Core i9-9900X vs Core 5 120
Core i9-9900X
Core 5 120
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 i9-9900X
Performance Per Dollar Core 5 120
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9900X | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($300) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($340) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9900X | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+13%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($300) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($340) |
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 i9-9900X and Core 5 120
Core i9-9900X
The Core i9-9900X 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 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: 21,655 points. Launch price was $989.
Core 5 120
The Core 5 120 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 July 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 18 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 21,629 points. Launch price was $211.
Processing Power
The Core i9-9900X packs 10 cores / 20 threads, while the Core 5 120 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i9-9900X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9900X versus 4.5 GHz on the Core 5 120 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i9-9900X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 5 120 uses Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9900X scores 21,655 against the Core 5 120's 21,629 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i9-9900X. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9900X vs 18 MB (total) on the Core 5 120.
| Feature | Core i9-9900X | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 20+67% | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+40% | 2.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 19.25 MB (total)+7% | 18 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+25% |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) |
| PassMark | 21,655 | 21,629 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 13,985 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,459 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 9,475 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9900X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 5 120 uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i9-9900X | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 4 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 44 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-9900X) / not specified (Core 5 120).
| Feature | Core i9-9900X | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | Yes | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9900X launched at $989 MSRP, while the Core 5 120 debuted at $340. At current prices ($300 vs $340), the Core i9-9900X is $40 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9900X delivers 72.2 pts/$ vs 63.6 pts/$ for the Core 5 120 — making the Core i9-9900X the 12.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9900X | Core 5 120 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $989 | $340-66% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $300-12% | $340 |
| Performance per Dollar | 72.2+14% | 63.6 |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2025 |
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