Core i9-9900K

Details and Benchmarks for Intel Core i9-9900K

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Benchmark Results

Combined benchmark scores based on multiple data points, giving a quick overview of this processor's performance.

Overall Score

Overall score for Core i9-9900K based on all benchmark results gathered. Look at this like a meta score, you will find more specific workload ratings below.

6,136 Rank: 201
Rank Name Score Visual
197 Ryzen 7 8840U 6,148
+0.2%
198 EPYC 7742 6,147
+0.2%
199 AMD Ryzen 7 1700X 6,147
+0.2%
200 Xeon Gold 5418Y 6,142
+0.1%
201 Core i9-9900K 6,136
202 Core i7-12700H 6,135
+-0%
203 Ryzen 9 PRO 6950HS 6,134
+-0%
204 Core i9-11900F 6,132
-0.1%
205 Xeon E-2236 6,131
-0.1%
206 Ryzen 7 5700 6,130
-0.1%

View full ranking →

Multicore Score

Multicore performance score for Core i9-9900K based on multi-threaded benchmark results.

5,597 Rank: 358
Rank Name Score Visual
354 Xeon E-2278G 5,602
+0.1%
355 Ryzen 5 7540U 5,602
+0.1%
356 Ryzen 7 7736U 5,601
+0.1%
357 Ryzen 7 6800U 5,600
+0.1%
358 Core i9-9900K 5,597
359 Xeon E5-2643 v4 5,595
+-0%
360 Core i7-10700K 5,595
+-0%
361 Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U 5,594
-0.1%
362 Ryzen 7 PRO 4750G 5,594
-0.1%
363 Ryzen 7 5800H 5,591
-0.1%

View full ranking →

Singlecore Score

Single-core performance score for Core i9-9900K based on single-threaded benchmark results.

6,496 Rank: 118
Rank Name Score Visual
114 Core i9-9900KS 6,512
+0.2%
115 Core i9-10980XE 6,512
+0.2%
116 Xeon E-2236 6,507
+0.2%
117 Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX 6,502
+0.1%
118 Core i9-9900K 6,496
119 Ryzen 7 5800X 6,492
-0.1%
120 Core i9-9900 6,482
-0.2%
121 Xeon W-1370 6,479
-0.3%
122 Xeon w5-3435X 6,472
-0.4%
123 Core i9-12900E 6,467
-0.4%

View full ranking →

Workload Scores

Performance scores grouped by workload type, normalized and aggregated from multiple raw benchmark results.

Number Crunching

Aggregated score for Core i9-9900K based on integer math, floating point math, and prime number computation benchmarks.

5,051 Rank: 352
Rank Name Score Visual
348 Xeon W-2145 5,053
+0%
349 Core i9-9900KF 5,053
+0%
350 Xeon Silver 4309Y 5,053
+0%
351 Core Ultra 5 125U 5,052
+0%
352 Core i9-9900K 5,051
353 Ryzen 5 7540U 5,048
-0.1%
354 Core Ultra 5 135U 5,047
-0.1%
355 Xeon E-2288G 5,045
-0.1%
356 Ryzen 5 5500 5,045
-0.1%
357 Xeon E-2278G 5,044
-0.1%

View full ranking →

Data Processing

Aggregated score for Core i9-9900K based on data encryption, data compression, and string sorting benchmarks.

5,172 Rank: 333
Rank Name Score Visual
329 Core i9-10900E 5,185
+0.3%
330 Ryzen 5 5500 5,177
+0.1%
331 Xeon Gold 5315Y 5,177
+0.1%
332 Ryzen 7 PRO 2700 5,176
+0.1%
333 Core i9-9900K 5,172
334 Core i9-9900KF 5,171
+-0%
335 Xeon W-1350P 5,171
+-0%
336 Xeon E5-4660 v4 5,170
+-0%
337 Xeon E5-2687W v4 5,161
-0.2%
338 Ryzen 5 3600XT 5,158
-0.3%

View full ranking →

Physics & Compute

Aggregated score for Core i9-9900K based on physics simulation and extended instruction set (SSE/AVX) benchmarks.

5,126 Rank: 328
Rank Name Score Visual
324 Ryzen Threadripper 2920X 5,132
+0.1%
325 Xeon Gold 5215 5,127
+0%
326 Core i9-9900KF 5,127
+0%
327 Xeon E5-2689 v4 5,126
+0%
328 Core i9-9900K 5,126
329 Ryzen 9 5900HX 5,126
+0%
330 Xeon E5-2680 v4 5,122
-0.1%
331 Core i9-10900 5,120
-0.1%
332 Xeon W-1290 5,120
-0.1%
333 Xeon Silver 4214 5,118
-0.2%

View full ranking →

Core i9-9900K Details

As of March 2026, the Intel Core i9-9900K remains a notable processor from the Coffee Lake Refresh era, launched in October 2018. While it is now over seven years old, its performance still holds relevance in certain benchmark contexts, particularly in single-core workloads. With a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a turbo frequency reaching 5.0 GHz, the i9-9900K was one of the highest-performing consumer CPUs of its time, thanks to its unlocked multiplier and robust boost capabilities. Despite its age, the processor continues to be referenced in performance rankings, though it is now well behind the latest generation of high-end desktop and mobile processors.

