Intel Core i9-9900K Processor Review

Now it is time for Intel to strike back and today we have probably the most anticipated Intel product of the year, the Core i9-9900K. This is Intel's first 8-core, 16-thread mainstream processor, packing in clock speeds of 3.6 GHz base and a single-core turbo frequency of 5.0 GHz.

– 8core; 16threads; – Best performing mainstream processor we've reviewed; – Great gaming performance; – Solder thermal interface material (STIM; – Can easily reach 5.0 GHz or above when overclocking

– Price compared to competition

Intel Core i9-9900K

Today, Intel released their new flagship processor for the LGA 1151 platform. The Core i9-9900K finally comes with eight core and 16 threads, reaching parity with AMD's Ryzen offerings. Maximum Boost Clock has been increased as well, now to a staggering 5 GHz.

8 cores and 16 threads; 5 GHz boost; Trades blows with more expensive Core i9-7900X; Unlocked multiplier; Soldered IHS; Works on existing LGA1151 platform; even with Z370 motherboards; Integrated graphics; Supports up to 128 GB memory

High price; Held back by power limits; Only small gaming performance improvements; No heatsink included; Weak integrated graphics

Since the inception of the Core Series of processors, the i7 was the flagship of Intel's line of desktop processors. Since the first generation, the top tier i7 was always a quad core chip with hyper-threading.