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 i9-8950HK is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 10,373 points. Launch price was $583.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i9-8950HK is positioned at rank #927 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i9-8950HK

#915

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1649%

#916

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1625%

#917

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1492%

#918

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1485%

#919

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1472%

#921

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1421%

#922

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1363%

#923

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1360%

#924

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1324%

#927

Core i9-8950HK

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#928

A8-6410

MSRP: $100|Avg: $40

100%

#933

Athlon X2 L310

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

98%

#939

FX-7600P

MSRP: $150|Avg: $45

96%

#940

Athlon II M300

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

96%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i9-8950HK across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i9-8950HK specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-8950HK is a 6-core / 12-thread processor based on the Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.9 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 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 10,373, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i9-8950HK
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	6C / 12T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.9 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Coffee Lake-H (2018−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	12 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	149 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 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	10,373

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-8950HK fits into the BGA1440 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4 memory.

Specification	Core i9-8950HK
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i9
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1440
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i9-8950HK has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i9-8950HK
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	45 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #927 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1276 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i9-8950HK
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$583
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#927
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1276
Release DateLaunch date	2 April 2018 (7 years ago)
Release Year	2018
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel