INTEL

Intel Core i9-9990XE

Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores

14
Cores
28
Threads
5.1
GHz Boost
255W
TDP
🔓Unlocked

Intel Core i9-9990XE Specifications

⚙️

Core i9-9990XE Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The Intel Core i9-9990XE features 14 physical cores and 28 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
14
Threads
28
SMP CPUs
1
⏱️

i9-9990XE Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i9-9990XE 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 i9-9990XE by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
4 GHz
Boost Clock
5.1 GHz
Multiplier
40x 🔓
💾

Intel's Core i9-9990XE Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i9-9990XE 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 i9-9990XE'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
1 MB (per core)
L3 Cache
19.25 MB (shared)
🏗️

Skylake Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The Intel Core i9-9990XE 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 i9-9990XE incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
Skylake
Codename
Skylake-X
Process Node
14 nm
Foundry
Intel
Generation
Core i9 Extreme (X-Series 9th Gen)
🔢

Skylake Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Core i9-9990XE 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
🔌

i9-9990XE Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The Intel Core i9-9990XE has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 255W, 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
255W
Tj Max
105°C
🔧

Intel Socket 2066 Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Core i9-9990XE uses the Intel Socket 2066 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 2066
PCIe
Gen 3, 44 Lanes(CPU only)
Package
FC-LGA2066
DDR5

Intel Socket 2066 Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the i9-9990XE 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 i9-9990XE 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
Quad-channel
Memory Bandwidth
85.3 GB/s
📦

Core i9-9990XE Product Information

Release and pricing details

The Intel Core i9-9990XE 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 i9-9990XE by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.

Manufacturer
Intel
Release Date
Oct 2018
Launch Price
$2800
Market
Desktop
Status
End-of-life
Part Number
SREZA
Bundled Cooler
None

Core i9-9990XE Benchmark Scores

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource

Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i9-9990XE performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. The R15 version remains useful for comparing against older hardware benchmarks. Higher scores directly correlate with faster render times in Cinema 4D and similar 3D applications.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicore #277 of 1788
2,584
17%
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 i9-9990XE handles tasks that can't be parallelized across multiple cores. Games and many desktop applications still rely heavily on single-thread performance. A higher single-core score means snappier system responsiveness in everyday use.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecore #277 of 1245
364
17%
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 i9-9990XE. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicore #277 of 1788
10,767
17%
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 i9-9990XE. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecore #277 of 1784
1,519
17%
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 i9-9990XE after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicore #277 of 1788
25,637
17%
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 i9-9990XE maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecore #277 of 1788
3,619
17%
Max: 20,979

About Intel Core i9-9990XE

The I9-9990XE from Intel features a 14‑core, 28‑thread configuration designed for extreme workloads. Intel's I9-9990XE leverages a 14 nm process to deliver 19.25 MB of shared L3 cache. With a thermal design power of 255 W, the chip requires robust cooling solutions to maintain stability under load. Memory compatibility includes support for DDR4 up to 2666 MT/s, enabling high bandwidth for data‑intensive applications. The processor excels in workloads such as 3D rendering, scientific simulations, and high‑end gaming, where thread parallelism is critical. Benchmark results show Cinebench R23 multi‑core scores of 25,637 points, underscoring its capability in heavily threaded environments. Overall, the I9-9990XE chip offers a compelling blend of core count, frequency headroom, and memory bandwidth for power users.

  1. 14 cores / 28 threads
  2. Up to 5.10 GHz boost
  3. 255 W TDP
  4. Cinebench R23 multi‑core 25,637

The AMD Equivalent of Core i9-9990XE

Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

AMD • 12 Cores

View Specs Compare

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