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Intel Core I9 9900KS (9th Gen) processor
Intel

9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS

View on intel.com
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 W
CPU Process Node:
14 Nanometers
CPU Socket:
FCLGA1151
CPU Series:
Coffee Lake Refresh, 9th Gen Intel Core
Memory Support:
DDR4-2666
Form Factor:
Desktop

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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026

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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

The benchmarks below are published results for specific applications. They are measured separately and do not feed the two scores above.

Puget Bench for Photoshop v1.0 - points (More is Better)

  • Apple M5 Max
    15043.83 points
  • Apple M5 Pro
    14885.21 points
  • Apple M5
    12095.89 points
  • AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
    12088.31 points
  • Intel Core i9-14900KF
    10029.96 points
  • 11th Gen Intel Core i7 11700K
    7098.88 points
  • 10th Gen Intel Core i9-10900KF
    6892.97 points
  • 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS (this product)
    6289.67 points

Puget Systems runs a fixed set of real Photoshop jobs: opening and saving large files, resizing, content-aware fill, blurs and filters. A higher score means less waiting on the tasks a retoucher repeats all day.

Photoshop is decided mostly by how fast a few cores are, not how many there are, so a chip with fewer but faster cores often beats one with more cores. Treat a gap under about 5 percent as something you would never notice while working.

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.

Our verdict

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

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity

BrandIntel
Product LineCore i9
Model Number9900KS
CodenameCoffee Lake Refresh
Release Year2019

Segment and platform

Market SegmentDesktop
MicroarchitectureCoffee Lake Refresh, 9th Gen Intel Core
SocketFCLGA1151
Socket StatusEnd of Life
Process Node14 nm

Core configuration

Total Cores8
Performance Cores8
Efficiency Cores0
Total Threads16
SMT EnabledYes

Clock speeds

P-Core Base Clock4 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock5 GHz

Cache

L2 Cache2 MB
L3 Cache16 MB

Power and thermal

Base Power127 W
Max Turbo Power127 W

Memory

Memory TypeDDR4-2666
Max Memory Speed2666 MT/s
Memory Channels2
ECC SupportNo

Graphics and AI

Integrated GraphicsYes
iGPU ModelIntel UHD Graphics 630
Copilot Plus CertifiedNo

Expansion

PCIe Generation3.0
PCIe Lanes16

Commercial

Launch MSRP513 USD
Retail AvailabilityRetail
Form FactorDesktop
TDP127 W
iGPUIntel UHD Graphics 630

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS?

The 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS has 8 cores and 16 threads, a 4 GHz base and 5 GHz boost clock, 16 MB of L3 cache and a 127 W TDP. Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630. Socket: FCLGA1151.

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?

Best suited to: 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?

Not the best fit for: Budget-conscious buyers, the standard i9-9900K delivers very close real-world performance for typically less.

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