Intel i9 10900K vs Intel i9 11900K vs Ryzen 5900X: Which CPU is most suited for your gaming PC (2023)?

Intel Core i9 10900K vs Intel Core i9 11900K vs Ryzen 5900X
Intel Core i9 10900K vs Intel Core i9 11900K vs Ryzen 5900X (Image via AMD, Intel, and Sportskeeda)

When building or upgrading your high-end gaming PC, choosing the right CPU can significantly impact your system performance, especially if you are aiming for the highest possible frame rates and a smooth gameplay experience. As of today, several competent players offer cutting-edge processors boasting impressive specifications and capabilities.

We have analyzed three excellent options ᅳ the Intel Core i9 10900K, the Intel Core i9 11900K, and the AMD RyzenTM 5900X ᅳ to help you decide which is best for your gaming setup. Let's examine their features, benefits, and other important aspects in more detail so you can determine whether to make a purchase or not.

Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective and solely reflect the opinions of the writer


Performance: How does the 5900X CPU stack up against the i9 10900K and i9 11900K?

Processors Mark Rating (Screenshot from Cpubenchmark)
Processors Mark Rating (Screenshot from Cpubenchmark)

When it comes to performance, the i9 10900K and i9 11900K are both effective CPUs that can take care of stressful tasks comfortably. Both processors have 10 cores and 20 threads, making them ideal for multitasking and CPU-extensive applications.

The i9 10900K has a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a most enhanced clock speed of 5.3 GHz. Meanwhile, the i9 11900K has a normal clock speed of 3.5 GHz and a maximum boost clock speed of 5.3 GHz.

The Ryzen 5900X, on the other hand, has 12 cores and 24 threads, making it an excellent, more effective choice for CPU-in-depth obligations. It has a base clock velocity of 3.7 GHz and a boosted clock speed of 4.8 GHz, which is barely decreased from the Intel processors.

Intel Core i9-11900KIntel Core i9-10900KIntel Core i9-10900K
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
Price$300.00$330$320.00
Socket TypeFCLGA1200FCLGA1200AM4
CPU ClassDesktopDesktopDesktop
Clockspeed3.5 GHz3.7 GHz3.7 GHz
Turbo SpeedUp to 5.2 GHzUp to 5.3 GHzUp to 4.8 GHz
Physical Cores8 (Threads: 16)10 (Threads: 20)
12 (Threads: 24)
CacheL1: 320KB, L2: 2.0MB, L3: 16MBL1: 512KB, L2: 2.0MB, L3: 20MB
L1: 768KB, L2: 6.0MB, L3: 64MB
Max TDP125W125W105W
First Seen on ChartQ1 2021Q2 2020Q4 2020
CPU Value84.870.8122.8
Single Thread Rating(% diff. to max in group)3531(0.0%)3150(-10.8%)3471(-1.7%)
CPU Mark(% diff. to max in group)25500(-35.1%)23286(-40.8%)39306(0.0%)
Single Thread Rating(% diff. to max in group)3531(0.0%)3150(-10.8%)3471(-1.7%)
CPU Mark(% diff. to max in group)25500(-35.1%)23286(-40.8%)39306(0.0%)

When it comes to single-threaded overall performance, the i9 10900K is the strongest of the three processors, with a PassMark single-threaded rating of 3,171. The i9 11900K ranks second with a rating of 2947, while the Ryzen 5900X lags slightly behind with a rating of 2,715.

CPU Single Thread Rating (Screenshot from Cpubenchmark)
CPU Single Thread Rating (Screenshot from Cpubenchmark)

However, in multi-threaded overall performance, the Ryzen 5900X comes out on top with a PassMark score of 39,306, observed through the i9 11900K with a rating of 25,500 and the i9 10900K with a rating of 23,286.


Power Efficiency

Estimated Energy Usage Cost (Screenshot from Cpubenchmark)
Estimated Energy Usage Cost (Screenshot from Cpubenchmark)

One of the key differences between the i9 10900K, i9 11900K, and Ryzen 5900X is their strong performance. The i9 10900K is notorious for its high electricity intake, with a TDP of 125W. This requires an outstanding cooling machine to keep temperatures underneath manipulated and prevent thermal throttling.

The i9 11900K is a moderate improvement in this regard, with a TDP of 125W. However, it still calls for a strong cooling strategy to keep optimum overall performance.

On the other hand, the Ryzen 5900X is extra power-efficient, with a TDP of the handiest 105W. It consumes less power and generates less warmth, making it an exceptional alternative for gamers who want a quieter and cooler system.


Price

Processors Value (Screenshot from Cpubenchmark)
Processors Value (Screenshot from Cpubenchmark)

Price is another critical issue to keep in mind while selecting a processor for your gaming PC.

The i9 10900K is currently priced at around $329. Meanwhile, the i9 11900K is priced at around $300, making it a more steeply-priced alternative. The Ryzen 5900X is priced at about $320, making it a better low-priced choice than the i9 11900K.


Future-Proofing

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Another advantage of the Ryzen 5900X is its compatibility with the modern PCIe 4.0 fashionable. This gives faster data transfer speeds and progressed overall performance for compatible devices consisting of NVMe SSD drives and photographs cards.

The i9 10900K and i9 11900K, on the other hand, are most effective and well-matched with PCIe 3.0, which is older.

This means that the Ryzen 5900X is better equipped to address upcoming technology that requires PCIe 5.0.


Overclocking

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For game enthusiasts who need to squeeze each remaining drop of performance out of their CPU, overclocking is an attractive option.

The i9 10900K and i9 11900K are both capable of excessive overclocks due to their high clock speeds and unlocked multipliers. However, this means they require extra energy and generate greater heat, which can impact device balance and durability.

The Ryzen 5900X is also capable of overclocking, but it isn't as green at higher clock speeds as the Intel CPUs. This means that you would need to spend money on a greater effective cooling machine to preserve balance at higher overclocks.


Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a processor for your high-end gaming PC in 2023, the selection ultimately comes all the way down to your specific wishes and budget.

The i9 10900K and i9 11900K are powerful CPUs that provide great single-threaded overall performance, making them perfect for game enthusiasts who prioritize speed and responsiveness. However, they consume more power and generate more heat, which could affect universal gadget balance and durability.

The Ryzen 5900X, however, gives superior multi-threaded performance and power efficiency, making it an amazing option for gamers who need a quieter and cooler system. It is likewise extra destiny-proof, thanks to its compatibility with the PCIe 4.0 preferred, which is expected to end up extra commonplace in the coming years.

Ultimately, the quality CPU of your gaming PC will rely upon your precise wishes and budget. If you're looking for uncooked velocity and responsiveness, the i9 10900K or i9 11900K is the way to go. If you need an extra green and future-proof system, the Ryzen 5900X is an awesome choice.

Whatever your desire, ensure you pair your processor with an exquisite motherboard, cooling system, and other additives to get the most out of it.

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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh
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