Core Ultra 7 266V vs Core i9-10900
Core Ultra 7 266V
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 Ultra 7 266V
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10900
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 266V | Core i9-10900 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($520) | ✅ More affordable ($426) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Lunar Lake (2024) / 3 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core Ultra 7 266V | Core i9-10900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+21%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($520) | ✅ More affordable ($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 Ultra 7 266V and Core i9-10900
Core Ultra 7 266V
The Core Ultra 7 266V is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 September 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 2.5 MB (per core). Built on 3 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2833. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 19,274 points. Launch price was $299.
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 Ultra 7 266V packs 8 cores / 8 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 Ultra 7 266V versus 5.1 GHz on the Core i9-10900 — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i9-10900 (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core Ultra 7 266V uses the Lunar Lake (2024) architecture (3 nm), while the Core i9-10900 uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core Ultra 7 266V scores 19,274 against the Core i9-10900's 19,163 — a 0.6% lead for the Core Ultra 7 266V. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core Ultra 7 266V vs 20 MB (total) on the Core i9-10900.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 266V | Core i9-10900 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8 | 10 / 20+25% |
| Boost Clock | 5 GHz | 5.1 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz | 2.8 GHz+27% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 20 MB (total)+67% |
| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB (per core)+900% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 3 nm-79% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Lunar Lake (2024) | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 19,274 | 19,163 |
Memory & Platform
The Core Ultra 7 266V uses the FCBGA2833 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i9-10900 uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 266V | Core i9-10900 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA2833 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core Ultra 7 266V launched at $520 MSRP, while the Core i9-10900 debuted at $483. At current prices ($520 vs $426), the Core i9-10900 is $94 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core Ultra 7 266V delivers 37.1 pts/$ vs 45.0 pts/$ for the Core i9-10900 — making the Core i9-10900 the 19.3% better value option.
| Feature | Core Ultra 7 266V | Core i9-10900 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $520 | $483-7% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $520 | $426-18% |
| Performance per Dollar | 37.1 | 45.0+21% |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2020 |
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