Core i9-10900X
CPU·Entry

Core i9-10900X

Intel

PassMark

22,377

MSRP

$590

AVG Price

$425

19 October 2019 (6 years ago)
165 Watt
Cascade Lake-X (2019)

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.

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

#320
Core i3-10100
MSRP: $122|Avg: $146
111%
#321
Ryzen 5 PRO 5650GE
MSRP: $311|Avg: $311
111%
#322
Celeron G6900
MSRP: $52|Avg: $77
110%
#323
Core i9-11900K
MSRP: $539|Avg: $435
109%
#324
Core i7-12700TE
MSRP: $378|Avg: $350
107%
#325
Core i9-12900E
MSRP: $500|Avg: $500
107%
#326
Celeron G4900T
MSRP: $42|Avg: $40
106%
#327
Ryzen Threadripper 2920X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $452
106%
#328
Core i9-9900KS
MSRP: $513|Avg: $350
105%
#329
Core i5-11600T
MSRP: $262|Avg: $262
105%
#330
Core i9-9900K
MSRP: $488|Avg: $331
104%
#331
Ryzen Threadripper 2950X
MSRP: $899|Avg: $540
104%
#332
Celeron G4930T
MSRP: $42|Avg: $42
103%
#333
Core i9-9920X
MSRP: $1189|Avg: $464
102%
#334
Core i3-9100
MSRP: $122|Avg: $125
100%
#335
Core i9-10900X
MSRP: $590|Avg: $425
100%
#336
Core i7-8700T
MSRP: $303|Avg: $196
99%
#337
Ryzen 5 3600XT
MSRP: $249|Avg: $357
99%
#338
Core i9-10980XE
MSRP: $979|Avg: $620
99%
#339
Core i5-8500T
MSRP: $192|Avg: $149
99%
#340
Core i9-9900KF
MSRP: $488|Avg: $350
98%
#341
Ryzen Embedded V2748
MSRP: $309|Avg: $359
98%
#342
Core i3-9350K
MSRP: $184|Avg: $150
96%
#343
Athlon Gold PRO 3150G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $150
95%
#344
Core i9-9900
MSRP: $423|Avg: $330
93%
#345
Core i9-9980XE
MSRP: $1979|Avg: $593
93%
#346
Core i7-10700K
MSRP: $387|Avg: $380
93%
#347
Celeron G5905T
MSRP: $50|Avg: $50
89%
#348
Athlon PRO 200GE
MSRP: $55|Avg: $81
89%
#349
Core i5-9600
MSRP: $224|Avg: $219
89%
#350
Core i3-8300
MSRP: $138|Avg: $136
89%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

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.

SpecificationCore i9-10900X
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units10C / 20T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost4.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency3.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designCascade Lake-X (2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores19.25 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data1 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64K (per core)
Bus SpeedData bus frequency8 GT/s DMI3 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)94 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleYes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclockedYes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score22,377
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Memory & Platform

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

SpecificationCore i9-10900X
TypeDesktop or Laptop processordesktop
SocketMotherboard socket requiredLGA2066
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR4-2933
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

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.

SpecificationCore i9-10900X
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload165 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.

SpecificationCore 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 date19 October 2019 (6 years ago)
Release Year2019
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

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