Intel Core i9 9900K

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Intel Core i9 9900K
The Core i9-9900K is an 8-core processor with Hyper-threading enabled for 16 logical threads. It operates at a base frequency of 3.6 GHz but will boost as high as 4.7 GHz on all cores with a maximum single core frequency of 5 GHz. The L3 cache has been increased from the 8700K's 12MB up to 16 MB and quite shockingly despite packing 2 more cores and 4MB more cache, the TDP rating remains at 95 watts which was already a low rating for the 8700K.
8
Cores
16
Threads
3.6 GHz
Base Clock
5 GHz
Boost Clock
Socket LGA 1151
Socket
95 W
TDP
Intel UHD Graphics 630
Integrated Graphics
$449
Price
Release date:Oct 19, 2018Price at Launch:$488
Cores:8Threads:16
Base Clock:3.6 GHzBoost Clock:5 GHz
Type:DesktopMultithreading:Yes
L2 Cache:2 MBL3 Cache:16 MB
Box Cooler:NoTDP:95 W
Socket:Socket LGA 1151Memory Support:DDR4‑2666
Codename:Coffee Lake RefreshProcess Size:14 nm
Integrated Graphics:YesiGPU Model:Intel UHD Graphics 630
NPU:NoPCIe Support:PCIe 3.0, 16 Lanes
Best CPUs 2020
Best CPUs 2020
Chosen by our editors as one of
the best products in its category
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
A newer model is available:
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

Performance Benchmarks

All benchmark data reflects aggregated results from dozens of tests conducted in TechSpot’s labs and compiled from our full library of CPU reviews. Single-core productivity scores are based primarily on Cinebench and Adobe Photoshop workloads. Multi-core results draw from Cinebench, Blender, Corona Benchmark, 7-Zip, Adobe Premiere Pro, and shader compilation tests. CPU gaming benchmarks are all 1080p runs (explainer) as published on TechSpot.

Single-Core Productivity

Multi-Core Productivity

Gaming Performance

Price History

Intel Core i9 9900K pricing

Last 6 months
Price Date
Current $449 Dec 15, 2025
Highest* $1,064 Nov 8, 2025
Lowest* $342 May 22, 2025
Average $473
* Prices are based on listings from Newegg and other major retailers over the past 12+ months.
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Reviews and Ratings

87

Average Score

Based on 28 reviews

9.6

User Score

Based on 6,240 reviews

Reviewers Liked

  • Two more cores than previous top Coffee Lake CPU
  • Performance in both single- and multi-threaded workloads
  • Works on existing LGA1151 platform, even with Z370 motherboards
  • Supports up to 128 GB memory
  • 5GHz peak one-core clock for single-threaded apps

Reviewers Didn't Like

  • Creates new, costlier price tier above former Core i7 flagship CPUs
  • Power consumption under heavy load
  • Only small gaming performance improvements
  • Lacks stock cooler

Ryzen 5 3600 vs. Ryzen 9 3900X vs. Core i9-9900K: If you’re looking at spending less than $700 on a graphics card, buying a Core i9-9900K or Ryzen 9 3900X, purely for gaming isn’t a great investment, you’re far better off with something like the R5 3600. In fact, purely for gaming I wouldn’t recommend either the 9900K or 3900X unless you’re dumping $1,000 on an RTX 2080 Ti.

By TechSpot on

Battlefield V Multiplayer CPU Benchmark: Ryzen 7 2700X vs. Core i9-9900K: Overall, we think Ryzen looks a bit disappointing at 1080p where the game is not GPU limited, though given the clock speed deficit, it's impressive the 2700X is just 15% slower than the 9900K. Keep in mind that both AMD and Intel CPUs can be overclocked for greater performance and memory timings can be manually tuned, which is beneficial on both platforms. Generally speaking, AMD does better with memory tuning, while Intel gains more from core overclocking.

By TechSpot on

Intel Core i9-9900K Re-Review: With motherboards technically overclocking the 9900K to the default clock multiplier table, 4.7 GHz as an all core for example, under those conditions there isn’t much left in it. For most 5GHz will be the limit, good luck keeping it cool past that without a serious amount of time, effort and risk. So realistically you’re talking about up to a 6% boost over what’s shown here when looking at the unlimited results, and we certainly found that to be true when attempting to overclock the 9900K in our day-one review.

By TechSpot on
70

Intel Core i9-9900K and Core i7-9700K Review: Only those with money to burn will be considering the 9900K at its current market price, or even the $500 MSRP for that matter. For me it’s just too expensive and too impractical, keeping it cool seems like a daily challenge and unless you’re going all out on custom liquid cooling, it’s a challenge you’ll likely fail.

By TechSpot on

Battlefield V is playable on quad-cores but you can expect frequent frame dips, resulting in less consistent frame rates. For the most part, we've found that the older Core i5-7600K has been hanging in there pretty well with AAA titles released in...

By TechSpot on
80

As the market forces the prices of CPUs down, the Intel Core i9-9900k is a far more exciting and interesting offering, making it a great choice for new builds or streaming...

By CGM on
85

A great third outing from AMDAMD has pretty much knocked it out of the park with its third-generation Ryzen products. The Ryzen 9 3900X clearly delivers excellent multi-threaded performance and very competitive gaming results.

By hardwarezone.com.sg on
98

Intel may be a bit late when it comes to joining in the industry with their very first mainstream octa core processor, but their i9-9900K is seriously a very remarkable debut. The intense enhancement in the processing power of this i9-9900K from Intel.

By TheStreamingBlog on
80

Though we have used an identical GPU across the benchmark, the Core-i9-9900K offer slightly better performance in almost all scenarios, in some cases, the difference in the performance (compared to the 9th Gen Core i7-9700K) might be negligible.

By gizbot.com on
80

It took Intel a while to release the Core i9-9900K in India, and unfortunately it has come in at an outlandishly high price. It sells for Rs. 57,000 online which puts it well out of reach of most casual gamers and many enthusiasts. Intel does not provide country-specific price guidance anymore so it is difficult to know whether this could go down once Intel's supply issues are sorted out.

By Gadgets360 on
80

The Intel Core i9-9900K is an absolute powerhouse for video rendering and Photoshop at this price. If you're a power-crazy media professional this is the processor to plump for. But for gamers? You can find much better value alternatives.

By Trusted Reviews on
80

The Intel Core i9-9900K retakes the multi-core lead from AMD with record setting processing power. However, those looking for the ultimate gaming processor should look elsewhere.

By TechRadar on
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