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 i9-9820X vs Core Ultra 9 288V 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 i9-9820X vs Core Ultra 9 288V: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i9-9820X

2018

Why buy it

✅+37.5% larger total L3 cache (17 MB vs 12 MB).
✅450% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core Ultra 9 288V across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (9,361 vs 10,000).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.0 vs 33.8 PassMark/$ ($889 MSRP vs $600 MSRP).
❌450% higher power demand at 165W vs 30W.
❌Older platform position on LGA2066 with DDR4, while Core Ultra 9 288V moves to FCBGA2833 and DDR5.

Core Ultra 9 288V

2024

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +17.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $289 less on MSRP ($600 MSRP vs $889 MSRP).
✅Delivers 46.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 33.8 vs 23.0 PassMark/$ ($600 MSRP vs $889 MSRP).
✅Draws 30W instead of 165W, a 135W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA2833 with DDR5 support instead of LGA2066 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 17 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core Ultra 9 288V better than Core i9-9820X?

Yes. Core Ultra 9 288V is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 17.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 6.8% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 Ultra 9 288V is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 17.1% 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 Ultra 9 288V is the stronger fit. You are getting 6.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core Ultra 9 288V is the better buy right now. Core Ultra 9 288V comes in $289 cheaper on MSRP at $600 MSRP versus $889 MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 46.9% better value on MSRP (33.8 vs 23.0 PassMark/$), 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 Ultra 9 288V makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2018), a healthier platform with FCBGA2833 and DDR5 instead of LGA2066, and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 10/20. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i9-9820X vs Core Ultra 9 288V Technical Specifications

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

Core i9-9820X

The Core i9-9820X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 20,456 points. Launch price was $898.

Core Ultra 9 288V

The Core Ultra 9 288V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 30 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 20,280 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i9-9820X packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core Ultra 9 288V offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i9-9820X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i9-9820X versus 5.1 GHz on the Core Ultra 9 288V — a 19.4% clock advantage for the Core Ultra 9 288V (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i9-9820X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core Ultra 9 288V uses Lunar Lake (2024) (3 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9820X scores 20,456 against the Core Ultra 9 288V's 20,280 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i9-9820X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,394 vs 2,800, a 67% lead for the Core Ultra 9 288V that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 9,361 vs 10,000 (6.6% advantage for the Core Ultra 9 288V). L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i9-9820X vs 12 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 9 288V.

Feature	Core i9-9820X	Core Ultra 9 288V
Cores / Threads	10 / 20+25%	8 / 8
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz	5.1 GHz+21%
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	3.3 GHz
L3 Cache	16.5 MB (total)+38%	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	2.5 MB (per core)+150%
Process	14 nm	3 nm-79%
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Lunar Lake (2024)
PassMark	20,456	20,280
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	9,300
Geekbench 6 Single	1,394	2,800+101%
Geekbench 6 Multi	9,361	10,000+7%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9820X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core Ultra 9 288V uses FCBGA2833 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4 2666 MHz on the Core i9-9820X versus LPDDR5X-8533 on the Core Ultra 9 288V — the Core Ultra 9 288V supports 220.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i9-9820X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i9-9820X) vs 2 (Core Ultra 9 288V). PCIe lanes: 44 (Core i9-9820X) vs 8 (Core Ultra 9 288V) — the Core i9-9820X offers 36 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel X299 (Core i9-9820X) and SoC (Core Ultra 9 288V).

Feature	Core i9-9820X	Core Ultra 9 288V
Socket	LGA2066	FCBGA2833
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4 2666 MHz	LPDDR5X-8533+220%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+300%	32 GB
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	44+450%	8

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9820X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support true virtualization. The Core Ultra 9 288V includes integrated graphics (Intel Arc 140V), while the Core i9-9820X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-9820X targets Workstation.

Feature	Core i9-9820X	Core Ultra 9 288V
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel Arc 140V
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	true	true
Target Use	Workstation	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9820X was priced at $889, while the Core Ultra 9 288V came in at $600. On launch pricing ($889 vs $600), Core Ultra 9 288V was $289 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9820X delivers 23.0 pts/$ vs 33.8 pts/$ for the Core Ultra 9 288V — making the Core Ultra 9 288V the 38% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-9820X	Core Ultra 9 288V
MSRP	$889	$600-33%
Performance per Dollar	23.0	33.8+47%
Release Date	2018	2024

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