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 i9-9900KS is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 127 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 19,397 points. Launch price was $513.

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 i9-9900KS

#313

Core i9-10920X

MSRP: $689|Avg: $430

109%

#314

Core i7-10700

MSRP: $365|Avg: $268

108%

#315

Core i5-9600K

MSRP: $263|Avg: $178

108%

#316

Ryzen Threadripper 7960X

MSRP: $1499|Avg: $1400

108%

#317

Ryzen 7 PRO 4750GE

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

108%

#318

Core i3-10305T

MSRP: $143|Avg: $143

107%

#319

Ryzen Embedded V1202B

MSRP: $100|Avg: $60

106%

#320

Core i3-10100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $146

105%

#321

Ryzen 5 PRO 5650GE

MSRP: $311|Avg: $311

105%

#322

Celeron G6900

MSRP: $52|Avg: $77

104%

#323

Core i9-11900K

MSRP: $539|Avg: $435

104%

#324

Core i7-12700TE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $350

102%

#325

Core i9-12900E

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

102%

#326

Celeron G4900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $40

101%

#327

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $452

100%

#328

Core i9-9900KS

MSRP: $513|Avg: $350

100%

#329

Core i5-11600T

MSRP: $262|Avg: $262

99%

#330

Core i9-9900K

MSRP: $488|Avg: $331

99%

#331

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

MSRP: $899|Avg: $540

98%

#332

Celeron G4930T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

98%

#333

Core i9-9920X

MSRP: $1189|Avg: $464

97%

#334

Core i3-9100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $125

95%

#335

Core i9-10900X

MSRP: $590|Avg: $425

95%

#336

Core i7-8700T

MSRP: $303|Avg: $196

94%

#337

Ryzen 5 3600XT

MSRP: $249|Avg: $357

94%

#338

Core i9-10980XE

MSRP: $979|Avg: $620

94%

#339

Core i5-8500T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $149

94%

#340

Core i9-9900KF

MSRP: $488|Avg: $350

93%

#341

Ryzen Embedded V2748

MSRP: $309|Avg: $359

93%

#342

Core i3-9350K

MSRP: $184|Avg: $150

91%

#343

Athlon Gold PRO 3150G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $150

90%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i9-9900KS across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i9-9900KS specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-9900KS is a 8-core / 16-thread processor based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 5 GHz from a base frequency of 4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 16 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 19,397, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i9-9900KS
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	8C / 16T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
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	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	180 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	19,397

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9900KS fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 4.0. It supports DDR4 memory.

Specification	Core i9-9900KS
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i9
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1151
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 (Uniprocessor)

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i9-9900KS has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 127 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i9-9900KS
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	127 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $350 (MSRP: $513), the Core i9-9900KS delivers 55 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #810 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i9-9900KS
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$513
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$350
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$513
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#810
Release DateLaunch date	28 October 2019 (6 years ago)
Release Year	2019
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel