OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i9-9940X review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,540PassMark multi-core score:27996N. of physical cores:14CPU boost clock speed:4.5 GHzCPU socket:LGA2066TDP (Thermal design power):165 W

Intel Core i9-9940X Review: Compare 74 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i9-9940X
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

40%

7.3

Technical score

25%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.2, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–²Better than 70% of processors
5.8

Value for money

Value for money
5.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

2.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 98%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

60%

8.0

Performance

18%

6.1

Architecture

10%

7.1

Memory & PCIe

7%

3.7

Power & Thermal

4%

8.2

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

â–²Better than 73%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.2.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • intel-core-i9-9940x
  • intel-core-i9-9940x
  • intel-core-i9-9940x
intel-core-i9-9940x
intel-core-i9-9940x
intel-core-i9-9940x
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i9-9940X

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components:

60%

8.0

Performance

18%

6.1

Architecture

10%

7.1

Memory & PCIe

7%

3.7

Power & Thermal

4%

8.2

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

7.3
Reviews score
7.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

2.4

Price

5.8
Processor type
workstation
This processor belongs to the workstation processor class, which is more advanced than that of 95.4% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA2066
This processor uses the LGA2066 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 73.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% of processors.
Chipset
X299
This processor supports X299 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 95.5% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 instruction sets, which is broader support than 66.9% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
14
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 14 CPU cores, which is more than 85.7% of processors and equal to 4.3% of processors.
CPU threads
28
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 28 CPU threads, which is more than 94.2% of processors and equal to 0.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.5 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.5 GHz which is higher than that of 53.9% of processors and equal to that of 5.5% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
14x 3.3 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 14x3.3 GHz which is higher than that of 93.9% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
27,996
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 27,996 in PassMark, which is higher than 84% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
14 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 32.9% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
This processor is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.9% of processors and equal to that of 29% of processors.
L3 cache
19.25 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 19.25 MB which is larger than that of 77.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% of processors.
L2 cache
14 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 14 MB which is larger than that of 86.1% of processors and equal to that of 2.3% of processors.
L1 cache
896 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 896 KB which is larger than that of 82.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This processor supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 25.2% of processors and equal to that of 31.1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
2,666 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 56.7% of processors and equal to 7.9% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 59.8% of processors and equal to 7.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 59.3% of processors and equal to 22.8% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
no
This processor does not include integrated graphics. 85.4% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
N/A
Integrated media encoders/decoders
N/A
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
165 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 165 W which is higher than that of 96.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
165 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 165 W which is higher than that of 96% of processors and equal to that of 1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
165 W
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 165 W which is higher than that of 89.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more

Intel Core i9-9940X vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 2.44x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (27,996 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    27,996 vs 11,469
  • 8 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    14 vs 6
  • 2.2x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,457 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    11,457 vs 5,209
  • 10 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (14 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    14 vs 4
  • 20 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (28 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    28 vs 8
  • 2.48x better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (6,945 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    6,945 vs 2,804.5
  • 28 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    44 vs 16
  • 4.67x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    14 MB vs 3 MB
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA2066 vs FP5).
    LGA2066 vs FP5
  • Higher-end processor class
    This processor belongs to a higher-end processor class than the average processor (workstation vs mobile).
    workstation vs mobile
  • 2.44x higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (27,996 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    27,996 vs 11,469
  • 8 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (14 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    14 vs 6
  • 2.2x higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,457 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    11,457 vs 5,209
  • 10 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (14 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    14 vs 4
  • 20 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (28 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    28 vs 8
  • 2.48x better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (6,945 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    6,945 vs 2,804.5
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (14x3.3 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    14x3.3 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • More advanced Turbo Core
    This processor has a more advanced Turbo Core version than the average processor (3 vs 2).
    Intel Turbo Boost
    3 vs 2
  • 4.67x larger L2 cache
    This processor has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (14 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    14 MB vs 3 MB
  • 2.33x larger L1 cache
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (896 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    896 KB vs 384 KB
  • 2x more L2 per core
    This processor has more L2 cache per core than the average processor (1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    1 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 2.14x larger L3 cache
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (19.3 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    19.25 MB vs 9 MB
  • 28 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (44 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    44 vs 16
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor 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
  • 12 °C lower CPU temperature
    This processor has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (88 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    88 °C vs 100 °C
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    165 W vs 45 W
  • 2.58x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    165 W vs 64 W
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, TXT, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, TXT, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 2.73x larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    484 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 25.7% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.375 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor 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
  • 12 °C lower temperature limit
    This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (88 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    88 °C vs 100 °C
  • 6.16x more expensive
    Intel Core i9-9940X is more expensive than the average processor (£1,540 vs £250).
    £1,540 vs £250
  • 25.4% worse value for money
    Intel Core i9-9940X has worse value for money than the average processor (5.81 vs 7.3).
    5.81 vs 7.29
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, TXT, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, TXT, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • More limited crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 2 years older release date
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2018 vs 2020).
    October 2018
    2018 vs 2020
  • 8% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    This processor has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (451 vs 490). The average processor scores 490 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    451 vs 490
  • 5.1% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,457 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,457 vs 1,535
  • 2.73x larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (484 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    484 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 25.7% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.4 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.375 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor 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
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
    Skylake vs Kaby Lake
  • 16.7% lower memory speed
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    2,666 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • 2 fewer memory channels
    This processor has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
    4 vs 2
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR4-2666 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR4-2,666 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • No integrated graphics
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, while the average processor does. 85.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.67x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    165 W vs 45 W
  • 2.58x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (165 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    165 W vs 64 W
  • 12 °C lower temperature limit
    This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (88 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    88 °C vs 100 °C
  • 3.67x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (165 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    165 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Overview video
Not graded
Not graded

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i9-9940X

  • High multi-threaded performance with 14 cores and 28 threads ideal for heavy rendering and productivity workloads
  • Unlocked multiplier allows for relatively easy overclocking for enthusiast users
  • Support for quad-channel DDR4 memory and up to 44 PCIe lanes for extensive hardware expansion
  • Improved heat transfer compared to predecessors due to the use of Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM)
  • Strong longevity for workstations focused on content creation and multi-tasking

What customers don't like about Intel Core i9-9940X

  • Very high power consumption, reaching up to 165W TDP and significantly higher when overclocked
  • Runs extremely hot under load, often requiring high-end AIO or custom loop cooling solutions to avoid throttling
  • Poor value for money compared to modern mainstream CPUs and AMD's Ryzen Threadripper alternatives
  • Requires expensive X299 motherboards, increasing the total cost of system builds
  • Lacks integrated graphics, mandating the purchase of a dedicated GPU
  • No support for ECC RAM, which is often a requirement for professional server-grade workstations

Verdict

The Intel Core i9-9940X is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor from the Skylake-X Refresh (9th Gen) family, featuring 14 cores and 28 threads with a 3.30 GHz base clock and a 4.50 GHz Max Turbo 3.0 frequency. Built on a 14nm process for the LGA 2066 socket, it includes 19.25 MB of L3 Smart Cache, support for quad-channel DDR4-2666 memory, and 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes for extensive multi-GPU or NVMe storage setups. Its main pros include exceptional multi-threaded performance for 'mega-tasking' like 4K video editing and 3D rendering, along with an unlocked multiplier for enthusiast overclocking. However, it suffers from a high 165W TDP that demands robust cooling solutions, lacks integrated graphics, and has high power consumption that can lead to significant heat under heavy loads.

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