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

#689

Pentium D 940

MSRP: $132|Avg: $15

105%

#690

Celeron G3900E

MSRP: $107|Avg: $35

105%

#691

Core i3-4330

MSRP: $138|Avg: $60

105%

#692

Celeron G6900

MSRP: $52|Avg: $77

104%

#693

Core i5-7600

MSRP: $224|Avg: $114

104%

#694

Core i9-11900K

MSRP: $539|Avg: $435

104%

#695

Core 2 Duo E8200

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

103%

#696

Athlon 64 3500+

MSRP: $272|Avg: $10

103%

#697

Core i7-12700TE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $350

102%

#698

Core i9-12900E

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

102%

#699

Core i5-4690K

MSRP: $243|Avg: $101

102%

#700

Core i7-6700

MSRP: $303|Avg: $143

102%

#701

Celeron G4900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $40

101%

#702

Pentium E5300

MSRP: $62|Avg: $25

101%

#703

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $452

100%

#704

Core i9-9900KS

MSRP: $513|Avg: $350

100%

#705

Core i5-2500S

MSRP: $192|Avg: $61

100%

#706

Celeron G3900

MSRP: $42|Avg: $39

100%

#707

Core i5-11600T

MSRP: $262|Avg: $262

99%

#708

Athlon 64 X2 3800+

MSRP: $354|Avg: $20

99%

#709

Core 2 Duo E4400

MSRP: $113|Avg: $20

99%

#710

Core i9-9900K

MSRP: $488|Avg: $331

99%

#711

Core i7-3930K

MSRP: $583|Avg: $150

99%

#712

Ryzen Threadripper 2950X

MSRP: $899|Avg: $540

98%

#713

Celeron G4930T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

98%

#714

Celeron G1101

MSRP: $50|Avg: $20

98%

#715

Core i9-9920X

MSRP: $1189|Avg: $464

97%

#716

FX-770K

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $59

97%

#717

Core i3-9100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $125

95%

#718

Phenom II X3 B77

MSRP: $281|Avg: $35

95%

#719

Core i9-10900X

MSRP: $590|Avg: $425

95%

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

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	desktop
Series	Intel Core i9
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$513
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	28 October 2019 (6 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
Performance Ranking Position	810

Technical Specifications

17 specs

Cores	8
Threads	16
Bus Type	DMI 3.0
Die Size	180 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	16 MB (total)
Bus Speed	4 × 8 GT/s
Multiplier	40
Max Frequency	5 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	4 GHz
Process Technology	14 nm
Unlocked Multiplier	+
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	+
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	72 °C