Core i9-10900KF vs Core i9-11900F

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 i9-10900KF vs Core i9-11900F 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 i9-10900KF vs Core i9-11900F: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-10900KF

2020

Why buy it

✅+25% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 16 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $509 MSRP, while Core i9-11900F mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌92.3% higher power demand at 125W vs 65W.

Core i9-11900F

2021

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 125W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (22,052 vs 22,231).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 20 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-10900KF better than Core i9-11900F?

Yes. Core i9-10900KF is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-10900KF is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.0% 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 i9-10900KF is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 25% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 16 MB).

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

Core i9-10900KF is the better buy right now. Core i9-10900KF comes in at an unclear MSRP at $509 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (43.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i9-11900F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2020). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-10900KF vs Core i9-11900F Technical Specifications

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

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 i9-11900F

The Core i9-11900F 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 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 22,052 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-10900KF packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i9-11900F offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-10900KF has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-10900KF versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-11900F — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-10900KF (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i9-10900KF uses the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-11900F uses Rocket Lake (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-10900KF scores 22,231 against the Core i9-11900F's 22,052 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i9-10900KF. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900KF vs 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-11900F.

Feature	Core i9-10900KF	Core i9-11900F
Cores / Threads	10 / 20+25%	8 / 16
Boost Clock	5.2 GHz+2%	5.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+48%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)+25%	16 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	22,231	22,052
Geekbench 6 Single	1,767	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	9,261	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i9-10900KF	Core i9-11900F
Socket	LGA1200	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2933	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—