INTEL

Intel Core i9-11900KF

Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores

8
Cores
16
Threads
5.3
GHz Boost
125W
TDP
πŸ”“Unlocked

Intel Core i9-11900KF Specifications

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Core i9-11900KF Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The Intel Core i9-11900KF features 8 physical cores and 16 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
8
Threads
16
SMP CPUs
1
⏱️

i9-11900KF Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i9-11900KF 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 i9-11900KF by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
3.5 GHz
Boost Clock
5.3 GHz
Multiplier
35x πŸ”“
πŸ’Ύ

Intel's Core i9-11900KF Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i9-11900KF 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 i9-11900KF's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.

L1 Cache
80 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
512 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
16 MB (shared)
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Rocket Lake Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The Intel Core i9-11900KF 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 i9-11900KF incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
Rocket Lake
Codename
Rocket Lake
Process Node
14 nm
Foundry
Intel
Die Size
276 mmΒ²
Generation
Core i9 (Rocket Lake-S)
πŸ”’

Rocket Lake Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Core i9-11900KF 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
AVX-512
FMA3
SHA
AES-NI
F16C
BMI1
BMI2
Intel 64
VT-x
VT-d
πŸ”Œ

i9-11900KF Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The Intel Core i9-11900KF 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
Tj Max
100Β°C
πŸ”§

Intel Socket 1200 Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Core i9-11900KF 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
H510, B560, H570, Q570, W580, Z590, Q470, H470, W480, Z490
PCIe
Gen 4, 20 Lanes(CPU only)
Package
FC-LGA14A
DDR5

Intel Socket 1200 Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the i9-11900KF 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 i9-11900KF 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
51.2 GB/s
πŸ“¦

Core i9-11900KF Product Information

Release and pricing details

The Intel Core i9-11900KF 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 i9-11900KF by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.

Manufacturer
Intel
Release Date
Mar 2021
Launch Price
$513
Market
Desktop
Status
End-of-life
Part Number
SRKNF

Core i9-11900KF Benchmark Scores

3dmark_16_threadsSource

3DMark 16-thread tests Intel Core i9-11900KF with heavily-threaded game workloads. This shows performance in games that fully utilize high-core-count CPUs for maximum parallelization.

3dmark_16_threads #46 of 166
8,335
51%
Max: 16,374
Compare with other CPUs

3dmark_2_threadsSource

3DMark 2-thread tests Intel Core i9-11900KF performance with dual-threaded game workloads. This shows capability in games that use limited parallelization typical of older titles. Some game engines still primarily utilize only two threads for core logic.

3dmark_2_threads #37 of 166
2,005
79%
Max: 2,549
Compare with other CPUs

3dmark_4_threadsSource

3DMark 4-thread tests Intel Core i9-11900KF with quad-threaded game workloads. This shows performance in games optimized for four cores, which represents many current titles.

3dmark_4_threads #39 of 166
3,834
77%
Max: 4,963
Compare with other CPUs

3dmark_8_threadsSource

3DMark 8-thread tests Intel Core i9-11900KF with octa-threaded game workloads. This shows performance in well-optimized modern games that leverage eight threads effectively. AAA titles increasingly scale to eight or more threads.

3dmark_8_threads #39 of 166
6,671
72%
Max: 9,298
Compare with other CPUs

3dmark_max_threadsSource

3DMark max threads tests Intel Core i9-11900KF using all available threads for game workloads. This shows the maximum parallel gaming performance capability of the processor. This reveals the ceiling of what games could achieve with perfect thread scaling.

3dmark_max_threads #55 of 166
8,322
45%
Max: 18,441

3dmark_single_threadSource

3DMark CPU single-thread tests how Intel Core i9-11900KF handles game physics and AI calculations on one core. This is critical for games that rely on single-thread performance. Many games still bottleneck on single-core speed despite having multiple threads.

3dmark_single_thread #40 of 166
1,026
79%
Max: 1,293
Compare with other CPUs

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource

Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i9-11900KF performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. Higher scores mean faster render times in professional applications.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicore #378 of 1788
2,116
14%
Max: 14,978
Compare with other CPUs

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how Intel Core i9-11900KF handles tasks that can't be parallelized across multiple cores. Games and many desktop applications still rely heavily on single-thread performance.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecore #379 of 1245
298
14%
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 i9-11900KF.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicore #377 of 1788
8,820
14%
Max: 62,412
Compare with other CPUs

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 i9-11900KF.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecore #377 of 1784
1,244
14%
Max: 8,811
Compare with other CPUs

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 i9-11900KF after thermal limits kick in.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicore #377 of 1788
21,000
14%
Max: 148,601
Compare with other CPUs

πŸ† Top 5 Performers

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i9-11900KF maintains boost clocks under continuous load.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecore #378 of 1788
2,964
14%
Max: 20,979
Compare with other CPUs

geekbench_multicoreSource

Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i9-11900KF across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance.

geekbench_multicore #108 of 711
10,021
45%
Max: 22,515
Compare with other CPUs

πŸ† Top 5 Performers

geekbench_singlecoreSource

Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i9-11900KF can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use.

geekbench_singlecore #66 of 711
2,320
68%
Max: 3,401
Compare with other CPUs

passmark_data_compressionSource

Data compression measures how fast Intel Core i9-11900KF can compress and decompress files. This is important for archiving, backup software, and file transfer applications.

passmark_data_compression #226 of 528
325,688
6%
Max: 5,427,555
Compare with other CPUs

πŸ† Top 5 Performers

#1 AMD EPYC 9965
5,427,555
#2 AMD EPYC 9845
4,680,013
#3 AMD EPYC 9755
4,517,407
#4 AMD EPYC 9745
3,929,890

passmark_data_encryptionSource

Data encryption tests how fast Intel Core i9-11900KF can encrypt information using AES and other algorithms. This is critical for security applications, VPNs, and secure communications. Modern CPUs with AES-NI hardware acceleration score significantly higher. Disk encryption, secure browsing, and VPN performance all benefit from faster encryption.

passmark_data_encryption #299 of 528
15,623
5%
Max: 316,606
Compare with other CPUs

πŸ† Top 5 Performers

#1 AMD EPYC 9965
316,606
#2 AMD EPYC 9845
296,808
#3 AMD EPYC 9755
284,927
#4 AMD EPYC 9754
231,891
#5 AMD EPYC 9745
229,447

passmark_extended_instructionsSource

Extended instructions tests Intel Core i9-11900KF performance using SSE and AVX instruction sets. These specialized instructions accelerate multimedia, scientific, and AI workloads.

passmark_extended_instructions #214 of 528
22,703
6%
Max: 392,159
Compare with other CPUs

πŸ† Top 5 Performers

#1 AMD EPYC 9965
392,159
#2 AMD EPYC 9845
314,798
#3 AMD EPYC 9755
303,321
#4 AMD EPYC 9745
280,477

passmark_find_prime_numbersSource

Find prime numbers tests Intel Core i9-11900KF ability to identify primes through intensive calculations. This is a pure computational benchmark that stresses CPU arithmetic units without memory bottlenecks. The test reveals raw mathematical processing capability.

passmark_find_prime_numbers #345 of 528
66
3%
Max: 2,422

passmark_floating_point_mathSource

Floating point math measures how Intel Core i9-11900KF handles decimal calculations critical for scientific computing and 3D rendering. This affects performance in CAD and physics simulations.

passmark_floating_point_math #263 of 528
52,640
5%
Max: 1,141,430
Compare with other CPUs

πŸ† Top 5 Performers

#1 AMD EPYC 9965
1,141,430
#2 AMD EPYC 9845
978,377
#3 AMD EPYC 9755
922,900
#4 AMD EPYC 9745
761,219
#5 AMD EPYC 9655P
710,260

passmark_integer_mathSource

Integer math tests how fast Intel Core i9-11900KF processes whole number calculations essential for database operations and compression algorithms. This is fundamental to general computing performance. Encryption and data processing heavily rely on integer operations. Higher scores benefit applications that work primarily with non-decimal numbers.

passmark_integer_math #239 of 528
89,023
5%
Max: 1,806,439
Compare with other CPUs

πŸ† Top 5 Performers

#1 AMD EPYC 9965
1,806,439
#2 AMD EPYC 9845
1,687,531
#3 AMD EPYC 9755
1,549,946
#4 AMD EPYC 9745
1,224,315

passmark_multithreadSource

PassMark multi-thread tests Intel Core i9-11900KF across integer math, floating point, compression, and encryption using all cores. This provides an overall multi-threaded CPU performance score. The combined result reflects general-purpose parallel computing capability. Results can be compared against millions of submissions in the PassMark database.

passmark_multithread #260 of 528
24,708
14%
Max: 174,825
Compare with other CPUs

πŸ† Top 5 Performers

passmark_physicsSource

Physics tests how Intel Core i9-11900KF handles physics simulations used in games and engineering software. This measures performance in calculating object interactions and movements.

passmark_physics #355 of 528
1,034
4%
Max: 27,806
Compare with other CPUs

πŸ† Top 5 Performers

#1 AMD EPYC 9755
27,806
#2 AMD EPYC 9655P
26,810
#3 AMD EPYC 9655
25,958
#4 AMD EPYC 9684X
24,686
#5 AMD EPYC 9575F
22,021

passmark_random_string_sortingSource

Random string sorting measures how fast Intel Core i9-11900KF can organize text data. This is important for database operations, search indexing, and data processing applications.

passmark_random_string_sorting #212 of 528
37,383
6%
Max: 609,901
Compare with other CPUs

πŸ† Top 5 Performers

#1 AMD EPYC 9965
609,901
#2 AMD EPYC 9755
571,185
#3 AMD EPYC 9845
538,060
#4 AMD EPYC 9745
468,975
#5 AMD EPYC 9655P
455,310

passmark_single_threadSource

PassMark single-thread measures per-core performance of Intel Core i9-11900KF across various computational tasks. This score is critical for gaming and single-threaded applications. Higher scores mean better system responsiveness in everyday use.

passmark_single_thread #255 of 528
3,527
69%
Max: 5,097
Compare with other CPUs

passmark_singlethreadSource

PassMark single-thread measures per-core performance of Intel Core i9-11900KF across various computational tasks. This score is critical for gaming and single-threaded applications. Higher scores mean better system responsiveness in everyday use. Many legacy applications and games still depend heavily on single-thread speed.

passmark_singlethread #255 of 528
3,527
69%
Max: 5,097
Compare with other CPUs

About Intel Core i9-11900KF

The Intel Core i9-11900KF, part of the Rocket Lake-S lineup, delivers a compelling 8-core, 16-thread configuration that strikes a balance between gaming and productivity workloads. With a base clock of 3.50 GHz and a turbo boost reaching up to 5.30 GHz, this processor offers strong single-threaded performance crucial for high-FPS gaming scenarios. The unlocked multiplier on the "KF" variant allows for aggressive overclocking, appealing to enthusiasts seeking maximum performance. Despite being built on the mature 14 nm process, Intel optimized the architecture to push frequencies higher than its predecessors. Its Socket 1200 compatibility ensures a straightforward upgrade path for users with compatible 500-series motherboards. While not the most core-dense chip in the lineup, the i9-11900KF leverages high clock speeds to maintain leadership in latency-sensitive applications. The absence of integrated graphics means a dedicated GPU is mandatory, but this trade-off allows for slightly better power delivery to the cores. Overall, the core and thread layout provides sufficient parallel processing muscle for modern games and multitasking. This makes the i9-11900KF a popular choice among performance-focused gamers who also stream or run background applications.
Benchmarked under PassMark, the i9-11900KF achieves 325,688 points in data compression, highlighting its robust instruction-per-clock improvements and cache efficiency. Its integer math score of 89,023 points reflects strong performance in tasks like physics calculations and game logic, which are common in AAA titles. The floating-point math score of 52,640 points indicates solid capability in rendering and simulation workloads, though it trails behind some 14-core AMD counterparts in sustained multi-threaded scenarios. In random string sorting, it scores 37,383 points, demonstrating effective memory subsystem tuning and cache hierarchy utilization. The multithread score of 24,708 points confirms it remains competitive in heavily threaded applications despite fewer cores than some rivals. These benchmarks collectively show that the Core i9-11900KF excels more in bursty, high-clock-speed tasks than in long-duration compute workloads. The processor’s architecture prioritizes responsiveness, making it suitable for gaming rigs where frame pacing and low latency matter. While not the most efficient chip thermally, its performance-per-clock remains impressive for a 14 nm node. The results validate Intel’s strategy of focusing on frequency and IPC gains with this Rocket Lake-S flagship.
Power efficiency is where the i9-11900KF shows its limitations, with a 125W TDP that can easily be exceeded under overclocked loads. The 14 nm manufacturing process, while refined, struggles to match the efficiency of smaller nodes used by competitors at the time. This leads to higher power draw and heat output, necessitating robust cooling solutions especially for users pushing the chip beyond stock speeds. However, performance-per-watt remains acceptable in gaming scenarios where CPU utilization isn’t sustained at 100%. In lighter workloads, the power management system dynamically scales clocks to conserve energy. The lack of integrated graphics does free up some thermal headroom for the cores, but it also means no fallback display option during troubleshooting. Compared to later 10 nm or 7 nm chips, the Core i9-11900KF trades efficiency for raw speed. Gamers building high-performance systems should pair it with high-quality VRM motherboards and at least a 240mm AIO or high-end air cooler. Despite its thermal demands, the i9-11900KF remains a viable option for those prioritizing peak performance over power savings.
The 16 MB of shared L3 cache plays a critical role in reducing memory latency and improving hit rates during gaming and rapid task switching. This cache size, combined with improved prefetch algorithms, helps maintain high throughput even when multiple threads are active. The i9-11900KF benefits significantly in games that are sensitive to cache performance, such as competitive shooters and MMOs. Workloads involving real-time rendering, streaming, and encoding also leverage the cache and high clock speeds effectively. The processor performs best in environments where single-threaded speed dominates, making it ideal for 1080p and 1440p gaming setups. Content creators doing light video editing or 3D modeling will find it capable, though heavier rendering tasks may expose its core count limitations. As a flagship Rocket Lake-S part, the Intel Core i9-11900KF delivers a strong blend of speed and flexibility for enthusiast desktops. Its release at $513 positioned it as a premium option, justifying its place in high-end builds. Even years after launch, the 11900KF remains relevant in systems focused on high refresh rate gaming and responsive multitasking.

The AMD Equivalent of Core i9-11900KF

Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 9 5980HS offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Ryzen 9 5980HS

AMD β€’ 8 Cores

View Specs Compare

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