13score
#198 of 555
Overall rank

Core i9-9900X

10 cores · 20 threads · up to 4.5 GHz on FCLGA2066.

3.2 · 9 votes

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Cores
10
Threads
20
Boost
4.5 GHz
L3 cache
19.25 MB
TDP
165W
Socket
FCLGA2066

Performance breakdown

Gaming13
Productivity12
Single-core13
Multi-core42
Power efficiency11

Lab scores

Performance score13
Cores10
Threads20
Boost clock (GHz)4.5 GHz

Estimated gaming FPS

Paired with a high-end GPU. CPU impact is largest at 1080p.

1080p29 fps
1440p23 fps
4K16 fps

Full specifications

Processor & cores
Architecture
Skylake (server)
Process node
14 nm
Socket
FCLGA2066
Release year
2018
Total cores
10
Threads
20
Clocks & cache
Base clock
3.5 GHz
Boost clock
4.5 GHz
Multiplier
35 (unlocked)
L1 cache
640 KB
L2 cache
10 MB
L3 cache
19.25 MB
Memory & platform
Memory support
DDR4-2666
Max capacity
128 GB
Channels
4
Max bandwidth
85.33 GB/s
Base power (TDP)
165W
Max temperature
92°C
PCIe
PCIe 3.0
Launch price
$989
Technologies
Instruction sets
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, AVX-512
Extensions
AES-NI, AVX, VT-x, VT-d, Turbo Boost Max 3.0, TSX
Community Feedback

What Owners Say

People love the raw multi-threaded grunt for heavy workstation tasks. The common complaint is it runs incredibly hot and needs serious cooling, plus the price was hard to justify for most builders.

Pros
  • Heavy multi-tasking without any hiccups
  • Runs hot but handles demanding loads
  • Plenty of PCIe lanes for add-ons
  • Overclocks well for extra grunt
Cons
  • Older platform with no upgrade path
  • Power hungry and runs hot
  • Poor value against newer alternatives
Verdict

Our verdict on the Core i9-9900X

A high-core-count desktop chip from Intel's server lineup, notable for its power-hungry nature and niche workstation appeal.

Get it if you need a high-core-count CPU for heavy video or 3D work that can still handle everyday tasks. Skip it if you're gaming or building a new PC, as newer chips offer better performance and efficiency for less.

Buy it if…

  • You need lots of PCIe lanes for heavy workstation add-in cards.
  • You run multi-threaded creative apps on a high-end desktop platform.
  • You want a used high-core-count CPU for a budget workstation build.
3.2

9 votes

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