The technological world received a significant upgrade with the introduction of the Intel Core i9-9900K. This new generation processor, also known as the Coffee Lake Refresh, has been touted as Intel’s step forward in mainstream processors. With its high-core counts and superior multi-threading performance, the i9-9900K has proven to be a formidable contender in the market.
This in-depth review will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of the Intel Core i9-9900K. If you’re looking to upgrade your computer with a processor that delivers high performance for gaming and content creation, this review will provide you with the essential information you need. Selecting the right processor is a critical decision for optimizing your computer’s performance across a range of tasks, including deep learning. For comprehensive insights and recommendations on the top CPUs available, refer to our extensive guide on the best CPUs.
Intel Strikes Back with the Core i9-9900K
The Core i9-9900K is Intel’s first-ever mainstream Core i9 chip. Equipped with eight cores and 16 threads, it can boost up to an impressive maximum 5.0GHz clock speed. This new octa-core processor not only competes with AMD’s best processor but outperforms it.
However, it should be noted that despite its powerful multi-core capabilities, the Core i9-9900K may not be the ultimate gaming processor it was touted to be. This limitation is primarily due to the drivers currently available. Therefore, it may be better suited for content creators rather than gamers looking to maximize their frames per second.
Pricing and Availability
The Intel Core i9-9900K is priced at $479 (£469, about AU$696), representing a significant price increase from Intel’s previous flagship processor, the Intel Core i7-8700K, which currently retails for $329 (£329, AU$478).
When compared to AMD’s Ryzen 7 2700X, which boasts nearly the same specs and includes a premium RGB CPU cooler in the box, the Core i9-9900K’s price may seem exorbitant. However, the Intel processor’s superior performance could justify the higher cost for some users.
Key Features and Chipset
The Intel Core i9-9900K is one of the company’s first mainstream octa-core processors, featuring the highest thread count in the Coffee Lake Refresh lineup at 16. This translates into a hyper-threading performance that finally outpaces its AMD rivals, the Ryzen 2nd Generation processors.
The Core i9-9900K integrates all these cores and threads, along with 400MHz higher clock speeds, into chips with the same 95-watt (W) thermal package as previous Coffee Lake CPUs. This advancement is one of the most impressive features of the Core i9-9900K.
Moreover, Intel has reintroduced a soldered, integrated heat spreader (IHS) in its new line of processors, which has significantly improved heat dissipation. The Intel Core i9-9900K runs a full 10-degrees Celsius cooler than both the Intel Core i7-8700K and Intel Core i7-8086K.
Performance Evaluation
The Core i9-9900K changes the game for Intel’s recent processors, setting a new benchmark for processing power with the highest single-core and multi-core test results ever seen. This massive surge in processing power translates to incredibly fast video encode times in Handbrake.
However, the Core i9-9900K falls short when it comes to gaming performance. Benchmarks show that the chip delivers similar, if not worse, frame rates than the last generation Intel Core i7-8700K. There was no performance increase in CPU-intensive games like Total War: Warhammer II.
Final Verdict
The Intel Core i9-9900K is an impressive debut in the mainstream processor market. Its substantial increase in processing power is a boon for any video editor or other types of creatives. Despite its high specs, it still sips power as economically as Intel’s last generation chips.
However, the lack of increase in gaming performance is disappointing. Although improvements might be seen as new software drivers and patches are released, the current $479 (£469, about AU$696) price tag may be hard to justify for most people, but content producers. Gamers looking for the ultimate gaming processor might need to look elsewhere.
This review aims to provide a comprehensive look at the Intel Core i9-9900K, its features, performance, and value. Whether you’re a content creator, a gamer, or just a tech enthusiast, this information should help you make an informed decision about whether this processor is the right fit for your needs.
