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 i9-11900K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 24,990 points. Launch price was $539.

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 i9-11900K

#679

Core i5-661

MSRP: $196|Avg: $40

104%

#680

Ryzen 7 PRO 4750GE

MSRP: $309|Avg: $309

104%

#681

Core i3-10305T

MSRP: $143|Avg: $143

104%

#682

Celeron G1840

MSRP: $35|Avg: $30

104%

#683

Core i5-2500

MSRP: $294|Avg: $69

103%

#684

Pentium G4520

MSRP: $86|Avg: $45

103%

#685

Ryzen 3 2300X

MSRP: $129|Avg: N/A

102%

#686

Ryzen Embedded V1202B

MSRP: $100|Avg: $60

102%

#687

Core i3-10100

MSRP: $122|Avg: $146

102%

#688

Ryzen 5 PRO 5650GE

MSRP: $311|Avg: $311

102%

#689

Pentium D 940

MSRP: $132|Avg: $15

102%

#690

Celeron G3900E

MSRP: $107|Avg: $35

101%

#691

Core i3-4330

MSRP: $138|Avg: $60

101%

#692

Celeron G6900

MSRP: $52|Avg: $77

101%

#693

Core i5-7600

MSRP: $224|Avg: $114

100%

#694

Core i9-11900K

MSRP: $539|Avg: $435

100%

#695

Core 2 Duo E8200

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

100%

#696

Athlon 64 3500+

MSRP: $272|Avg: $10

99%

#697

Core i7-12700TE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $350

98%

#698

Core i9-12900E

MSRP: $500|Avg: $500

98%

#699

Core i5-4690K

MSRP: $243|Avg: $101

98%

#700

Core i7-6700

MSRP: $303|Avg: $143

98%

#701

Celeron G4900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $40

97%

#702

Pentium E5300

MSRP: $62|Avg: $25

97%

#703

Ryzen Threadripper 2920X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $452

97%

#704

Core i9-9900KS

MSRP: $513|Avg: $350

96%

#705

Core i5-2500S

MSRP: $192|Avg: $61

96%

#706

Celeron G3900

MSRP: $42|Avg: $39

96%

#707

Core i5-11600T

MSRP: $262|Avg: $262

96%

#708

Athlon 64 X2 3800+

MSRP: $354|Avg: $20

95%

#709

Core 2 Duo E4400

MSRP: $113|Avg: $20

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i9-11900K across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i9-11900K specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-11900K is a 8-core / 16-thread processor based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 5.2 GHz from a base frequency of 3.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 16 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 512 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 80 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 24,990, placing it in the Mid-Range performance tier as a Aging generation product.

Specification	Core i9-11900K
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	8C / 16T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	5.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Rocket Lake (2021)
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	512 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	80 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	276 mm2
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	24,990

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-11900K fits into the LGA1200 socket and supports PCIe 4.0. It supports DDR4 memory.

Specification	Core i9-11900K
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1200
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

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i9-11900K 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.

Specification	Core i9-11900K
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	125 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $435 (MSRP: $539), the Core i9-11900K delivers 57 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #571 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i9-11900K
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$539
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$435
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$539
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#571
Release DateLaunch date	16 March 2021 (4 years ago)
Release Year	2021
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel