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 i9-10900KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 22,231 points. Launch price was $509.

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 i9-10900KF

#619

PRO A12-9800

MSRP: $110|Avg: $55

103%

#620

Core i3-6098P

MSRP: $117|Avg: $59

102%

#621

Core i3-4160

MSRP: $117|Avg: $52

102%

#622

Athlon 5150

MSRP: $21|Avg: $21

102%

#623

Core i5-6600

MSRP: $224|Avg: $90

102%

#624

Athlon II X4 615e

MSRP: $186|Avg: $30

102%

#625

Core Ultra 9 285T

MSRP: $549|Avg: $549

102%

#626

Core i3-6102E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $35

101%

#627

Pentium D 960

MSRP: $523|Avg: $15

101%

#628

Pentium Dual-Core E2210

MSRP: $98|Avg: $15

101%

#629

Pentium E2210

MSRP: $84|Avg: $15

101%

#630

Core i5-12500TE

MSRP: $225|Avg: $225

101%

#631

FX-8370E

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

101%

#632

Core i3-6100E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $50

100%

#633

Athlon Silver PRO 3125GE

MSRP: $108|Avg: $70

100%

#634

Core i9-10900KF

MSRP: $509|Avg: $336

100%

#635

Core i9-14900T

MSRP: $549|Avg: $577

100%

#636

Core i5-13500T

MSRP: $342|Avg: $342

100%

#637

Core i3-10300

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $140.49

100%

#638

Core i9-10900F

MSRP: $464|Avg: $300

100%

#639

E1-1500

MSRP: $60|Avg: $10

100%

#640

Core i3-7101TE

MSRP: $117|Avg: $60

100%

#641

Core i7-9700F

MSRP: $323|Avg: $200

100%

#642

Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

MSRP: $1499|Avg: $1419

99%

#643

Core i9-11900KB

MSRP: $539|Avg: $350

98%

#644

Core i5-9500F

MSRP: $187|Avg: $154

98%

#645

Athlon 64 3800+

MSRP: $354|Avg: $10

98%

#646

Core i7-10700F

MSRP: $310|Avg: $250

98%

#647

Core i7-7740X

MSRP: $339|Avg: $150

98%

#648

Core i7-10700T

MSRP: $355|Avg: $200

97%

#649

Celeron G5920

MSRP: $52|Avg: $40

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i9-10900KF across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i9-10900KF specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-10900KF is a 10-core / 20-thread processor based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 5.2 GHz from a base frequency of 3.7 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 20 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 22,231, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Aging generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,767, while multi-core reaches 9,261.

Specification	Core i9-10900KF
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	10C / 20T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	5.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.7 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	20 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)
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	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	22,231
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,767
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	9,261

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-10900KF fits into the LGA1200 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-2933 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2933 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core i9-10900KF
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1200
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-2933
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2933
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	128 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	LGA1200
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i9-10900KF
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i9-10900KF has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 125 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: AIO 240mm+.

Specification	Core i9-10900KF
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	125 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	AIO 240mm+

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $336 (MSRP: $509), the Core i9-10900KF delivers 66 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #674 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i9-10900KF
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$509
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$336
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$509
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#674
Release DateLaunch date	30 April 2020 (5 years ago)
Release Year	2020
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel