Core i9-9900K vs Core i9-9900KF
Core i9-9900K
Core i9-9900KF
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 i9-9900KF
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9900K | Core i9-9900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($331) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9900K | Core i9-9900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+6%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($331) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
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 i9-9900KF
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 i9-9900KF
The Core i9-9900KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2019 (6 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: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 18,029 points. Launch price was $488.
Processing Power
Both the Core i9-9900K and Core i9-9900KF share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i9-9900K versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-9900KF — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). Both are built on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-9900K scores 18,109 against the Core i9-9900KF's 18,029 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i9-9900K. Both processors carry 16 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i9-9900K | Core i9-9900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total) | 16 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 18,109 | 18,029 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 12,812 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,720 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 8,150 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i9-9900K) and Z390,Z370,H370,B365,B360 (Core i9-9900KF).
| Feature | Core i9-9900K | Core i9-9900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| 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 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i9-9900K) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9900KF). The Core i9-9900K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i9-9900KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i9-9900KF targets Gaming.
| Feature | Core i9-9900K | Core i9-9900KF |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Gaming |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9900K launched at $488 MSRP, while the Core i9-9900KF debuted at $488. At current prices ($331 vs $350), the Core i9-9900K is $19 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9900K delivers 54.7 pts/$ vs 51.5 pts/$ for the Core i9-9900KF — making the Core i9-9900K the 6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9900K | Core i9-9900KF |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $488 | $488 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $331-5% | $350 |
| Performance per Dollar | 54.7+6% | 51.5 |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2019 |
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