CPU
GPU
Core i9-10900
Core Ultra 7 266V
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 Ultra 7 266V
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-10900 | Core Ultra 7 266V |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($426) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($520) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-10900 | Core Ultra 7 266V |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+21%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($426) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($520) |
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 Ultra 7 266V
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 Ultra 7 266V
The Core Ultra 7 266V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 19,274 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i9-10900 packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core Ultra 7 266V offers 8 cores / 8 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 Ultra 7 266V — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i9-10900 (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i9-10900 uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core Ultra 7 266V uses Lunar Lake (2024) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-10900 scores 19,163 against the Core Ultra 7 266V's 19,274 — a 0.6% lead for the Core Ultra 7 266V. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 266V.
| Feature | Core i9-10900 | Core Ultra 7 266V |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20+25% | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz+2% | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+27% | 2.2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total)+67% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 2.5 MB (per core)+900% |
| Process | 14 nm | 3 nm-79% |
| Architecture | Comet Lake (2020−2025) | Lunar Lake (2024) |
| PassMark | 19,163 | 19,274 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-10900 uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core Ultra 7 266V uses FCBGA2833 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i9-10900 | Core Ultra 7 266V |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | FCBGA2833 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-10900 launched at $483 MSRP, while the Core Ultra 7 266V debuted at $520. At current prices ($426 vs $520), the Core i9-10900 is $94 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-10900 delivers 45.0 pts/$ vs 37.1 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 7 266V — making the Core i9-10900 the 19.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-10900 | Core Ultra 7 266V |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $483-7% | $520 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $426-18% | $520 |
| Performance per Dollar | 45.0+21% | 37.1 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2024 |
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