CPU
GPU
Core i7-9800X
Core i9-9900K
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 i7-9800X
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9900K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-9800X | Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($210) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($331) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-9800X | Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+58%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($210) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($331) |
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 i7-9800X and Core i9-9900K
Core i7-9800X
The Core i7-9800X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 18,128 points. Launch price was $589.
Core i9-9900K
The Core i9-9900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 18,109 points. Launch price was $488.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-9800X and Core i9-9900K share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-9800X versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-9900K — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-9900K (base: 3.8 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-9800X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-9900K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9800X scores 18,128 against the Core i9-9900K's 18,109 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-9800X. L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i7-9800X vs 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-9900K.
| Feature | Core i7-9800X | Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 5 GHz+11% |
| Base Clock | 3.8 GHz+6% | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 16.5 MB (total)+3% | 16 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 18,128 | 18,109 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 13,067 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,372 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 7,552 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-9800X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-9900K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-9800X) vs 2 (Core i9-9900K). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i7-9800X) vs 16 (Core i9-9900K) — the Core i7-9800X offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i7-9800X) and Intel 300 series (Core i9-9900K).
| Feature | Core i7-9800X | Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 44+175% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9800X) / not specified (Core i9-9900K). The Core i9-9900K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-9800X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9800X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-9800X rivals Ryzen 5 3600XT.
| Feature | Core i7-9800X | Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | Yes | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Workstation | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-9800X launched at $589 MSRP, while the Core i9-9900K debuted at $488. At current prices ($210 vs $331), the Core i7-9800X is $121 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9800X delivers 86.3 pts/$ vs 54.7 pts/$ for the Core i9-9900K — making the Core i7-9800X the 44.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-9800X | Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $589 | $488-17% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $210-37% | $331 |
| Performance per Dollar | 86.3+58% | 54.7 |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2018 |
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