Core i9-10900K vs Core i9-11980HK

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.

Core i9-10900K vs Core i9-11980HK FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i9-10900K vs Core i9-11980HK: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i9-10900K

2020

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (20 MB vs 24 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $499 MSRP, while Core i9-11980HK mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌177.8% higher power demand at 125W vs 45W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i9-11980HK.

Core i9-11980HK

2021

Why buy it

✅+20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 125W, a 80W reduction.
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Laptop Integrated), unlike Core i9-10900K.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-10900K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (22,244 vs 22,382).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-10900K better than Core i9-11980HK?

Yes. Core i9-10900K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-10900K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-10900K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i9-10900K is the better buy right now. Core i9-10900K comes in at an unclear MSRP at $499 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (44.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i9-11980HK makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2020) and 20% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 20 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-10900K vs Core i9-11980HK Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i9-10900K

The Core i9-10900K 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 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 22,382 points. Launch price was $488.

Core i9-11980HK

The Core i9-11980HK is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-HK (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1787. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 22,244 points. Launch price was $583.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-10900K packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i9-11980HK offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-10900K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-10900K versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-11980HK — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-10900K (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i9-10900K uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-11980HK uses Tiger Lake-HK (2021) (10 nm SuperFin). In PassMark, the Core i9-10900K scores 22,382 against the Core i9-11980HK's 22,244 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i9-10900K. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900K vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-11980HK.

Feature	Core i9-10900K	Core i9-11980HK
Cores / Threads	10 / 20+25%	8 / 16
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz+4%	5 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+42%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)	24 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)+400%
Process	14 nm	10 nm SuperFin-29%
Architecture	Comet Lake (2020−2025)	Tiger Lake-HK (2021)
PassMark	22,382	22,244
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	14,029
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,129
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	9,766

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-10900K uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-11980HK uses FCBGA1787 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2933 on the Core i9-10900K versus DDR4-3200 on the Core i9-11980HK — the Core i9-11980HK supports 9.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i9-10900K) vs 20 (Core i9-11980HK) — the Core i9-11980HK offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 400 series (Core i9-10900K) and HM570,WM590 (Core i9-11980HK).

Feature	Core i9-10900K	Core i9-11980HK
Socket	LGA1200	FCBGA1787
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2933	DDR4-3200+9%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	20+25%

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i9-11980HK supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-10900K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-11980HK). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i9-10900K) and UHD Graphics 32EUs (Core i9-11980HK) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-10900K targets Desktop, Core i9-11980HK targets Enthusiast Gaming Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i9-11980HK rivals Ryzen 9 5900HX.

Feature	Core i9-10900K	Core i9-11980HK
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	UHD Graphics 32EUs
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Enthusiast Gaming Laptop