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Intel Core i9 9900K Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£440
Avg. price in US: ~$380
PassMark benchmark result: 18071
N. of physical cores: 8
CPU boost clock speed: 5.0 GHz

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

5.5

Good

5.0

Good

9.7

Exceptional

5.1
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
5.1
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
4.9
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
4.0
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
4.0
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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Verdict

The Intel Core i9-9900K is a high-end 9th Gen Coffee Lake Refresh desktop processor featuring 8 cores and 16 threads with a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a maximum turbo boost frequency of 5.0 GHz. Built on a 14nm++ process, it includes 16 MB of Intel Smart Cache, a 95W TDP, and integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 while supporting up to 128 GB of dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory on the LGA 1151 socket. Main pros include its exceptional single-core performance for gaming, robust multi-threaded capabilities for content creation, and an unlocked multiplier that allows for easy overclocking. However, notable cons include its high power consumption and significant heat output under load, requiring a high-end thermal solution, as well as a lack of PCIe 4.0 support compared to modern alternatives.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 9900K

Overall score

5.5

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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

8.0

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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: 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

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

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

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

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Performance

4.8

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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: MEDIUM

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

5.2

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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

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

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: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

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Memory & PCIe

5.9

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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

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

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

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

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Integrated Graphics

6.9

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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

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

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

Integrated GPU base frequency

What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.

When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

Integrated media encoders/decoders

What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.

When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

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Power & Thermal

2.7

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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: HIGH

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: MEDIUM

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: 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

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Intel Core i9 9900K vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i9 9900K better than the average processor?

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Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i9 9900K 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 9900K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
16.3% higher boost clock
Intel Core i9 9900K 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 9900K 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
75% better multi-core performance
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,871 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 9900K has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,871 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.4,871 vs 2,783
8 more CPU threads
Intel Core i9 9900K 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 9900K 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 9900K 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 9900K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
67.8% higher multi-core score
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,045 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 9900K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,045 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.8,045 vs 4,793
71.6% higher PassMark score
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,071 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 9900K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,071 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.18,071 vs 10,532.5
2x more memory capacity
Intel Core i9 9900K 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 9900K 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
Modern CPU socket
Intel Core i9 9900K uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i9 9900K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
16.3% higher boost clock
Intel Core i9 9900K 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.
75% better multi-core performance
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,871 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
8 more CPU threads
Intel Core i9 9900K has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
67.8% higher multi-core score
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,045 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
71.6% higher PassMark score
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,071 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
17.3% better single-core performance
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,912 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
2 more CPU cores
Intel Core i9 9900K has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
15.6% higher single-core score
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,701 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
7% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (518 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
2x larger L3 cache
Intel Core i9 9900K 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 9900K 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 9900K uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
33.3% larger L1 cache
Intel Core i9 9900K 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 9900K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
2x more memory capacity
Intel Core i9 9900K 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 9900K worse than the average processor?

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No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i9 9900K does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
2 year/s older release date
Intel Core i9 9900K has an older release date than the average processor (2018 vs 2020).
October 2,018
50.5% slower Blender rendering
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (164.2 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
31.3% slower classroom rendering
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (544 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i9 9900K 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 9900K 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 9900K 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 9900K 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 9900K 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.
3.28x higher boost power
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (210 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
2.11x higher base power
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i9 9900K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
2.11x higher TDP
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher TDP than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
50.5% slower Blender rendering
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (164.2 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 9900K has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (164.2 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.164.2 vs 331.88
3.28x higher boost power
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (210 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 9900K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (210 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.210 W vs 64 W
2.11x higher base power
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (95 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 9900K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.95 W vs 45 W
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i9 9900K 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 9900K 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
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i9 9900K 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 9900K 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 9900K 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 9900K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
2.11x higher TDP
Intel Core i9 9900K has a higher TDP than the average processor (95 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 9900K has a higher TDP than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.95 W vs 45 W
76% more expensive
Intel Core i9 9900K is more expensive than the average processor (£440 vs £250).
Intel Core i9 9900K is more expensive than the average processor (£440 vs £250).£440 vs £250

Cache & Architecture

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 9900K and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i9 9900K?

Exceptional single-core performance, achieving boost clocks up to 5.0GHz out of the box
Top-tier gaming performance, often cited as the fastest mainstream gaming CPU of its era
Significant multi-threaded performance boost for productivity tasks like video editing and 3D rendering
Uses Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) for improved heat dissipation compared to older thermal paste
Backward compatibility with many existing Z370 motherboards via BIOS updates
Hardware-level mitigations for specific security vulnerabilities like Meltdown and L1TF

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 9900K?

