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 i9-10900X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 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: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 22,377 points. Launch price was $299.

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 i9-10900X

#704

Core i9-9900KS

MSRP: $513|Avg: $350

105%

#705

Core i5-2500S

MSRP: $192|Avg: $61

105%

#706

Celeron G3900

MSRP: $42|Avg: $39

105%

#707

Core i5-11600T

MSRP: $262|Avg: $262

105%

#708

Athlon 64 X2 3800+

MSRP: $354|Avg: $20

104%

#709

Core 2 Duo E4400

MSRP: $113|Avg: $20

104%

#710

Core i9-9900K

MSRP: $488|Avg: $331

104%

#711

Core i7-3930K

MSRP: $583|Avg: $150

104%

#712

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

MSRP: $899|Avg: $540

104%

#713

Celeron G4930T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

103%

#714

Celeron G1101

MSRP: $50|Avg: $20

103%

#715

Core i9-9920X

MSRP: $1189|Avg: $464

102%

#716

FX-770K

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $59

102%

#717

Core i3-9100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $125

100%

#718

Phenom II X3 B77

MSRP: $281|Avg: $35

100%

#719

Core i9-10900X

MSRP: $590|Avg: $425

100%

#720

Phenom X4 9500

MSRP: $247|Avg: $30

99%

#721

Core i7-8700T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $196

99%

#722

Ryzen 5 3600XT

MSRP: $249|Avg: $357

99%

#723

Core 2 Duo E8300

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

99%

#724

Core i9-10980XE

MSRP: $979|Avg: $620

99%

#725

Core i5-8500T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $149

99%

#726

Celeron G3930T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $39

99%

#727

Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE

MSRP: $149|Avg: N/A

98%

#728

Core i9-9900KF

MSRP: $488|Avg: $350

98%

#729

Core i7-3770T

MSRP: $278|Avg: $105

98%

#730

Ryzen Embedded V2748

MSRP: $309|Avg: $359

98%

#731

A8-3800

MSRP: $130|Avg: $40

97%

#732

Core i7-5775C

MSRP: $366|Avg: $150

97%

#733

Core i7-7800X

MSRP: $383|Avg: $254

97%

#734

Core i3-9350K

MSRP: $184|Avg: $150

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i9-10900X across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i9-10900X specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-10900X is a 10-core / 20-thread processor based on the Cascade Lake-X (2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.7 GHz from a base frequency of 3.7 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 19.25 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1 MB (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 22,377, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i9-10900X
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	10C / 20T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Cascade Lake-X (2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	19.25 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	8 GT/s DMI3 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	94 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	22,377

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-10900X fits into the LGA2066 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4-2933 memory.

Specification	Core i9-10900X
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2066
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 i9-10900X has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 165 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i9-10900X
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	165 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	94 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $425 (MSRP: $590), the Core i9-10900X delivers 53 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #666 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i9-10900X
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$590
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$425
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$299
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#666
Release DateLaunch date	19 October 2019 (6 years ago)
Release Year	2019
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	$299
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	19 October 2019 (6 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Cascade Lake-X (2019)
Performance Ranking Position	666

Technical Specifications

13 specs

Cores	10
Threads	20
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)
L3 Cache	19.25 MB (total)
Bus Speed	8 GT/s DMI3 MHz
Max Frequency	4.7 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	3.7 GHz
Process Technology	14 nm
Unlocked Multiplier	+
Max Core Temperature	94 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	+