Core i9-9920X vs Core i9-11900K

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.

Core i9-9920X vs Core i9-11900K FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i9-9920X vs Core i9-11900K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i9-9920X

2018

Why buy it

✅+20.3% larger total L3 cache (19 MB vs 16 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (24,974 vs 24,990).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.0 vs 46.4 PassMark/$ ($1,189 MSRP vs $539 MSRP).
❌32% higher power demand at 165W vs 125W.

Core i9-11900K

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $650 less on MSRP ($539 MSRP vs $1,189 MSRP).
✅Delivers 120.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 46.4 vs 21.0 PassMark/$ ($539 MSRP vs $1,189 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 165W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (16 MB vs 19 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-11900K better than Core i9-9920X?

Yes. Core i9-11900K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i9-11900K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-11900K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i9-11900K is the better buy right now. Core i9-11900K comes in $650 cheaper on MSRP at $539 MSRP versus $1,189 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 120.7% better value on MSRP (46.4 vs 21.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i9-11900K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2018) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 12/24. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i9-9920X vs Core i9-11900K Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

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.

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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

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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%

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i9-9920X was priced at $1189, while the Core i9-11900K came in at $539. On launch pricing ($1189 vs $539), Core i9-11900K was $650 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-9920X delivers 21.0 pts/$ vs 46.4 pts/$ for the Core i9-11900K — making the Core i9-11900K the 75.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i9-9920X	Core i9-11900K
MSRP	$1189	$539-55%
Performance per Dollar	21.0	46.4+121%
Release Date	2018	2021

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