Extremely high power consumption, especially when pushed to all-core turbo or overclocked
Requires premium, high-end cooling solutions to prevent thermal throttling under heavy loads
High retail price at launch compared to competitors offering similar core counts
Limited overclocking headroom for average users without specialized (e.g., liquid nitrogen) cooling
Limited to PCIe 3.0, which can bottleneck modern high-end GPUs or storage in newer builds
Requires a high-end motherboard with robust power delivery (VRMs) to maintain stability

Expert reviews

digitalfoundry.net

20/10/2018

Intel Core i9 9900K review: the fastest gaming CPU money can buy?

Digital Foundry's 2018 review identifies the Intel Core i9-9900K as the fastest gaming CPU available at launch, introducing 8 cores and 16 threads to the mainstream platform with a 5.0GHz boost clock. The processor features soldered thermal interface material (STIM) for improved thermals, offering significant advantages in gaming latency and content creation tasks over previous...Read more

notebookcheck.net

05/11/2018

Intel Core i9-9900K Desktop CPU Review

The Notebookcheck review highlights the Intel Core i9-9900K as a powerful 8-core/16-thread "Coffee Lake Refresh" CPU featuring soldered thermal interface material (STIM), providing a significant performance leap over the previous-gen i7-8700K. Key pros include exceptional single-core speeds, top-tier gaming performance, and easy overclocking to 5.0 GHz or higher on Z390...Read more

hothardware.com

19/10/2018

Intel Core i9-9900K CPU Review: 8-Core 9th Gen Coffee Lake Benchmarks

The Intel Core i9-9900K, as reviewed by HotHardware, debuts as an 8-core, 16-thread mainstream desktop CPU utilizing the 14nm++ process and, significantly, Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) for improved heat transfer. Capable of reaching 5GHz on all cores, this processor offers top-tier, industry-leading gaming performance and exceptional single-threaded speed. However, these...Read more

tomshardware.com

19/10/2018

Intel Core i9-9900K 9th Gen CPU Review: Fastest Gaming Processor, Challenging Value Would you like me to find benchmarks comparing this specific model...

The Intel Core i9-9900K, as reviewed by Tom's Hardware, was lauded at its 2018 launch as the fastest mainstream desktop processor, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads with a 5.0 GHz boost clock. It introduced Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) for better heat transfer and delivered peak performance in both gaming and heavily threaded tasks, often exceeding its 95W TDP. Pros...Read more

techradar.com

19/06/2019

Intel Core i9-9900K review

The Intel Core i9-9900K, featuring 8 cores and a 5.0GHz boost, represents a significant, high-performance step forward for Intel's consumer platform, offering soldered heat spreader (STIM) technology for better cooling. Key pros include exceptional multi-core performance for content creation and a 10°C temperature reduction over previous generations due to the soldered design....Read more

techgage.com

30/11/2018

A Look At Intel Core i9-9900K Workstation & Gaming Performance

The Intel Core i9-9900K, evaluated by Techgage, offers an eight-core, 16-thread configuration that achieves 5.0GHz, utilizing Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) for improved thermal management. It delivers top-tier, single-threaded performance for gaming and, in benchmarks like Cinebench R15, outperforms the i7-8700K by roughly 45%. However, the chip is costly, often priced...Read more

lanoc.org

19/10/2018

Intel i9-9900K Review

The LanOC review identifies the Intel Core i9-9900K as a top-tier performer, offering an 8-core/16-thread configuration with a 5.0 GHz boost clock that leads in both single-core and multi-threaded tasks. Featuring a soldered heat spreader (STIM) for improved thermal management, it delivered significant performance gains over the i7-8700K in benchmarks. However, the processor...Read more

extremetech.com

19/10/2018

Intel Core i9-9900K Review: Welcome to an Intel-AMD 8-Core Slugfest

The ExtremeTech review defines the Intel Core i9-9900K as a dominant 8-core/16-thread "beast" for gaming and productivity, utilizing a refined 14nm++ process and soldered thermal interface material to achieve 5.0GHz peak speeds. While it delivers top-tier performance, the review highlights significant drawbacks, including a steep $499 price tag, high power consumption exceeding...Read more

gamersnexus.net

19/10/2018

Intel i9-9900K CPU Review: Solder vs. Delid, Streaming & Gaming Benchmarks

The Gamers Nexus review positions the Intel i9-9900K as the top gaming CPU, leading in frame rates but facing significant cons in its high $530 price, intense power consumption (260W), and hot operating temperatures, despite using soldered IHS. While offering superior 8-core performance, the review highlights that the AMD 2700X offers far better value, as the gaming performance gap...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

19/10/2018

Intel Core i9-9900K: Intel's first 8-core processor for the mainstream market

The Intel Core i9-9900K, as analyzed by Les Numériques, delivers exceptional performance with 8 cores, 16 threads, and a 5 GHz boost frequency, representing a strong response to competition in the mainstream market. Key advantages include the adoption of a soldered heat spreader (STIM) for improved thermal management and compatibility with existing Z370 motherboards, making it a...Read more

comptoir-hardware.com

19/10/2018

Review: Intel Z390 / Core i9-9900K / i7-9700K / i5-9600K

Comptoir-Hardware's review of the Intel 9th Gen "Coffee Lake Refresh" series positions the 8-core/16-thread Core i9-9900K as the top gaming processor, boasting a 5.0 GHz boost alongside the 8-core i7-9700K and 6-core i5-9600K. The lineup brings soldered TIM (STIM) for improved heat transfer, while the Z390 chipset introduces native USB 3.1 Gen 2 and integrated WiFi. Despite...Read more

tomshardware.fr

19/10/2018

Core i9-9900K, i7-9700K and i5-9600K Review: Intel Strikes Back at Ryzen

According to Tom's Hardware France, Intel’s 9th Gen "Coffee Lake Refresh" introduces 8-core processors to the mainstream, with the i9-9900K serving as a top-tier gaming CPU capable of 5.0 GHz boost speeds. While performance is excellent, the flagship suffers from high power consumption and extreme thermal demands, despite utilizing a soldered heat spreader (STIM). The i7-9700K...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

19/10/2018

Intel Core i9-9900K Review: 8 Cores for the Perfect Gaming CPU

According to Les Numériques, the Intel Core i9-9900K is a formidable 8-core/16-thread processor, delivering top-tier performance for productivity and gaming. It features a soldered heat spreader (STIM) to manage heat while achieving 5 GHz boost speeds, making it a powerful, albeit expensive, option compatible with Z370 motherboards. While offering exceptional speed, the review notes...Read more

hardzone.es

15/07/2019

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X vs Intel Core i9-9900K: which processor is better?

The HardZone review highlights the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X as a superior choice for content creation, offering a 12-core/24-thread configuration that outperforms the 8-core/16-thread Intel Core i9-9900K by over 50% in multi-threaded benchmarks. While Intel maintains a slight edge in single-threaded tasks and a nearly 20% advantage in gaming FPS, the Ryzen 3900X offers a better...Read more

geeknetic.es

19/10/2018

Intel Core i9-9900K Processor Review - Geeknetic

The Geeknetic review of the Intel Core i9-9900K highlights the processor as a significant 8-core, 16-thread upgrade for the LGA 1151 socket, featuring backward compatibility with Z370 motherboards as a major pro. Achieving a 5.0 GHz turbo frequency, it is identified as the premier gaming CPU at launch, offering a ~25% multi-threaded performance increase over the i7-8700K. While the...Read more

elchapuzasinformatico.com

19/10/2018

Intel Core i9-9900K Review - El Chapuzas Informático

The 2018 El Chapuzas Informático review highlights the Intel Core i9-9900K as a landmark, 8-core/16-thread mainstream CPU boasting a 5.0 GHz boost clock to reclaim the performance crown. It excels in gaming and content creation via ring bus architecture, with soldered TIM improving heat transfer. Key drawbacks include high power draw, excessive operating temperatures that can cause...Read more

profesionalreview.com

19/10/2018

Intel Core i9-9900K Review (Complete Analysis)

