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Intel Core i9 9900KF Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£340
  • Avg. price in US: ~$330
  • PassMark benchmark result: 18010
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.0 GHz

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

5.5

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%

5.1

Technical Score

10.0%

9.4

User score

Good
5.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

4.8

Performance

18.0%

5.2

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.9

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.7

Platform

1.0%

3.4

Integrated Graphics

Good
9.4

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(2417)
amazon
3.6
(18)
amazon
5.0
(2)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

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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Best prices in UK

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 i9-9900KF is a high-end 9th Gen Coffee Lake Refresh desktop processor featuring 8 cores and 16 threads with a 3.6 GHz base frequency and a 5.0 GHz maximum turbo boost. It includes 16 MB of Intel Smart Cache, a 95W TDP, and supports up to 128 GB of dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory on the LGA 1151 socket. Main pros include exceptional single-core and multi-core performance for gaming and content creation, an unlocked multiplier for enthusiast overclocking, and improved heat transfer due to its Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM). However, its primary cons are the complete lack of integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU, high power consumption and heat output under load, and its status as a discontinued platform limited to PCIe 3.0.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9 9900KF

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%

4.8

Performance

18.0%

5.2

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.9

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.7

Platform

1.0%

3.4

Integrated Graphics

5.1
Intel Core i9 9900KF has a technical score of 5.05 points, which is lower than that of 53.6% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(2417)
amazon
3.6
(18)
amazon
5.0
(2)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.4
Intel Core i9 9900KF has a user score of 9.43 points, which is higher than that of 92.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
10
Intel Core i9 9900KF has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 88.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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

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

Score components:

60.0%

5.5

Overall score

40.0%

8.7

Price

6.5
Intel Core i9 9900KF has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is higher than 53% 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 3.6 GHz
Intel Core i9 9900KF has a base clock of 8x3.6 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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

DDR4-2666 MHz
Intel Core i9 9900KF supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55.3% of processors and equal to 7.4% 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 9900KF 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

no
Intel Core i9 9900KF does not include 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

N/A
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

N/A
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

N/A
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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

95 W
Intel Core i9 9900KF has a TDP of 95 W which is higher than that of 88.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% 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

95 W
Intel Core i9 9900KF has a base power of 95 W which is higher than that of 88.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% 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 9900KF 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

?
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 9900KF does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i9 9900KF vs the average processor

  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 9900KF 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 9900KF has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 9900KF 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 9900KF 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
  • 76.6% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,916 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 9900KF has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,916 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.4,916 vs 2,783
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 69.8% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,139 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 9900KF has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,139 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.8,139 vs 4,793
  • 71% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,010 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 9900KF has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,010 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.18,010 vs 10,532.5
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i9 9900KF 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.
  • 76.6% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (4,916 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 69.8% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,139 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 71% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,010 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 16.8% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,901 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 17.1% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,723 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 7% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i9 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
  • 33.3% larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i9 9900KF 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 9900KF supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i9 9900KF supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i9 9900KF does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 50.3% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (164.8 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 30.4% slower classroom rendering
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (550.7 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i9 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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.
  • No integrated graphics
    Intel Core i9 9900KF does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
  • 2.11x higher base power
    Intel Core i9 9900KF 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.
  • 85.9% higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 9900KF 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.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i9 9900KF does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 2.11x higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has a higher TDP than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 50.3% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i9 9900KF has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (164.8 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 9900KF has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (164.8 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.164.8 vs 331.88
  • 2.11x higher base power
    Intel Core i9 9900KF 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 9900KF 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
  • 85.9% higher boost power
    Intel Core i9 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF 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 9900KF does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 2.11x higher TDP
    Intel Core i9 9900KF 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 9900KF 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
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i9 9900KF supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i9 9900KF supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i9 9900KF and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
2417 Reviews
amazon
3.6
18 Reviews
amazon
5.0
2 Reviews
amazon
5.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i9 9900KF?

  • Top-tier gaming performance with high single-core clock speeds up to 5.0 GHz
  • Excellent multitasking and productivity capabilities with 8 cores and 16 threads
  • Strong overclocking potential, often reported to be more stable than the standard 9900K
  • Uses Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) for improved heat dissipation compared to older generations
  • Flawless performance for heavy workloads like streaming and running multiple virtual machines

What customers dislike about Intel Core i9 9900KF?

  • Lacks integrated graphics (iGPU), requiring a dedicated graphics card for any display output
  • High power consumption and significant thermal output requiring expensive high-end cooling solutions
  • Often priced similarly to or even higher than the standard i9-9900K despite having fewer features
  • Limited upgrade path as it uses the older LGA 1151 socket and 14nm architecture
  • Loss of Intel QuickSync video encoding/decoding features due to the disabled iGPU

Expert reviews

T
tomshardware.com
21/07/2020
Intel's Core i9-9900KF May Overclock Better Than 9900K

Tom’s Hardware tested whether the Intel Core i9-9900KF offers superior overclocking over the 9900K due to its disabled integrated graphics (iGPU), suggesting the lack of active silicon may serve as "dark silicon" to improve thermals. While both chips are 8-core/16-thread units, the 9900KF samples showed a marginal, yet inconsistent, ability to reach higher frequencies (up to 5.4+...Read more

T
tomshardware.com
15/03/2019
Intel Core i9-9900KF Review: Disabled Graphics and No Discount

The Intel Core i9-9900KF is functionally identical to the Core i9-9900K with eight cores, 16 threads, and a 5.0 GHz boost clock, but features a disabled integrated graphics unit, serving as a solution for Intel's silicon shortages. Despite lacking the integrated GPU, the chip launched at the same or higher price point as the standard 9900K, offering poor relative value. It retains...Read more

C
chip.de
31/10/2019
Intel Core i9-9900KF Review - CHIP

The Intel Core i9-9900KF is a high-end, 8-core/16-thread processor offering near-flagship performance, featuring a 3.6 GHz base clock and a 5.0 GHz Turbo Boost, but it lacks integrated graphics. It excels in gaming and application benchmarks, achieving nearly 20,000 points in 3DMark Firestrike and 120.31 fps in x264 encoding, making it ideal for builds using dedicated GPUs. Key...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
cpu-monkey.com
05/02/2026
Intel Core i9-9900KF Benchmarks & Specs

The Intel Core i9-9900KF is an 8-core, 16-thread desktop processor based on the 14nm Coffee Lake S Refresh architecture, operating at a 3.6 GHz base clock and a 5.0 GHz single-core turbo. As a variation of the i9-9900K, it lacks an integrated graphics unit, making it a targeted choice for users requiring a dedicated GPU. The chip supports up to 128 GB of DDR4-2666 RAM and uses...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hardwarecooking.fr
11/06/2019
Intel Core i9-9900K Review: 8-Core CPU for Socket 1151 (Including i9-9900KF Feedback)

The Hardware Cooking review of the Intel Core i9-9900K highlights it as a high-performance, 8-core/16-thread flagship designed for the LGA1151 platform, featuring Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) to manage heat. It is praised as the fastest gaming processor at launch, offering around 45% better multi-threaded performance in Cinebench R15 than the i7-8700K, though it demands...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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