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.

Overview

The Core i9-10850K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 July 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-S (2020) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 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): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 21,964 points. Launch price was $453.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i9-10850K

#566

Core i7-11700

MSRP: $323|Avg: $274

103%

#567

A6-9500

MSRP: $101|Avg: $25

102%

#568

Core i9-13900T

MSRP: $549|Avg: $570

102%

#569

Core 2 Quad Q9300

MSRP: $266|Avg: $27

102%

#570

Processor 300T

MSRP: $82|Avg: $82

101%

#571

Athlon 3000G

MSRP: $49|Avg: $60

101%

#572

Athlon 220GE

MSRP: $65|Avg: $60

101%

#573

Ryzen 9 3900X

MSRP: $499|Avg: $441

101%

#574

Core 2 Duo E8700

MSRP: $256|Avg: $30

101%

#575

Core i7-4770R

MSRP: $360|Avg: $89

101%

#576

Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition

MSRP: $990|Avg: $175

101%

#577

Ryzen Threadripper 1950

MSRP: $999|Avg: $300

101%

#578

Ryzen 3 PRO 4350GE

MSRP: $149|Avg: N/A

100%

#579

Core i5-10500

MSRP: $200|Avg: $178

100%

#580

Celeron G6900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $50

100%

#581

Core i9-10850K

MSRP: $453|Avg: $300

100%

#582

Pentium E5700

MSRP: $75|Avg: $15

100%

#583

Core i9-13900E

MSRP: $554|Avg: $554

100%

#584

Core i9-9820X

MSRP: $889|Avg: $280

100%

#585

Core i7-4960X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $136

100%

#586

Athlon II X4 620e

MSRP: $99|Avg: $40

99%

#587

Phenom X3 8750

MSRP: $195|Avg: $20

99%

#588

Core i9-9900X

MSRP: $989|Avg: $300

99%

#589

Athlon II X2 250

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

98%

#590

Core i7-9700K

MSRP: $385|Avg: $200

98%

#591

Athlon II X2 235e

MSRP: $69|Avg: $15

98%

#592

Core i5-4570T

MSRP: $195|Avg: $45

98%

#593

Core i7-4770K

MSRP: $339|Avg: $100

98%

#594

FX-6120

MSRP: $188|Avg: $54

97%

#595

Core i3-10320

MSRP: $154|Avg: $140

97%

#596

Core i5-9600KF

MSRP: $262|Avg: $150

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i9-10850K across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i9-10850K specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-10850K is a 10-core / 20-thread processor based on the Comet Lake-S (2020) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 5.1 GHz from a base frequency of 3.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 20 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 21,964, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Aging generation product.

Specification	Core i9-10850K
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	10C / 20T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	5.1 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Comet Lake-S (2020)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	20 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	206 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	21,964

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-10850K fits into the LGA1200 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4-2933 memory.

Specification	Core i9-10850K
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1200
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-2933
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i9-10850K has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 125 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i9-10850K
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	125 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $300 (MSRP: $453), the Core i9-10850K delivers 73 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #686 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i9-10850K
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$453
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$300
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$453
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#686
Release DateLaunch date	27 July 2020 (5 years ago)
Release Year	2020
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	desktop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$453
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	27 July 2020 (5 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Comet Lake-S (2020)
Performance Ranking Position	686

Technical Specifications

15 specs

Cores	10
Threads	20
Die Size	206 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)
Bus Speed	8 GT/s
Max Frequency	5.1 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.6 GHz
Process Technology	14 nm
Unlocked Multiplier	+
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	+
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	72 °C