Core i9-10900X 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 i9-10900X 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 i9-10900X 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 i9-10900X

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 24 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $590 MSRP, while Core i9-11980HK mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌266.7% higher power demand at 165W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i9-11980HK can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i9-11980HK.

Core i9-11980HK

2021

Why buy it

✅+24.7% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 19 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 165W, a 120W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 32EUs, while Core i9-10900X needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Laptop Integrated), unlike Core i9-10900X.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-10900X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (22,244 vs 22,377).

Quick Answers

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

Yes. Core i9-10900X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.1% 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 i9-10900X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.1% 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 i9-10900X 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 i9-10900X is the better buy right now. Core i9-10900X comes in at an unclear MSRP at $590 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (37.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2019) and 24.7% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 19 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i9-10900X vs Core i9-11980HK 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 i9-11980HK

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.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-10900X packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core i9-11980HK 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 GHz on the Core i9-11980HK — a 6.2% clock advantage for the Core i9-11980HK (base: 3.7 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i9-10900X uses the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-11980HK uses Tiger Lake-HK (2021) (10 nm SuperFin). In PassMark, the Core i9-10900X scores 22,377 against the Core i9-11980HK's 22,244 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i9-10900X. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900X vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-11980HK.

Feature	Core i9-10900X	Core i9-11980HK
Cores / Threads	10 / 20+25%	8 / 16
Boost Clock	4.7 GHz	5 GHz+6%
Base Clock	3.7 GHz+42%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	19.25 MB (total)	24 MB (total)+25%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	1.25 MB (per core)+25%
Process	14 nm	10 nm SuperFin-29%
Architecture	Cascade Lake-X (2019)	Tiger Lake-HK (2021)
PassMark	22,377	22,244
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	14,029
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,129
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	9,766

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-10900X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-11980HK uses FCBGA1787 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i9-10900X	Core i9-11980HK
Socket	LGA2066	FCBGA1787
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	—	128 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	20

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i9-10900X) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i9-11980HK). The Core i9-11980HK includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 32EUs), while the Core i9-10900X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-11980HK targets Enthusiast Gaming Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i9-11980HK rivals Ryzen 9 5900HX.