Intel · Core i9 · 2021 · LGA1200
The Intel Core i9-11900K is a desktop processor with 8 cores, released in 2021 at an MSRP of $349. It is part of the Core i9 lineup, using the 11th Gen platform, and fits the LGA1200 socket. Internally, it is built on the "Rocket Lake" architecture. Thanks to Intel Hyper-Threading, each core can handle two instruction streams simultaneously, yielding a total of 16 threads for improved parallelism. The Core i9-11900K has a base clock of 3.5 GHz and can boost up to 5.2 GHz depending on workload and thermal headroom. Intel manufactures the "Rocket Lake" silicon on a 14nm process node. The multiplier is unlocked, making overclocking straightforward. This processor supports DDR4 memory. With a TDP of 125W, the Core i9-11900K sits in a typical power envelope for a modern desktop CPU. Integrated graphics are provided by the UHD 750 solution, so a discrete GPU is not required for display output. The cache hierarchy consists of 64KB/core of L1, 4MB of L2, and 16MB of L3 cache.
Rocket Lake's flagship is notable for a core-count regression from its predecessor — dropping to 8 cores from the 10900K's 10 — a consequence of backporting the newer Cypress Cove architecture to Intel's mature 14nm process. Despite fewer cores, per-core IPC gains and higher clocks kept single-thread performance competitive, though it trailed AMD's contemporary Zen 3 chips in most multi-threaded benchmarks.
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Family | Core i9 |
| Series | 11th Gen |
| Architecture | Rocket Lake |
| Type | Desktop |
| Launch year | 2021 |
| Cores | 8 |
| Threads | 16 |
| Base clock | 3.5 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5.2 GHz |
| L1 cache | 64KB/core |
| L2 cache | 4MB |
| L3 cache | 16MB |
| TDP | 125W |
| Socket | LGA1200 |
| Process | 14nm |
| Memory type | DDR4 |
| Integrated graphics | UHD 750 |
| Chipsets | Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, B460, H410 |
| Launch MSRP | $349 |
| Part number | BX8070811900K |
| OEM / tray part number | CM8070804400161 |