Core i9-11900 vs Core i9-10900K
Core i9-11900
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 i9-11900
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10900K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-11900 | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($220) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($500) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-11900 | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+128%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($220) | ⚠️ 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 i9-11900 and Core i9-10900K
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.
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
The Core i9-11900 packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-10900K offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-10900K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-11900 versus 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-10900K — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-10900K (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i9-11900 uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-10900K uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-11900 scores 22,422 against the Core i9-10900K's 22,382 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i9-11900. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-11900 vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900K.
| Feature | Core i9-11900 | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 10 / 20+25% |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz | 5.2 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.7 GHz+48% |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total) | 20 MB (total)+25% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Rocket Lake (2021) | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 22,422 | 22,382 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 3.0.
| Feature | Core i9-11900 | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2933 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i9-11900) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-10900K). The Core i9-10900K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i9-11900 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-10900K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i9-11900 | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-11900 launched at $439 MSRP, while the Core i9-10900K debuted at $499. At current prices ($220 vs $500), the Core i9-11900 is $280 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-11900 delivers 101.9 pts/$ vs 44.8 pts/$ for the Core i9-10900K — making the Core i9-11900 the 77.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-11900 | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $439-12% | $499 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $220-56% | $500 |
| Performance per Dollar | 101.9+127% | 44.8 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2020 |
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