INTEL

Intel Core i9-10900KF

Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores

10
Cores
20
Threads
5.3
GHz Boost
125W
TDP
🔓Unlocked

Intel Core i9-10900KF Specifications

⚙️

Core i9-10900KF Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The Intel Core i9-10900KF features 10 physical cores and 20 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.

Cores
10
Threads
20
SMP CPUs
1
⏱️

i9-10900KF Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i9-10900KF benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i9-10900KF by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
3.7 GHz
Boost Clock
5.3 GHz
Multiplier
37x 🔓
💾

Intel's Core i9-10900KF Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i9-10900KF processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i9-10900KF's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.

L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
256 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
20 MB (shared)
🏗️

Comet Lake Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The Intel Core i9-10900KF is built on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i9-10900KF incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
Comet Lake
Codename
Comet Lake
Process Node
14 nm
Foundry
Intel
Generation
Core i9 (Comet Lake)
🔢

Comet Lake Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Core i9-10900KF by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.

MMX
SSE
SSE2
SSE3
SSSE3
SSE4.1
SSE4.2
AVX
AVX2
FMA3
AES-NI
F16C
BMI1
BMI2
Intel 64
VT-x
VT-d
🔌

i9-10900KF Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The Intel Core i9-10900KF has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 125W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.

TDP
125W
PL1 (Base Power)
125 W
PL2 (Turbo Power)
250 W
Tj Max
100°C
🔧

Intel Socket 1200 Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Core i9-10900KF uses the Intel Socket 1200 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.

Socket
Intel Socket 1200
Chipsets
Z590, Q570, B560, Z490, Q470, H470, B460, H410
PCIe
Gen 3, 16 Lanes(CPU only)
Package
FC-LGA1200
DDR5

Intel Socket 1200 Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the i9-10900KF define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i9-10900KF determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.

Memory Type
DDR4
Memory Bus
Dual-channel
Memory Bandwidth
46.9 GB/s
📦

Core i9-10900KF Product Information

Release and pricing details

The Intel Core i9-10900KF is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i9-10900KF by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.

Manufacturer
Intel
Release Date
Apr 2020
Launch Price
$509
Market
Desktop
Status
End-of-life
Part Number
SRH92

Core i9-10900KF Benchmark Scores

3dmark_16_threadsSource

3DMark 16-thread tests Intel Core i9-10900KF with heavily-threaded game workloads. This shows performance in games that fully utilize high-core-count CPUs for maximum parallelization. The most demanding and well-optimized games can leverage this many threads. Streaming while gaming also benefits from having many threads available.

3dmark_16_threads #50 of 166
8,225
50%
Max: 16,374

3dmark_2_threadsSource

3DMark 2-thread tests Intel Core i9-10900KF performance with dual-threaded game workloads. This shows capability in games that use limited parallelization typical of older titles.

3dmark_2_threads #118 of 166
1,685
66%
Max: 2,549
Compare with other CPUs

3dmark_4_threadsSource

3DMark 4-thread tests Intel Core i9-10900KF with quad-threaded game workloads. This shows performance in games optimized for four cores, which represents many current titles. Quad-core optimization is common in mainstream game development. This test represents the sweet spot for many popular multiplayer and competitive games.

3dmark_4_threads #100 of 166
3,308
67%
Max: 4,963
Compare with other CPUs

3dmark_8_threadsSource

3DMark 8-thread tests Intel Core i9-10900KF with octa-threaded game workloads. This shows performance in well-optimized modern games that leverage eight threads effectively.

3dmark_8_threads #56 of 166
6,214
67%
Max: 9,298

3dmark_max_threadsSource

3DMark max threads tests Intel Core i9-10900KF using all available threads for game workloads. This shows the maximum parallel gaming performance capability of the processor.

3dmark_max_threads #49 of 166
8,919
48%
Max: 18,441

3dmark_single_threadSource

3DMark CPU single-thread tests how Intel Core i9-10900KF handles game physics and AI calculations on one core. This is critical for games that rely on single-thread performance.

3dmark_single_thread #124 of 166
850
66%
Max: 1,293

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource

Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i9-10900KF performs in parallel rendering workloads.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicore #440 of 1788
1,911
13%
Max: 14,978

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how Intel Core i9-10900KF handles tasks that can't be parallelized.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecore #440 of 1245
269
13%
Max: 2,114

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource

Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i9-10900KF. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors. Content creators and 3D artists use this benchmark to estimate real-world render performance.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicore #440 of 1788
7,965
13%
Max: 62,412

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i9-10900KF. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs. Single-thread performance remains critical for gaming and applications with serial bottlenecks.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecore #440 of 1784
1,124
13%
Max: 8,811

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource

Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i9-10900KF after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss. Professional users rely on R23 scores to predict real-world rendering performance under sustained workloads.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicore #440 of 1788
18,966
13%
Max: 148,601
Compare with other CPUs

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i9-10900KF maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance. This score is particularly important for understanding real-world responsiveness beyond initial boost behavior.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecore #440 of 1788
2,677
13%
Max: 20,979

geekbench_multicoreSource

Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i9-10900KF across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance. Higher scores indicate better capability in multitasking and content creation. The cross-platform nature of Geekbench allows direct comparison with systems running different operating systems.

geekbench_multicore #130 of 711
9,067
40%
Max: 22,515
Compare with other CPUs

geekbench_singlecoreSource

Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i9-10900KF can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use. Many applications still depend primarily on single-thread performance. Gaming performance is also heavily influenced by single-core speed in CPU-limited scenarios.

geekbench_singlecore #166 of 711
1,774
52%
Max: 3,401
Compare with other CPUs

The AMD Equivalent of Core i9-10900KF

Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 9 4900H offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Ryzen 9 4900H

AMD • 8 Cores

View Specs Compare

Popular Intel Core i9-10900KF Comparisons

See how the Core i9-10900KF stacks up against similar processors from the same generation and competing brands.

Compare Core i9-10900KF with Other CPUs

Select another CPU to compare specifications and benchmarks side-by-side.

Browse CPUs