Intel · Core i9 · 2018 · LGA1151
The Intel Core i9-9900K is a desktop processor with 8 cores, released in 2018 at an MSRP of $488. It is part of the Core i9 lineup, using the 9th Gen platform, and fits the LGA1151 socket. Internally, it is built on the "Coffee Lake Refresh" 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 i9-9900K has a base clock of 3.6 GHz and can boost up to 5 GHz depending on workload and thermal headroom. Intel manufactures the "Coffee Lake Refresh" silicon on a 14nm process node. The multiplier is unlocked, making overclocking straightforward. This processor supports DDR4 memory. With a TDP of 95W, the Core i9-9900K sits in a typical power envelope for a modern desktop CPU. Integrated graphics are provided by the UHD 630 solution, so a discrete GPU is not required for display output. The cache hierarchy consists of 32KB/core of L1, 2MB of L2, and 16MB of L3 cache.
One of the most well-known desktop CPUs of its era, marketed at launch as "the best gaming processor" and holding that reputation across a long production run. Its 8-core, 16-thread configuration at high clock speeds made it a staple recommendation for high-refresh-rate gaming builds well into the following two CPU generations.
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Family | Core i9 |
| Series | 9th Gen |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake Refresh |
| Type | Desktop |
| Launch year | 2018 |
| Cores | 8 |
| Threads | 16 |
| Base clock | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5 GHz |
| L1 cache | 32KB/core |
| L2 cache | 2MB |
| L3 cache | 16MB |
| TDP | 95W |
| Socket | LGA1151 |
| Process | 14nm |
| Memory type | DDR4 |
| Integrated graphics | UHD 630 |
| Chipsets | Z390, H370, B365, B360, H310, Z370 |
| Launch MSRP | $488 |
| Part number | BX80684I99900K |
| OEM / tray part number | CM8068403873925 |