Intel Core i7-9800X vs Intel Core i9-11900T Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clean sweep for the Intel Core i9-11900T across every benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, with eight wins out of eight. However, the margins vary considerably depending on the workload, and the story is more nuanced than a simple victory count.

In the Cinebench suite, the i9-11900T’s advantages are narrow but consistent. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i9-11900T scores 1572 against the i7-9800X’s 1553, a delta of -1.2% (the negative sign indicates the i7-9800X is trailing). The single-core result is nearly identical: 221 versus 219, a -0.9% gap. Moving to Cinebench R20, the pattern holds: multi-core shows 6550 versus 6474, and single-core shows 924 versus 913, both with a -1.2% delta. Cinebench R23 repeats this, with the i9-11900T leading 15596 to 15416 in multi-core and 2201 to 2176 in single-core, a -1.2% and -1.1% delta respectively.

The Geekbench results tell a completely different story. Here, the i9-11900T’s advantage becomes substantial. In Geekbench multi-core, the i9-11900T scores 8257 versus 7488 for the i7-9800X, a -9.3% delta. The single-core gap is the most dramatic difference found anywhere in this comparison: the i9-11900T reaches 2157 while the i7-9800X manages only 1398, a staggering -35.2% delta. This single result dwarfs all other differences and indicates a fundamental shift in per-core capability between the two generations.

The average benchmark scores reflect this overall trend. The i9-11900T posts an average score of 4685, while the i7-9800X averages 4455. Both processors sit at the 58th percentile among all CPUs in the database, indicating that despite their performance differences, they occupy a similar tier within the broader market. The i9-11900T’s nearest rivals include the Intel Core i9-10900F (delta 0.5%), the Intel Core i9-9900KF (delta 0.7%), and the Intel Core i9-10900E (delta -0.5%). The i7-9800X’s nearest rivals are a different set entirely, including the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650GE (delta -0.3%) and the Intel Core i5-1250P (delta -1.3%).

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent distinct architectural generations and platform philosophies. The i7-9800X is built on the Skylake-X architecture, using the Skylake core design, and belongs to the Core i7 X-Series 9th Gen family. It is fabricated on Intel’s 14 nm process. The i9-11900T uses the Rocket Lake architecture, part of the Core 11th Gen series, also on a 14 nm process. Despite the same process node, the core designs differ significantly.

Core counts are identical: both chips feature 8 cores and 16 threads. This parity makes the benchmark differences purely a matter of per-core efficiency, clock behavior, and supporting architecture. The base clock rates are where the first major divergence appears. The i7-9800X has a base clock of 3.80 GHz, while the i9-11900T lists a base clock of 1500.00 MHz, which is 1.50 GHz. However, the boost clocks tell the opposite story: the i7-9800X boosts to 4.50 GHz, while the i9-11900T boosts higher, to 4.90 GHz. This higher boost ceiling is a major factor in the i9-11900T’s single-core dominance.

Thermal design power (TDP) is another stark contrast. The i7-9800X is rated at 165 watts, while the i9-11900T is rated at only 35 watts. This difference is not just a specification detail; it reflects the intended operating envelope and platform design. The i7-9800X is a high-power, multi-threaded workstation part, while the i9-11900T is a low-power, high-efficiency desktop chip.

Cache hierarchies differ in structure. The i7-9800X provides 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and 16.5 MB of shared L3 cache. The i9-11900T provides 80 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. The i7-9800X’s larger per-core L2 is offset by the i9-11900T’s larger L1, and the total L3 is nearly identical.

Memory support also diverges. Both support DDR4, but the i7-9800X uses a quad-channel memory bus with a theoretical bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s, while the i9-11900T uses dual-channel memory with 51.2 GB/s of bandwidth. This is a substantial advantage for the i7-9800X in memory-intensive workloads. PCIe support differs as well: the i7-9800X offers Gen 3 with 44 lanes (CPU only), while the i9-11900T offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only). The i7-9800X has more lanes, but the i9-11900T has a newer standard.

The i9-11900T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 750), while the i7-9800X does not list any integrated graphics. The i7-9800X uses Intel Socket 2066, while the i9-11900T uses Intel Socket 1200. The i7-9800X has an unlocked multiplier, making it overclockable; the i9-11900T does not. The die size for the i9-11900T is listed at 276 mm², while no die size is recorded for the i7-9800X.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data supports a clear use-case split. The i9-11900T wins every measured benchmark, but the magnitude of the win determines its suitability for specific tasks.

The i9-11900T is the definitive choice for single-threaded and lightly-threaded workloads. The Geekbench single-core score of 2157 versus 1398 is a 35.2% advantage, a margin that will be visible in everyday responsiveness, application launch times, and software that relies on a few fast cores. The Cinebench single-core results, while smaller, still consistently favor the i9-11900T across R15, R20, and R23. For users whose primary software does not scale across many cores, the i9-11900T is clearly superior.

The i9-11900T also wins in multi-threaded benchmarks, but the margins are much thinner. In Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests, the advantage is only 1.2%, which is within the range of run-to-run variance. The Geekbench multi-core result shows a 9.3% lead, but this is still modest compared to the single-core gap. For sustained all-core workloads, the two processors are effectively close, with the i9-11900T holding a slight edge.

The i7-9800X does have areas where its architecture should theoretically provide benefits, even if they do not appear in the recorded benchmark scores. The quad-channel memory bus with 85.3 GB/s of bandwidth is more than 60% higher than the i9-11900T’s dual-channel 51.2 GB/s. The 44 PCIe Gen 3 lanes are more than double the i9-11900T’s 20 Gen 4 lanes. These features suggest the i7-9800X is better suited for systems with many expansion cards, high-bandwidth storage arrays, or memory-intensive computing tasks that are not captured in the Cinebench and Geekbench suites. However, within the measured benchmarks, the i7-9800X does not secure a single win.

The power envelope is a decisive factor for certain deployments. The i9-11900T’s 35-watt TDP is dramatically lower than the i7-9800X’s 165 watts. This makes the i9-11900T far more suitable for compact builds, silent systems, or environments where heat dissipation and energy consumption are primary concerns. The i7-9800X requires a more substantial cooling solution and power delivery infrastructure.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher single-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i9-11900T wins every single-core benchmark. In Geekbench single-core, it scores 2157 versus 1398 for the i7-9800X, a 35.2% lead. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the i9-11900T scores 2201 versus 2176.

Q: Are the multi-core performances similar?

A: Yes, the multi-core results are close in Cinebench. The i9-11900T leads by 1.2% in R15, R20, and R23 multi-core tests. The Geekbench multi-core margin is larger at 9.3% in favor of the i9-11900T.

Q: What is the difference in memory bandwidth support?

A: The i7-9800X supports quad-channel DDR4 memory with a theoretical bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s. The i9-11900T supports dual-channel DDR4 with 51.2 GB/s.

Q: Do both processors have the same number of cores and threads?

A: Yes, both have 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The i9-11900T includes Intel UHD Graphics 750. The i7-9800X does not list any integrated graphics.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The i7-9800X has a TDP of 165 watts, while the i9-11900T has a TDP of 35 watts.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to a straightforward conclusion: the Intel Core i9-11900T is the better processor in almost every measurable way. It wins all eight head-to-head benchmarks, with the single-core advantage being decisive (35.2% in Geekbench) and the multi-core advantage being consistent if modest (1.2% in Cinebench). Its average benchmark score of 4685 exceeds the i7-9800X’s 4455, and it does so while consuming far less power (35 watts versus 165 watts).

The i7-9800X retains relevance only through platform features that are not reflected in the benchmark suite. Its quad-channel memory bus (85.3 GB/s versus 51.2 GB/s) and 44 PCIe Gen 3 lanes provide expansion and bandwidth capabilities that the i9-11900T cannot match. For a user building a system around numerous PCIe devices or requiring maximum memory throughput, the i7-9800X’s platform merits consideration.

For the vast majority of desktop workloads, especially those that depend on single-core speed, the i9-11900T is the clear choice. It is faster, more efficient, and newer, with a launch MSRP of $439. The i7-9800X carries a launch MSRP of $589. The i9-11900T delivers superior benchmark results in every recorded test, making it the recommended pick for anyone prioritizing CPU performance as measured by the database. The i7-9800X is best reserved for niche builds where its platform-level I/O capabilities outweigh its slower per-core performance.