Core i9-9900KS vs Core i9-10900
Core i9-9900KS
Core i9-10900
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 i9-9900KS
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10900
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9900KS | Core i9-10900 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($350) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($426) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9900KS | Core i9-10900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+23%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($350) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($426) |
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 i9-9900KS and Core i9-10900
Core i9-9900KS
The Core i9-9900KS is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 October 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 4 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 127 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 19,397 points. Launch price was $513.
Core i9-10900
The Core i9-10900 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 5.1 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 19,163 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
The Core i9-9900KS packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-10900 offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-10900 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i9-9900KS versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-10900 — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i9-10900 (base: 4 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i9-9900KS uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-10900 uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9900KS scores 19,397 against the Core i9-10900's 19,163 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i9-9900KS. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-9900KS vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900.
| Feature | Core i9-9900KS | Core i9-10900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 10 / 20+25% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | 5.1 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+43% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total) | 20 MB (total)+25% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 19,397+1% | 19,163 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9900KS uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-10900 uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i9-9900KS | Core i9-10900 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9900KS launched at $513 MSRP, while the Core i9-10900 debuted at $483. At current prices ($350 vs $426), the Core i9-9900KS is $76 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9900KS delivers 55.4 pts/$ vs 45.0 pts/$ for the Core i9-10900 — making the Core i9-9900KS the 20.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9900KS | Core i9-10900 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $513 | $483-6% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $350-18% | $426 |
| Performance per Dollar | 55.4+23% | 45.0 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2020 |
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