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 i9-9940X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 14 cores and 28 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 28,088 points. Launch price was $1,387.

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 i9-9940X

#822

Core i7-920

MSRP: $284|Avg: $79

110%

#823

Phenom II X3 700e

MSRP: $125|Avg: $40

110%

#824

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $1399

108%

#825

A4-3420

MSRP: $65|Avg: $30

108%

#826

Core i5-6440EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $150

108%

#827

Core i7-6700TE

MSRP: $303|Avg: $175

107%

#828

Core i3-6100TE

MSRP: $250|Avg: $90

106%

#829

Core i7-870S

MSRP: $300|Avg: $80

105%

#830

Core i3-9100HL

MSRP: $225|Avg: $100

105%

#831

Core i9-12900TE

MSRP: $494|Avg: $664

104%

#832

Athlon XP 2600+

MSRP: $98|Avg: $10

103%

#833

Athlon 64 X2 5000+

MSRP: $136|Avg: $42

103%

#834

Core i7-940

MSRP: $562|Avg: $90

102%

#835

Ryzen 7 5800X3D

MSRP: $449|Avg: $849.99

101%

#836

Athlon 64 FX-74

MSRP: $499|Avg: $50

100%

#837

Core i9-9940X

MSRP: $1387|Avg: $850

100%

#838

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

MSRP: $1899|Avg: $1836

99%

#839

Celeron 2.30

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

98%

#840

Core i3-7102E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $80

98%

#841

Ryzen Embedded V1756B

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

98%

#842

Core i3-7300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $128

98%

#843

Pentium E2220

MSRP: $32|Avg: $32

97%

#844

Celeron G465

MSRP: $70|Avg: $37

97%

#845

Celeron G1610T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

96%

#846

Core i7-990X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $225

96%

#847

Athlon 64 3100+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

96%

#848

FX-4320

MSRP: $250|Avg: $100

95%

#849

Pentium G4600

MSRP: $82|Avg: $116

95%

#850

Core i5-4590T

MSRP: $192|Avg: $130

95%

#851

Phenom II X4 910e

MSRP: $157|Avg: $69

94%

#852

Athlon X4 970

MSRP: $85|Avg: $85

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i9-9940X across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i9-9940X specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i9-9940X is a 14-core / 28-thread processor based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.5 GHz from a base frequency of 3.3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 19.25 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 1 MB (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 28,088, placing it in the High-End performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i9-9940X
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	14C / 28T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	19.25 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	1 MB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	484 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	88 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	28,088

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i9-9940X fits into the LGA2066 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 44 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-2666 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2666 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 4 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core i9-9940X
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i9
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA2066
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	44
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-2666
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2666
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	128 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	4
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i9-9940X is primarily designed for Workstation. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. It supports AVX-512 instructions — specialized SIMD operations that significantly accelerate AI inference, scientific computing, and video encoding workloads. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i9-9940X
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Workstation
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	✅ Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i9-9940X has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 165 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i9-9940X
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	165 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	88 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $850 (MSRP: $1387), the Core i9-9940X delivers 33 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #481 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i9-9940X
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$1387
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$850
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$1,387
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#481
Release DateLaunch date	19 October 2018 (7 years ago)
Release Year	2018
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel