Core i5-11600KF vs Core i9-10900E
Core i5-11600KF
Core i9-10900E
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-11600KF
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10900E
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-11600KF | Core i9-10900E |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($157) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($450) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-11600KF | Core i9-10900E |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+189%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($157) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($450) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-11600KF and Core i9-10900E
Core i5-11600KF
The Core i5-11600KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 19,468 points. Launch price was $299.
Core i9-10900E
The Core i9-10900E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 19,332 points. Launch price was $488.
Processing Power
The Core i5-11600KF packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i9-10900E offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-10900E has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-11600KF versus 4.7 GHz on the Core i9-10900E — a 4.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-11600KF (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-11600KF uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-10900E uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11600KF scores 19,468 against the Core i9-10900E's 19,332 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-11600KF. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11600KF vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900E.
| Feature | Core i5-11600KF | Core i9-10900E |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 10 / 20+67% |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz+4% | 4.7 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+39% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 20 MB (total)+67% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Rocket Lake (2021) | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 19,468 | 19,332 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 11,277 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,138 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 8,631 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 4.0. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-11600KF) vs 16 (Core i9-10900E) — the Core i5-11600KF offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1200 (Core i5-11600KF) and LGA1200 (Core i9-10900E).
| Feature | Core i5-11600KF | Core i9-10900E |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-11600KF has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i5-11600KF supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-11600KF) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-10900E). The Core i9-10900E includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-11600KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11600KF targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-11600KF rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Core i5-11600KF | Core i9-10900E |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-11600KF launched at $237 MSRP, while the Core i9-10900E debuted at $488. At current prices ($157 vs $450), the Core i5-11600KF is $293 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11600KF delivers 124.0 pts/$ vs 43.0 pts/$ for the Core i9-10900E — making the Core i5-11600KF the 97.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-11600KF | Core i9-10900E |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $237-51% | $488 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $157-65% | $450 |
| Performance per Dollar | 124.0+188% | 43.0 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2020 |
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