The Profesional Review analysis highlights the Intel Core i9-9900K as a landmark 8-core/16-thread CPU for the LGA 1151 platform, featuring a 5.0 GHz boost clock and soldered thermal interface material (STIM) for improved heat transfer. It offers top-tier gaming performance and strong multi-threaded capabilities, making it ideal for content creation, though it requires high-end...Read more

tomshw.it

19/10/2018

Intel Core i9-9900K Review: 8-Core, 16-Thread CPU

The Tom's Hardware review of the Intel Core i9-9900K highlights it as a definitive, 8-core/16-thread mainstream desktop CPU, featuring soldered thermal interface material (STIM) and a 5.0 GHz boost clock. Performance-wise, it is positioned as the fastest gaming processor at launch, offering significant improvements in heavily threaded productivity tasks and addressing security...Read more

hwready.it

16/01/2019

Intel i9 9900K RAM Scaling: Part One, Offline Games

Hwready.it tested RAM scaling on the Intel Core i9-9900K across 2133, 3000, 3600, and 4000 MHz, finding that memory speed significantly impacts offline gaming performance. The review highlights that moving from 2133 MHz to 3000–3600 MHz provides a major performance boost, reducing bottlenecks and improving 1% low frame rates, while 4000 MHz offers maximum, albeit often diminishing,...Read more

multiplayer.it

19/10/2018

Intel i9 9900K Review

The Intel Core i9-9900K is presented as a high-end "Coffee Lake Refresh" flagship, offering 8 cores and 16 threads with a 5.0 GHz Turbo Boost frequency to solidify its position as the premier gaming CPU. The review highlights superior single-core performance for high-frame-rate gaming and the introduction of a soldered thermal interface material (STIM) to improve heat dissipation....Read more

hardware.info

07/07/2026

AMD Ryzen 7 3700X & Ryzen 9 3900X review: Beating Intel?! (i9-9900K Validation Test)

The Hardware.Info review highlights that the 7nm "Zen 2" architecture in the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X and Ryzen 9 3900X disrupts Intel’s dominance in the desktop market. The 12-core 3900X is recognized as a productivity powerhouse, significantly outperforming the Core i9-9900K in multi-threaded tasks, while the 8-core 3700X offers 65W efficiency for high-end gaming and general use. Key...Read more

tweakers.net

20/05/2020

Intel Comet Lake Benchmarks: i9-10900K and i5-10600K Tested (Including 9900K Results)

The Tweakers.net review of Intel’s Comet Lake processors highlights the 10-core, 20-thread i9-10900K, which reaches 5.3GHz via Thermal Velocity Boost, and the 6-core/12-thread i5-10600K, which benefits from the addition of Hyper-threading. The review considers the i9-10900K one of the fastest gaming CPUs of its time, providing top-tier frame rates at 1080p, while the i5-10600K...Read more

pcmag.com

14/04/2021

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X vs. Intel Core i9-9900K: Which High-End CPU Should You Choose?

PCMag designates the 12-core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X as the superior choice for high-end, multi-threaded workloads, outperforming the 8-core Intel Core i9-9900K by roughly 25% in tasks like 4K video encoding. While the Ryzen 9 3900X offers superior value and includes a quality cooler, a key drawback is its lack of integrated graphics, requiring a dedicated GPU, whereas the i9-9900K...Read more

hardware.info

19/10/2018

Intel Core i9 9900K / i7 9700K / i5 9600K review: Surpassing AMD with 8 cores", "More FPS without HyperThreading? Intel Core i9 9900K in games with an...

The Intel Core i9-9900K (8C/16T) leads in gaming and productivity, utilizing a soldered heat spreader for better thermal management, though it demands high power and robust cooling. The i7-9700K (8C/8T) offers strong gaming performance without hyper-threading, but falls behind in heavily threaded tasks. Finally, the i5-9600K (6C/6T) serves as a capable, overclockable budget option...Read more

tweakers.net

19/10/2018

Intel i9-9900K and i7-9700K Review: Are these the best gaming processors?

The Tweakers.net review identifies the Intel Core i9-9900K as a top-tier performer, offering exceptional 8-core/16-thread gaming and multi-threaded capabilities. While offering a roughly 25% performance boost over its predecessor, the i9-9900K carries significant downsides, specifically high power consumption and thermal management issues requiring premium cooling. The Core i7-9700K...Read more

tweakers.net

29/01/2020

Intel Core i9-9900K - Reviews - Tweakers

The Intel Core i9-9900K is recognized as a premier gaming processor, featuring eight cores and sixteen threads with a 5GHz boost clock, providing excellent performance for high-end systems and 4K gaming. While highly efficient in gaming, the chip frequently draws over 95W and produces significant heat, requiring robust cooling solutions. Despite its high cost and power consumption,...Read more

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