9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 5.0 GHz / 4.0 GHz
- Core/Thread Count:
- 8 Core / 16 Thread
- Cache:
- 16MB L3 + 2MB L2 + 512KB L1
- TDP:
- 127 Watts
- CPU Process Node:
- 14 Nanometers
- CPU Socket:
- LGA 1151
- CPU Series:
- Coffee Lake Refresh
- Memory Support:
- DDR4-2666
- Form Factor:
- Desktop
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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026
9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS Review
The 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS is an 8-core, 16-thread desktop processor with a genuinely unique feature: all 8 cores boost to 5.0 GHz simultaneously, running a 4.0 GHz base clock within a 127 Watt TDP.
Unlike the standard i9-9900K where only select cores reach the 5.0 GHz boost ceiling, this special-edition variant sustains 5.0 GHz across all 8 cores under load, a genuine binning achievement Intel marketed as its "Special Edition" flagship.
Integrated Graphics
This chip includes basic Intel UHD 630 integrated graphics; enthusiast desktop builds around this flagship chip typically pair it with a high-end discrete GPU regardless.
How Is the Core i9-9900KS in Terms of Performance
The genuinely unique all-core 5.0 GHz sustained boost makes this chip's real-world multi-threaded performance meaningfully stronger than the standard i9-9900K, which only reaches 5.0 GHz on a subset of cores under load.
Benchmarks
Cinebench R20 single-core scores of 518 match the standard i9-9900K's per-core figure, but this chip's genuine advantage shows in sustained multi-threaded workloads where all 8 cores hold the 5.0 GHz ceiling simultaneously rather than just a subset.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Core i9 |
| Product Line | Core i9 |
| Model Number | 9900KS |
| Codename | Coffee Lake Refresh |
| Release Year | 2019 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Coffee Lake Refresh, 9th Gen Intel Core |
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Socket Status | End of Life |
| Process Node | 14 nm |
| Process Node | 14 nm |
Core configuration
| Performance Cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| Efficiency Cores | 0 |
| SMT Enabled | Yes |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 4.0 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 5.0 GHz |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 2 MB |
|---|---|
| L3 Cache | 16 MB |
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 127 W |
|---|---|
| Max Turbo Power | 127 W |
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR4-2666 |
|---|---|
| Memory Type | DDR4 |
| Max Memory Speed | 2666 MT/s |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| ECC Support | No |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|---|
| iGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| Copilot Plus Certified | No |
Expansion
| PCIe Generation | 3.0 |
|---|---|
| PCIe Lanes | 16 |
Commercial
| Launch MSRP | 513 USD |
|---|---|
| Retail Availability | Retail |
| Form Factor | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Core/Thread Count | 8 Core / 16 Thread |
| TDP | 127 W |
| Cache | 16MB L3 + 2MB L2 + 512KB L1 |
| Boost/Base Clock | 5.0 GHz / 4.0 GHz |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- Enthusiasts wanting Intel's genuine all-core 5.0 GHz binning achievement for sustained multi-threaded performance
Not for
- Budget-conscious buyers — the standard i9-9900K delivers very close real-world performance for typically less
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS?
The 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS is a processor from Intel. Key specs: Boost/Base Clock 5.0 GHz / 4.0 GHz, Core/Thread Count 8 Core / 16 Thread, Cache 16MB L3 + 2MB L2 + 512KB L1, TDP 127 Watts, CPU Process Node 14 Nanometers.
Will the 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS work with my current setup?
The 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS lists CPU Socket is LGA 1151. 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 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS best suited to?
It suits enthusiasts wanting intel's genuine all-core 5.0 ghz binning achievement for sustained multi-threaded performance.
What are the drawbacks of the 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS?
It is a poor fit for budget-conscious buyers — the standard i9-9900k delivers very close real-world performance for typically less.