Core i9-9920X vs Core i9-11900K
Core i9-9920X
Core i9-11900K
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 i9-9920X
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-11900K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-9920X | Core i9-11900K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($464) | ✅ More affordable ($435) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-9920X | Core i9-11900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+7%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($464) | ✅ More affordable ($435) |
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 i9-9920X and Core i9-11900K
Core i9-9920X
The Core i9-9920X 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 12 cores and 24 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: 24,974 points. Launch price was $1,189.
Core i9-11900K
The Core i9-11900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 24,990 points. Launch price was $539.
Processing Power
The Core i9-9920X packs 12 cores / 24 threads, while the Core i9-11900K offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Core i9-9920X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9920X versus 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-11900K — a 14.4% clock advantage for the Core i9-11900K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i9-9920X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-11900K uses Rocket Lake (2021) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i9-9920X scores 24,974 against the Core i9-11900K's 24,990 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i9-11900K. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9920X vs 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-11900K.
| Feature | Core i9-9920X | Core i9-11900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 12 / 24+50% | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 4.5 GHz | 5.2 GHz+16% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 19.25 MB (total)+20% | 16 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core)+100% | 512 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) | Rocket Lake (2021) |
| PassMark | 24,974 | 24,990 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i9-9920X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-11900K uses LGA1200 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i9-9920X | Core i9-11900K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2066 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-9920X launched at $1189 MSRP, while the Core i9-11900K debuted at $539. At current prices ($464 vs $435), the Core i9-11900K is $29 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9920X delivers 53.8 pts/$ vs 57.4 pts/$ for the Core i9-11900K — making the Core i9-11900K the 6.5% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-9920X | Core i9-11900K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $1189 | $539-55% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $464 | $435-6% |
| Performance per Dollar | 53.8 | 57.4+7% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2021 |
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