10th Gen Intel Core i9 10900K
- iGPU:
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 5.3 GHz / 3.7 GHz
- Core/Thread Count:
- 10 Core / 20 Thread
- Cache:
- 20MB L3 + 2.5MB L2 + 640KB L1
- TDP:
- 125 Watts
- CPU Process Node:
- 14 Nanometers
- CPU Socket:
- LGA1200
- CPU Series:
- Comet Lake
- Memory Support:
- DDR4-2933
- Form Factor:
- Desktop
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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026
10th Gen Intel Core i9 10900K Review
The 10th Gen Intel Core i9 10900K was Intel's flagship desktop processor of the Comet Lake generation, 10 cores and 20 threads reaching up to a genuinely high 5.3 GHz boost clock within a 125 Watt TDP, unlocked for overclocking on the LGA1200 socket.
At launch, this chip's high single-core clock speed made it a genuinely strong gaming CPU specifically, even as AMD's Zen 3 desktop chips eventually closed much of that single-thread gap; Comet Lake's mature 14nm process allowed Intel to push clocks unusually high for a mainstream desktop part.
Intel UHD Graphics 630
A basic integrated GPU intended for display output and light desktop use; this chip is built primarily for buyers pairing it with a discrete GPU.
How Is the Core i9 10900K in Terms of Performance
The genuinely high 5.3 GHz boost clock made this chip a strong gaming CPU at launch, particularly in titles that leaned more on single-thread speed, while the full 10-core, 20-thread layout also handled content creation and productivity workloads competently.
Benchmarks
Cinebench R23 multi-core scores of 15,825 and single-core scores of 1,391 reflect genuinely strong flagship desktop performance for its generation. Geekbench 5 multi-core scores of 11,062 confirm this chip's standing as Intel's top mainstream desktop offering at launch.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Core i9 |
| Product Line | Core i9 |
| Model Number | 10900K |
| Codename | Comet Lake |
| Release Year | 2020 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Comet Lake, 10th Gen Intel Core |
| Socket | LGA 1200 |
| Socket Status | Mature |
| Process Node | 14 nm |
| Process Node | 14 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 10 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 10 |
| Efficiency Cores | 0 |
| Total Threads | 20 |
| SMT Enabled | Yes |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 3.7 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 5.3 GHz |
| Unlocked Multiplier | Yes |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 2.5 MB |
|---|---|
| L3 Cache | 20 MB |
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 125 W |
|---|---|
| Max Turbo Power | 250W |
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR4-2933 |
|---|---|
| Memory Type | DDR4 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| ECC Support | No |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|---|
| iGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU Compute Units | 24 |
Expansion
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
|---|---|
| PCIe Lanes | 16 |
Commercial
| Launch MSRP | 488 USD |
|---|---|
| Retail Availability | Retail |
| Form Factor | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Core/Thread Count | 10 Core / 20 Thread |
| TDP | 125 W |
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| Cache | 20MB L3 + 2.5MB L2 + 640KB L1 |
| Boost/Base Clock | 5.3 GHz / 3.7 GHz |
| Memory Speed | DDR4-2933 |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- Desktop gaming builds specifically wanting the highest available Comet Lake single-core clock speed
Not for
- Budget-conscious buyers — the near-identical 10850K, covered elsewhere on this site, delivers very close performance for typically less
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the 10th Gen Intel Core i9 10900K?
The 10th Gen Intel Core i9 10900K is a processor from Intel. Key specs: iGPU Intel UHD Graphics 630, Boost/Base Clock 5.3 GHz / 3.7 GHz, Core/Thread Count 10 Core / 20 Thread, Cache 20MB L3 + 2.5MB L2 + 640KB L1, TDP 125 Watts.
Will the 10th Gen Intel Core i9 10900K work with my current setup?
The 10th Gen Intel Core i9 10900K lists CPU Socket is LGA1200. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the 10th Gen Intel Core i9 10900K best suited to?
It suits desktop gaming builds specifically wanting the highest available comet lake single-core clock speed.
What are the drawbacks of the 10th Gen Intel Core i9 10900K?
It is a poor fit for budget-conscious buyers — the near-identical 10850k, covered elsewhere on this site, delivers very close performance for typically less.