🚀 CPU Launch

Intel Core i9-10900K vs Intel Core i9-9960X

Table of Contents



Overview:

Comparison between Intel Core i9-10900K and Intel Core i9-9960X

Both CPUs are manufactured by Intel. Intel Core i9-10900K has a higher base speed of 3.7 GHz compared to Intel Core i9-9960X's 3.1 GHz. Intel Core i9-10900K has a higher turbo speed of 5.3 GHz compared to Intel Core i9-9960X's 4.4 GHz. Intel Core i9-9960X has more cores (16) compared to Intel Core i9-10900K's 10 cores. Intel Core i9-9960X supports more threads (32) compared to Intel Core i9-10900K's 20 threads.

Both CPUs belong to the same class: Desktop. Intel Core i9-10900K uses the FCLGA1200 socket, while Intel Core i9-9960X uses the FCLGA2066 socket. Intel Core i9-10900K was launched in Q2 2020, while Intel Core i9-9960X was launched in Q1 2019. Intel Core i9-9960X has a larger L3 cache of 22 MB compared to Intel Core i9-10900K's 20 MB.

Specification Summary

The Intel Core i9-10900K and Intel Core i9-9960X are two processors with distinct specifications. Below is a detailed comparison of their key features:

  • Manufacturer: Both processors are manufactured by Intel.
  • Speed: The Intel Core i9-10900K has a base speed of 3.7 GHz, while the Intel Core i9-9960X runs at 3.1 GHz.
  • Turbo Boost: The Intel Core i9-10900K supports a turbo speed of 5.3 GHz, compared to 4.4 GHz for the Intel Core i9-9960X.
  • Cores: The Intel Core i9-10900K has 10 cores, while the Intel Core i9-9960X has 16 cores.
  • Threads: The Intel Core i9-10900K supports 20 threads, compared to 32 threads for the Intel Core i9-9960X.
  • Class: Both processors are designed for Desktop use.
  • Socket: The Intel Core i9-10900K uses the FCLGA1200, while the Intel Core i9-9960X uses the FCLGA2066.
  • Launch Date: The Intel Core i9-10900K was launched on Q2 2020, while the Intel Core i9-9960X was released on Q1 2019.
  • L3 Cache: The Intel Core i9-10900K has 20 MB of L3 cache, compared to 22 MB for the Intel Core i9-9960X.

Detailed Specifications:

Specs Intel Core i9-10900K Intel Core i9-9960X
Intel Intel
Manufacturer Intel Intel
Speed 3.7 GHz 3.1 GHz
Turbo 5.3 GHz 4.4 GHz
Cores 10 16
Threads 20 32
Class Desktop Desktop
Socket FCLGA1200 FCLGA2066
Launched Q2 2020 Q1 2019
L3 Cache 20 MB 22 MB

Review:

Single Core Performance:


CPU Performance in single-threaded applications

Intel Core i9-10900K:



52%
Intel Core i9-9960X:
43%
* More is Better

Multi Core Performance:


CPU Performance in multi-threaded applications

Intel Core i9-10900K



32%
Intel Core i9-9960X:
43%
* More is Better

Power Efficiency:


Power Consumption of CPU under full load

Intel Core i9-10900K: 125 watts



31.25%
Intel Core i9-9960X: 165 watts
41.25%
* Lower is Better

Launched Date:


Time when the CPU was launched


Intel Core i9-10900K : Q2 2020 ✅

Intel Core i9-9960X : Q1 2019 ✅

* Newer is Better

CPU Launch FINAL SCORE:

CPU Final Rating Ratings

Intel Core i9-10900K



Intel Core i9-9960X


Pro's and Con's

Intel Core i9-10900K – Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Newer Release: The Intel Core i9-10900K was launched more recently (Q2 2020) compared to the Intel Core i9-9960X (Q1 2019). This means it benefits from the latest advancements in technology, improved efficiency, and potentially better software optimization.
  • Higher Base Clock Speed: The Intel Core i9-10900K has a higher base clock speed of 3.7 GHz compared to the Intel Core i9-9960X's 3.1 GHz. This results in better performance for single-threaded tasks and general responsiveness.
  • Higher Turbo Boost Speed: The Intel Core i9-10900K supports a higher turbo boost speed of 5.3 GHz compared to the Intel Core i9-9960X's 4.4 GHz. This allows for better performance during peak workloads.
  • Faster Single-Core Performance: With a single-threaded performance score of 3127, the Intel Core i9-10900K outperforms the Intel Core i9-9960X (score: 2595). This makes it better suited for tasks that rely on single-core performance, such as gaming or everyday productivity.

Cons:

  • Fewer Cores: The Intel Core i9-10900K has 10 cores, which is fewer than the Intel Core i9-9960X's 16 cores. This could impact performance in multi-threaded workloads, such as rendering, compiling code, or running virtual machines.
  • Fewer Threads: The Intel Core i9-10900K has 20 threads, which is fewer than the Intel Core i9-9960X's 32 threads. This may limit its ability to handle highly parallel workloads efficiently.
  • Lower Multi-Core Performance: In multi-threaded tasks, the Intel Core i9-10900K scores 22726, which is lower than the Intel Core i9-9960X's score of 30254. This makes the Intel Core i9-9960X a better choice for heavy multitasking or parallel processing.

Intel Core i9-9960X – Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Larger L3 Cache: The Intel Core i9-9960X features a larger L3 cache of 22MB compared to the Intel Core i9-10900K's 20MB. A larger cache improves performance in memory-intensive tasks, such as video editing or 3D rendering, by reducing latency and speeding up data access.
  • Higher CPU Mark Score: The Intel Core i9-9960X has a higher CPU Mark score of 71.18 compared to the Intel Core i9-10900K's 46.86. This indicates better overall performance across a wide range of tasks.

Cons:

  • Higher Power Consumption: The Intel Core i9-9960X has a higher TDP of 165W compared to the Intel Core i9-10900K's 125W. This means it may consume more power, leading to higher energy costs and potentially more heat generation, which could require better cooling solutions.


Productivity


Intel Core i9-10900K
This cpu Handles Mid Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease. It can also be used for Mid Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.

Intel Core i9-9960X
This cpu Handles Mid Level level office applications, web browsing, and media playback with ease. It can also be used for Mid Level level multitasking or CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.


Gaming

Intel Core i9-10900K
Ideal for Mid Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Mid Level level computing.

Intel Core i9-9960X
Ideal for Mid Level level gaming (when paired with a dedicated GPU) and Mid Level level computing.



Verdict

Intel Core i9-10900K

The Intel Core i9-10900K is a reliable and Mid Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Mid Level computing needs or those building a New PC.

Intel Core i9-9960X

The Intel Core i9-9960X is a reliable and Mid Level processor for your PC builds. It delivers excellent value for users with Mid Level computing needs or those building a New PC.