiasts, provides roughly 10% better multi-threaded performance, whereas the locked i9-9900 is a pro for simpler, plug-and-play setups, though it suffers from lower...Read more

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