Core i9-10900E vs Core i5-11600K
Core i9-10900E
Core i5-11600K
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 i9-10900E
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-11600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-10900E | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($450) | ✅ More affordable ($170) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-10900E | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+167%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($450) | ✅ More affordable ($170) |
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 i9-10900E and Core i5-11600K
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.
Core i5-11600K
The Core i5-11600K 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. Passmark benchmark score: 19,520 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i9-10900E packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i5-11600K offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i9-10900E has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i9-10900E versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-11600K — a 4.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-11600K (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i9-10900E uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-11600K uses Rocket Lake (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-10900E scores 19,332 against the Core i5-11600K's 19,520 — a 1% lead for the Core i5-11600K. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900E vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-11600K.
| Feature | Core i9-10900E | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20+67% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz | 4.9 GHz+4% |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.9 GHz+39% |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total)+67% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Comet Lake (2020−2025) | Rocket Lake (2021) |
| PassMark | 19,332 | 19,520 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 4.0. Both support up to DDR4-2933 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i9-10900E) vs 20 (Core i5-11600K) — the Core i5-11600K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: LGA1200 (Core i9-10900E) and Intel 500 series,Intel 400 series (Core i5-11600K).
| Feature | Core i9-10900E | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-11600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i5-11600K supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i9-10900E) and UHD Graphics 750 (Core i5-11600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11600K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i9-10900E | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | UHD Graphics 750 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-10900E launched at $488 MSRP, while the Core i5-11600K debuted at $262. At current prices ($450 vs $170), the Core i5-11600K is $280 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-10900E delivers 43.0 pts/$ vs 114.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-11600K — making the Core i5-11600K the 91.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-10900E | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $488 | $262-46% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $450 | $170-62% |
| Performance per Dollar | 43.0 | 114.8+167% |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2021 |
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