Intel Core i9-9920X

The Intel Core i9-9920X is a 12-core, 24-thread desktop processor from Intel’s Skylake-X family, built on a 14nm process with a 3.50 GHz base clock and 4.50 GHz boost. It carries a 165W TDP and fits the Intel Socket 2066 platform. Released in October 2018 and now end-of-life, this chip posts an average benchmark score of 5949, placing it in the 65th percentile of all CPUs in the database. Its launch MSRP was $1189.

How It Compares

Against the Intel Core i5-14450HX, the i9-9920X holds a razor-thin 0.2% advantage in average benchmark score (5949 vs. 5935). This is effectively a statistical tie, meaning the two processors deliver near-identical aggregate performance. Despite the i9’s older architecture and higher core count, the i5’s newer design closes the gap to within measurement noise.

The Intel Xeon W-2170B edges out the i9-9920X by 0.5%, with an average score of 5982 versus 5949. This is a marginal deficit, but it signals that the Xeon part, likely optimized for workstation workloads, holds a slight overall edge in the benchmark suite. The difference is small enough that real-world application performance would be indistinguishable in most tasks.

The AMD EPYC 7451 trails the i9-9920X by 0.6% on average (5915 vs. 5949). While the EPYC is a server-oriented chip, the i9 manages a slight lead in these consumer-focused benchmarks. The 0.6% delta is within run-to-run variance, but it does show that the i9 holds its own against a high-core-count EPYC part in this particular test set.

The Intel Xeon E-2388G is the closest rival in relative terms, sitting 2.2% behind the i9-9920X (5820 vs. 5949). That is the largest gap among the four nearest competitors, indicating that the i9 delivers a more substantial performance advantage over this Xeon. Still, the 2.2% margin is modest, and the E-2388G’s lower score reflects a different core/thread configuration that does not translate to a decisive win for either side.

Power and Thermals

The i9-9920X carries a TDP of 165W, which places it firmly in the high-power desktop segment. This figure dictates the cooling tier: a substantial air cooler or a robust liquid cooling solution is required to maintain sustained boost clocks under load. The unlocked multiplier allows overclocking, which can push power draw and heat output well beyond the stock TDP, demanding even more capable thermal management.

The chip’s large die size of 484 mm², combined with the 14nm process, contributes to its thermal density. While the process node is not the most efficient by modern standards, the Skylake-X architecture was designed to handle this thermal envelope. Users should plan for a case with good airflow and a cooler rated for high-TDP CPUs; otherwise, thermal throttling may limit performance.

The 165W TDP also implies a power-hungry platform. The i9-9920X requires a motherboard with a robust VRM design to deliver stable power, especially when the multiplier is unlocked for overclocking. The end-of-life status means no further firmware updates are likely, but the existing platform is mature and well-understood.

Benchmark Performance

The i9-9920X’s benchmark results paint a picture of a strong multi-threaded performer that is less impressive in single-threaded workloads. In Cinebench R15, it scores 2136 multi-core and 301 single-core. The multi-core result is about 7.1 times the single-core score, reflecting the 12-core/24-thread configuration. In Cinebench R20, the scores are 8901 multi-core and 1256 single-core, again showing a similar ratio. Cinebench R23 yields 21194 multi-core and 2992 single-core, with the multi-core figure being roughly 7.1 times the single-core. Geekbench reports 9422 multi-core and 1393 single-core, a ratio of about 6.8.

These numbers indicate that the i9-9920X scales well with core count, but its single-core performance is not class-leading—likely a consequence of its older Skylake architecture and relatively modest boost clock. The average benchmark score of 5949 places it in the 65th percentile of all CPUs, meaning it outperforms roughly two-thirds of the processors in the database. When compared to its nearest rivals, the i9-9920X is essentially tied with the i5-14450HX and Xeon W-2170B, while holding a slight edge over the EPYC 7451 and a more noticeable 2.2% lead over the Xeon E-2388G.

The multi-threaded results are particularly relevant for productivity tasks like video rendering, 3D modeling, and software compilation, where the 24 threads can be fully utilized. Single-threaded performance, while adequate, does not stand out, so workloads that rely heavily on single-core speed may not see the same benefit. Overall, the benchmark data positions the i9-9920X as a capable high-end desktop processor that remains competitive despite being end-of-life.

Platform and Compatibility

The i9-9920X uses the Intel Socket 2066 interface, which is exclusive to the X-Series and Xeon-W platforms. It supports quad-channel DDR4 memory, offering a memory bandwidth of 85.3 GB/s—a significant advantage for memory-intensive applications. The CPU provides 44 PCIe Gen 3 lanes (CPU only), enabling multiple graphics cards or high-speed NVMe storage devices without a chipset bottleneck.

ECC memory is not supported, which may limit its appeal for certain workstation or server environments that require error correction. The processor also lacks integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is mandatory for any display output. The unlocked multiplier allows overclocking, and the part number is SREZ6.

The platform is end-of-life, meaning Intel has ceased production of the CPU and likely the associated motherboards. This limits the upgrade path: users on Socket 2066 cannot move to newer generations without changing the motherboard and possibly memory. However, the existing platform still offers a high core count and robust I/O, making it a viable choice for users who already own a compatible board and need multi-threaded performance without upgrading the entire system.

FAQ

Q: What is the TDP of the Intel Core i9-9920X?

A: The TDP is 165W, which requires a high-performance cooling solution.

Q: Does the i9-9920X support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does the CPU provide?

A: It provides 44 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU itself.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: Yes, the multiplier is unlocked, allowing manual overclocking.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the i9-9920X?

A: The launch MSRP was $1189.

Q: When was the i9-9920X released?

A: It was released on October 18, 2018.