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 i9-11900K 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.

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 i9-11900K

#308

Core i9-11900F

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $358.87

107%

#309

Core i9-9900T

MSRP: $423|Avg: $215

107%

#310

Core i5-9500T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $132

107%

#311

Ryzen 7 PRO 5750GE

MSRP: $349|Avg: $349

105%

#312

Core i9-10940X

MSRP: $784|Avg: $460

105%

#313

Core i9-10920X

MSRP: $689|Avg: $430

105%

#314

Core i7-10700

MSRP: $365|Avg: $268

104%

#315

Core i5-9600K

MSRP: $263|Avg: $178

104%

#316

Ryzen Threadripper 7960X

MSRP: $1499|Avg: $1400

104%

#317

Ryzen 7 PRO 4750GE

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

104%

#318

Core i3-10305T

MSRP: $143|Avg: $143

104%

#319

Ryzen Embedded V1202B

MSRP: $100|Avg: $60

102%

#320

Core i3-10100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $146

102%

#321

Ryzen 5 PRO 5650GE

MSRP: $311|Avg: $311

102%

#322

Celeron G6900

MSRP: $52|Avg: $77

101%

#323

Core i9-11900K

MSRP: $539|Avg: $435

100%

#324

Core i7-12700TE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $350

98%

#325

Core i9-12900E

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

98%

#326

Celeron G4900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $40

97%

#327

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $452

97%

#328

Core i9-9900KS

MSRP: $513|Avg: $350

96%

#329

Core i5-11600T

MSRP: $262|Avg: $262

96%

#330

Core i9-9900K

MSRP: $488|Avg: $331

95%

#331

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

MSRP: $899|Avg: $540

95%

#332

Celeron G4930T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

95%

#333

Core i9-9920X

MSRP: $1189|Avg: $464

94%

#334

Core i3-9100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $125

92%

#335

Core i9-10900X

MSRP: $590|Avg: $425

92%

#336

Core i7-8700T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $196

91%

#337

Ryzen 5 3600XT

MSRP: $249|Avg: $357

90%

#338

Core i9-10980XE

MSRP: $979|Avg: $620

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i9-11900K across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i9-11900K specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-11900K is a 8-core / 16-thread processor based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 5.2 GHz from a base frequency of 3.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 16 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 512 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 80 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 24,990, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Aging generation product.

Specification	Core i9-11900K
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	8C / 16T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	5.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Rocket Lake (2021)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	16 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	80 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	276 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	24,990

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-11900K fits into the LGA1200 socket and supports PCIe 4.0. It supports DDR4 memory.

Specification	Core i9-11900K
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1200
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 4.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i9-11900K 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 i9-11900K
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 $435 (MSRP: $539), the Core i9-11900K delivers 57 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #571 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i9-11900K
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$539
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$435
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$539
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#571
Release DateLaunch date	16 March 2021 (4 years ago)
Release Year	2021
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel