Intel Core i9-11900K vs Intel Core i9-11900KF Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The recorded benchmark data splits these two processors into clearly different territories. The Intel Core i9-11900K wins 17 of the 25 head-to-head comparisons, while the Intel Core i9-11900KF takes 8. That raw count, however, hides the more interesting pattern: the K version dominates in rendering and synthetic compute loads, while the KF version edges ahead in several 3DMark thread tests and the PassMark single-thread metric.

The most striking victory for the Core i9-11900K appears in Geekbench. The multicore score of 13550 versus 10953 for the KF represents a 23.7% advantage, the largest delta in the entire dataset. The single-core Geekbench result also favors the K by 10.2%, with scores of 2273 and 2062 respectively. These are not marginal differences; they suggest the K part carries a meaningful performance advantage in workloads that exercise the CPU through this particular benchmark suite.

Cinebench results reinforce that pattern. Across all three versions tested (R15, R20, R23), the Core i9-11900K leads in both single-core and multi-core runs. The deltas are consistent, ranging from 1.4% to 1.6%. For example, Cinebench R23 multi-core shows 21168 for the K versus 20838 for the KF, a 1.6% gap. The single-core R23 result is 2988 versus 2941, again a 1.6% difference. These are modest but uniform advantages.

PassMark tests mostly favor the K as well. Data compression shows 330836 against 325688, a 1.6% win. Data encryption comes in at 16000 versus 15623, a 2.4% lead. Extended instructions show 23406 versus 22703, a 3.1% gap. Find prime numbers, floating point math, integer math, multithread, physics, and random string sorting all go to the K with deltas between 0.3% and 3.0%. The only PassMark tests where the KF wins are single_thread and singlethread, both identical at 3527 versus 3511, a 0.5% edge.

The KF takes the 3DMark suite more broadly. It wins 3dmark_2_threads, 3dmark_4_threads, 3dmark_8_threads, and 3dmark_single_thread, with the 8-thread result showing the largest margin at 2.1% (6671 versus 6528). The 16-thread and max-thread results are essentially tied, with deltas of 0% and scores within 4 points of each other.

So the split is clean: for rendering, encryption, compression, and most general compute tasks, the Core i9-11900K holds the advantage. For short-burst threaded workloads and certain single-thread synthetic tests, the Core i9-11900KF nudges ahead.

The Verdict

The data points to a straightforward recommendation. The Intel Core i9-11900K is the better processor for anyone whose work relies on multi-threaded rendering or content creation. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 21168 versus 20838, and its Geekbench multicore advantage of 23.7%, give it a decisive edge in those scenarios. The K also wins in data encryption, compression, and physics calculations, making it the safer choice for mixed productivity workloads.

The Intel Core i9-11900KF, meanwhile, shows strength in 3DMark tests and the PassMark single-thread metric. If the primary use case involves gaming or applications that depend on low-thread-count performance, the KF's wins in 3dmark_2_threads, 3dmark_4_threads, and 3dmark_8_threads are relevant. Its single-thread PassMark score of 3527 also edges out the K's 3511. However, the margins are thin, never exceeding 2.1%, and the KF loses ground in nearly every other category.

The overall average benchmark scores reflect this gap. The K achieves 26639, while the KF sits at 26212. The K also ranks at the 79th percentile versus all CPUs, compared to the 78th percentile for the KF. Those who need the integrated graphics capability, which the K includes as UHD Graphics 750 while the KF has none, will find the K to be the only option between these two. The KF's launch MSRP is $513, while the K's launch MSRP is $539. For a 1.6% performance advantage in Cinebench R23 multi-core and a 23.7% lead in Geekbench multicore, the data suggests the K justifies its higher launch MSRP.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest single win for the Core i9-11900K is Geekbench multicore. With a score of 13550 versus 10953, the delta reaches 23.7%. This is far outside the range of any other comparison in the dataset. The Geekbench single-core result also stands out, with the K at 2273 and the KF at 2062, a 10.2% margin. These two figures alone account for the bulk of the K's overall performance lead.

Cinebench results are consistent but smaller. R15 multi-core shows 2133 versus 2100, a 1.6% win for the K. R15 single-core is 300 versus 296, a 1.4% edge. R20 multi-core goes 8890 to 8751, again 1.6%. R20 single-core is 1254 versus 1235, a 1.5% gap. R23 multi-core and single-core both show 1.6% advantages, with scores of 21168 versus 20838 and 2988 versus 2941, respectively.

PassMark data compression favors the K by 1.6%, with 330836 versus 325688. Data encryption shows a 2.4% lead for the K, 16000 versus 15623. Extended instructions go to the K by 3.1%, 23406 versus 22703. Find prime numbers shows the K at 68 versus 66, a 3.0% difference. Floating point math is close, 52841 versus 52640, a 0.4% margin. Integer math is similarly tight, 89279 versus 89023, a 0.3% edge. PassMark multithread gives the K a 1.3% win, 25038 versus 24708. Physics goes to the K by 1.7%, 1052 versus 1034. Random string sorting is a 1.5% win, 37942 versus 37383.

The Core i9-11900KF takes its wins in the 3DMark suite. The 2-thread test shows 2005 versus 1975, a 1.5% edge. The 4-thread test goes 3834 versus 3778, also 1.5%. The 8-thread test is the largest at 2.1%, with 6671 versus 6528. Single-thread 3DMark gives the KF a 1.5% win, 1026 versus 1011. The 16-thread and max-thread results are effectively tied, with the KF at 8335 and 8322 versus the K at 8331 and 8319, both showing 0% deltas.

PassMark single-thread tests go to the KF by 0.5%. Both single_thread and singlethread record 3527 for the KF and 3511 for the K. These are the only PassMark tests the KF wins.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i9-11900K has an average benchmark score of 26639, while the Intel Core i9-11900KF scores 26212. The K also holds a higher percentile rank, sitting at the 79th percentile versus all CPUs compared to the 78th for the KF.

Q: Does the Intel Core i9-11900KF include integrated graphics?

A: No. The integrated graphics field for the Core i9-11900KF is null, while the Core i9-11900K includes UHD Graphics 750. This is the primary functional difference between the two parts.

Q: How large is the Geekbench multicore gap between the two chips?

A: The Core i9-11900K scores 13550 in Geekbench multicore, while the Core i9-11900KF scores 10953. That is a 23.7% advantage for the K, the largest delta in any benchmark comparison between them.

Q: Which processor wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Core i9-11900K wins with a score of 21168 versus 20838 for the Core i9-11900KF, a 1.6% difference. The K also wins the single-core R23 test, 2988 versus 2941.

Q: Are there any tests where the Core i9-11900KF beats the Core i9-11900K?

A: Yes. The KF wins in 3dmark_2_threads, 3dmark_4_threads, 3dmark_8_threads, and 3dmark_single_thread. It also wins in PassMark single_thread and singlethread. The largest of these margins is 2.1% in the 3dmark_8_threads test.

Q: Are the core counts and clock speeds identical?

A: Yes. Both have 8 cores, 16 threads, a 3.50 GHz base clock, and a 5.30 GHz boost clock. They also share the same 125 W TDP and the same cache configuration.

Architecture Differences

Both processors belong to the Core 11th Gen series, use the Rocket Lake architecture and codename, and are built on Intel's 14 nm process node. The die size is identical at 276 mm², and the foundry is Intel for both. The generation field lists both as Core i9 (Rocket Lake-S). The socket is Intel Socket 1200 for each.

The cache hierarchy matches exactly. Each core has 80 KB of L1 cache and 512 KB of L2 cache. The L3 cache is 16 MB shared across all cores. There is no 3D V-Cache present on either part.

Memory support is DDR4 with a dual-channel bus and a recorded bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. Neither processor supports ECC memory. PCIe connectivity is Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU.

The critical architectural difference is the integrated graphics. The Core i9-11900K carries UHD Graphics 750, while the Core i9-11900KF has no integrated graphics at all. This means the KF requires a discrete GPU for any display output, while the K can operate with a monitor connected directly to the motherboard. For systems that rely on Intel Quick Sync or need a fallback display solution, the K is the only viable choice.

Both processors have an unlocked multiplier, confirming their overclocking intent. The part numbers differ, with the K using SRKND and the KF using SRKNF. The production status for both is end-of-life.

Specification Differences

The two processors share nearly all specifications, so the differences are few. The integrated graphics field is the most significant: the Core i9-11900K includes UHD Graphics 750, while the Core i9-11900KF has no integrated graphics. This is the only functional specification that differs.

The launch MSRP also differs. The Core i9-11900K launched at $539, while the Core i9-11900KF launched at $513. This $26 difference reflects the absence of the graphics unit in the KF part.

The part numbers are distinct, with SRKND for the K and SRKNF for the KF. Beyond these fields, the specifications are identical: 8 cores, 16 threads, 3.50 GHz base clock, 5.30 GHz boost clock, 125 W TDP, Intel Socket 1200, Rocket Lake architecture, 14 nm process node, 276 mm² die size, 80 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, 16 MB shared L3, DDR4 memory support, dual-channel bus, 51.2 GB/s bandwidth, no ECC, Gen 4 PCIe with 20 lanes, Desktop market segment, unlocked multiplier, release date of 2021-03-15, and end-of-life production status. The benchmark scores differ, with the K holding a 17 to 8 win count in head-to-head comparisons, but the underlying hardware is otherwise the same.