The Core i9-9900K features 8 cores and 16 threads, enabled by Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology, and is built on a 14 nm manufacturing process. It includes 16 MB of L3 cache, 2 MB of L2 cache, and 0.5 MB of L1 cache split between instruction and data. The processor operates at a TDP of 95 W, requiring adequate cooling for sustained performance. It supports DDR4-2666 memory via a dual-channel interface and connects to the motherboard using a DMI 3.0 bus and a PCIe 3.0 interface with up to 16 lanes. The integrated UHD Graphics 630 provides basic display support, with a max frequency of 1.2 GHz and the ability to drive up to three displays simultaneously.

In benchmark testing, the Core i9-9900K achieves a single-core score of 6,496, ranking #118 out of 2,060 processors, placing it just behind the Core i9-9900KS and ahead of the Ryzen 7 5800X. This indicates that its single-threaded performance remains competitive even against more recent models, though it trails behind the top-tier Core Ultra and Ryzen Threadripper PRO processors. In multicore performance, it scores 5,597, placing it at #358, which reflects its strong multi-threaded capabilities for its time but shows a clear gap compared to modern high-core-count CPUs. The overall score of 6,136 ranks it at #201, placing it between the Core i7-12700H and the Ryzen 9 PRO 6950HS.

The processor supports a wide range of Intel-specific technologies, including AVX, AVX2, AES-NI, and Intel Turbo Boost 2.0, along with virtualization features like VT-x and VT-d. Its unlocked multiplier makes it a popular choice for overclocking, allowing users to push performance beyond stock frequencies. However, the lack of AVX-512 support and the absence of newer instruction sets like AVX-512 limit its appeal in compute-intensive workloads compared to modern CPUs.

Despite being an older design, the Core i9-9900K is still relevant for enthusiasts and users who prioritize high clock speeds and single-threaded performance, especially in gaming and content creation applications. While newer processors offer greater efficiency, higher core counts, and advanced features, the i9-9900K remains a solid performer in its class, particularly when paired with a capable motherboard and cooling solution. For those seeking a powerful, overclockable CPU without the need for the latest technology, it continues to be a viable option, albeit one that must be evaluated against the current market landscape.
Frequently Compared

AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200GE 1 view

AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 3900 1 view

AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3500U 1 view

Intel Xeon Silver 4210 1 view

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Intel Xeon Silver 4114 1 view

Intel Xeon Silver 4112 1 view

Intel Xeon Silver 4110 1 view

Intel Xeon Platinum 8270 1 view

Intel Core i9-9900K

Main Specifications

Designer: Intel
Name: Core i9-9900K
Family: Core
Series: i9-9000
Model Number: i9-9900K
Cores: 8
Threads: 16
Base Frequency: 3600 MHz
Turbo Frequency (1 core): 5000 MHz
Turbo Frequency (2 cores): 5000 MHz
Clock Multiplier: 36x (unlocked)
Microarchitecture: Coffee Lake
Core Name: Coffee Lake R
Core Family: 6
Core Model: 158
Socket: LGA-1151
Package: FCLGA-1151
Chipset: 300
Target Segment: Desktop
Max CPUs: 1
TDP: 95 W
Release Price: $488.00

Cache Specifications

L1 Cache: 512 KiB
L1 Instruction Cache: 256 KiB (8-way set associative)
L1 Data Cache: 256 KiB (8-way set associative)
L2 Cache: 2 MiB (4-way set associative)
L3 Cache: 16 MiB (16-way set associative)

Memory Specifications

Supported Memory Type: DDR4-2666
Memory Channels: 2
Maximum Memory: 128 GB
Maximum Bandwidth: 39.74 GB/s
ECC Support: No

PCI-Express Specifications

PCIe Revision: 3.0
PCIe Lanes: 16
PCIe Configuration: 1x16, 2x8, 1x8+2x4

Integrated Graphics

GPU: UHD Graphics 630
GPU Designer: Intel
GPU Max Frequency: 1200 MHz
Execution Units: 24

Physical Specifications

Process: 14 nm
Die Area: 180.3 mm²
Manufacturer: Intel
Technology: CMOS
Word Size: 64-bit
ISA: x86-64 (x86)

CPU Features

MMX EMMX SSE SSE2 SSE3 SSSE3 SSE4.1 SSE4.2 AVX AVX2 ABM BMI1 BMI2 FMA3 AES RdRand ADX CLMUL F16C x86-16 x86-32 x86-64 Real Protected SMM FPU NX HT TBT 2.0 EIST SST TXT vPro VT-x VT-d EPT MPX SGX Secure Key SMEP SIPP IPT TSX Flex Memory MWT ATT FMA
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