CPU
GPU
Core i9-10900KF
Core i9-10900K
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 i9-10900KF
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10900K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-10900KF | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($336) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($500) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-10900KF | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+48%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($336) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($500) |
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 i9-10900KF and Core i9-10900K
Core i9-10900KF
The Core i9-10900KF 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: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 22,231 points. Launch price was $509.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i9-10900KF and Core i9-10900K share an identical 10-core/20-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-10900KF versus 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-10900K — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). Both are built on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-10900KF scores 22,231 against the Core i9-10900K's 22,382 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i9-10900K. Both processors carry 20 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i9-10900KF | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20 | 10 / 20 |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 20 MB (total) | 20 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Comet Lake (2020−2025) | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 22,231 | 22,382 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,767 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 9,261 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2933 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: LGA1200 (Core i9-10900KF) and Intel 400 series (Core i9-10900K).
| Feature | Core i9-10900KF | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2933 | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i9-10900K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i9-10900KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-10900K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i9-10900KF | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-10900KF launched at $509 MSRP, while the Core i9-10900K debuted at $499. At current prices ($336 vs $500), the Core i9-10900KF is $164 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-10900KF delivers 66.2 pts/$ vs 44.8 pts/$ for the Core i9-10900K — making the Core i9-10900KF the 38.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-10900KF | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $509 | $499-2% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $336-33% | $500 |
| Performance per Dollar | 66.2+48% | 44.8 |
| Release Date | 2020 | 2020 |
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