Core i9-9900K vs Core i7-9800X
Core i9-9900K
Core i7-9800X
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 i9-9900K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9800X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9900K | Core i7-9800X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($331) | ✅ More affordable ($210) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9900K | Core i7-9800X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+58%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($331) | ✅ More affordable ($210) |
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 i9-9900K and Core i7-9800X
Core i9-9900K
The Core i9-9900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 18,109 points. Launch price was $488.
Core i7-9800X
The Core i7-9800X 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 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 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: 18,128 points. Launch price was $589.
Processing Power
Both the Core i9-9900K and Core i7-9800X share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i9-9900K versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-9800X — a 10.5% clock advantage for the Core i9-9900K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i9-9900K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-9800X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9900K scores 18,109 against the Core i7-9800X's 18,128 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-9800X. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-9900K vs 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i7-9800X.
| Feature | Core i9-9900K | Core i7-9800X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz+11% | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.8 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total) | 16.5 MB (total)+3% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 18,109 | 18,128 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 13,067 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,372 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 7,552 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9900K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-9800X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i9-9900K) vs 4 (Core i7-9800X). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i9-9900K) vs 44 (Core i7-9800X) — the Core i7-9800X offers 28 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i9-9900K) and X299 (Core i7-9800X).
| Feature | Core i9-9900K | Core i7-9800X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA2066 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 44+175% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i9-9900K) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9800X). The Core i9-9900K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-9800X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9800X targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-9800X rivals Ryzen 5 3600XT.
| Feature | Core i9-9900K | Core i7-9800X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | Yes |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Workstation |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9900K launched at $488 MSRP, while the Core i7-9800X debuted at $589. At current prices ($331 vs $210), the Core i7-9800X is $121 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9900K delivers 54.7 pts/$ vs 86.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-9800X — making the Core i7-9800X the 44.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9900K | Core i7-9800X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $488-17% | $589 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $331 | $210-37% |
| Performance per Dollar | 54.7 | 86.3+58% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2018 |
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