Core i9-10900 vs Core i9-9900KS
Core i9-10900
Core i9-9900KS
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 i9-10900
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-9900KS
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-10900 | Core i9-9900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($426) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-10900 | Core i9-9900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+23%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($426) | ✅ More affordable ($350) |
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 i9-10900 and Core i9-9900KS
Core i9-10900
The Core i9-10900 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 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 19,163 points. Launch price was $299.
Core i9-9900KS
The Core i9-9900KS is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 127 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 19,397 points. Launch price was $513.
Processing Power
The Core i9-10900 packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i9-9900KS offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-10900 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-10900 versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-9900KS — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i9-10900 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i9-10900 uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-9900KS uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-10900 scores 19,163 against the Core i9-9900KS's 19,397 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i9-9900KS. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900 vs 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-9900KS.
| Feature | Core i9-10900 | Core i9-9900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20+25% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+2% | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 4 GHz+43% |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total)+25% | 16 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Comet Lake (2020−2025) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 19,163 | 19,397+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-10900 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-9900KS uses LGA1151 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i9-10900 | Core i9-9900KS |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-10900 launched at $483 MSRP, while the Core i9-9900KS debuted at $513. At current prices ($426 vs $350), the Core i9-9900KS is $76 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-10900 delivers 45.0 pts/$ vs 55.4 pts/$ for the Core i9-9900KS — making the Core i9-9900KS the 20.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-10900 | Core i9-9900KS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $483-6% | $513 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $426 | $350-18% |
| Performance per Dollar | 45.0 | 55.4+23% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2019 |
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