Core i9-10900X vs Core i9-11900

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

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

Core i9-10900X

2019

Why buy it

✅+20.3% larger total L3 cache (19 MB vs 16 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (22,377 vs 22,422).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 37.9 vs 51.1 PassMark/$ ($590 MSRP vs $439 MSRP).
❌153.8% higher power demand at 165W vs 65W.

Core i9-11900

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $151 less on MSRP ($439 MSRP vs $590 MSRP).
✅Delivers 34.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 51.1 vs 37.9 PassMark/$ ($439 MSRP vs $590 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 165W, a 100W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 19 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-11900 better than Core i9-10900X?

Yes. Core i9-11900 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-11900 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% 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 i9-11900 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

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

Core i9-11900 is the better buy right now. Core i9-11900 comes in $151 cheaper on MSRP at $439 MSRP versus $590 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 34.7% better value on MSRP (51.1 vs 37.9 PassMark/$), 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 i9-11900 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2019) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 10/20. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-10900X vs Core i9-11900 Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-10900X

The Core i9-10900X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 22,377 points. Launch price was $299.

Core i9-11900

The Core i9-11900 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: 22,422 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-10900X packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i9-11900 offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-10900X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i9-10900X versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-11900 — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-11900 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i9-10900X uses the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-11900 uses Rocket Lake (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-10900X scores 22,377 against the Core i9-11900's 22,422 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i9-11900. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900X vs 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-11900.

Feature	Core i9-10900X	Core i9-11900
Cores / Threads	10 / 20+25%	8 / 16
Boost Clock	4.7 GHz	5.1 GHz+9%
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+48%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	19.25 MB (total)+20%	16 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Cascade Lake-X (2019)	Rocket Lake (2021)
PassMark	22,377	22,422

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-10900X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-11900 uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i9-10900X	Core i9-11900
Socket	LGA2066	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-10900X was priced at $590, while the Core i9-11900 came in at $439. On launch pricing ($590 vs $439), Core i9-11900 was $151 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-10900X delivers 37.9 pts/$ vs 51.1 pts/$ for the Core i9-11900 — making the Core i9-11900 the 29.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-10900X	Core i9-11900
MSRP	$590	$439-26%
Performance per Dollar	37.9	51.1+35%
Release Date	2019	2021

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