Intel Core i9 11900K 8-core LGA1200
The 5.3GHz boost clock on its 8-core Rocket Lake architecture delivers strong single-threaded speed, backed by PCIe 4.0 support and a 24937 PassMark multi-core score. Its unlocked multiplier and LGA1200 compatibility offer a straightforward upgrade path for existing Intel 400/500 series motherboards. This processor is best for gamers and desktop users prioritizing high frame rates and responsive application loads over core-heavy workstation tasks.
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong social proof (91st percentile) 91st
- Strong single thread (87th percentile) 87th
- Strong feature (83rd percentile) 83rd
- Strong multi thread (81st percentile) 81st
Cons
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q2 202684/100
Buyers found the CPU fast and a good value, but noted it runs hot and requires a good cooler. Initial instability was resolved with BIOS/driver updates.
- Fast performance, especially after updates; improves overall system responsiveness and benchmarks.
- Runs hot; needs a good cooler, but manageable with proper setup and thermal paste curing.
- Good value compared to newer CPUs; overclockable and competitive with alternatives.
- Initial instability and throttling reported, but resolved with BIOS and driver updates.
- Q4 2021100/100
Buyers in this period praised the 11600K's performance, ease of installation, and value, noting it works well with various motherboards and memory, and requires no overclocking for great results.
- Performance is excellent, described as a 'beast' and best CPU owned, with no need to overclock.
- Compatibility with Z590 and Z490 boards, DDR4 memory, and AIO coolers is solid.
- Shipping and service from Newegg were fast and fair-priced.
- Easy installation and setup, even for a first Intel build in years.
Based on 13 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| Brand | Intel |
| Series | Core i9 |
| Model | 11900K |
| Codename | Rocket Lake |
| Class | desktop |
| Process | 14 |
Cores & Clocks
| Cores | 8 |
| P-cores | 8 |
| Threads | 16 |
| Base Clock | 3500 |
| Boost Clock | 5300 |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 4 |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB |
Performance
| PassMark Multi | 24937 |
| PassMark Single | 3503 |
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR4 |
| Max Speed | 3200 |
| Channels | 2 |
| Max Memory | 128 |
| ECC | No |
Platform & Power
| Socket | LGA 1200 |
| PCIe | 4 |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 |
| TDP | 125 |
| Max Turbo Power | 95 |
| Unlocked | Yes |
Graphics & AI
| Integrated Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 750 |
vs Competition
| Spec | Intel Core i9 11900K | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | G.Skill Trident Z Neo | Lenovo Ryzen 5 Sparepart: | WowWee Xeon Gold 5120 | CISCO SYSTEMS - ENTERPRISE Xeon E5-2699v4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cores | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 14 | 22 |
| Threads | 16 | 16 | 12 | 12 | 28 | 12 |
| Boost Clock Mhz | 5300 | 5200 | 4200 | 4000 | 3200 | 3600 |
| L3 Cache Mb | 16 | 96 | 32 | 8 | 19.25 | 39 |
| Tdp W | 125 | 120 | 65 | 15 | 105 | - |
| Socket | LGA 1200 | AM5 | AMD Socket AM4 | AM4 | LGA 3647 | LGA2011-3 |
| Integrated Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 750 | AMD Radeon Graphics | - | AMD Integrated Graphics | - | - |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AI | Feature | Platform | User Sentiment | Efficiency | Multi Thread | Social Proof | Single Thread |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i9 11900K | 80.9 | 83.3 | 77.6 | 37.9 | 76.3 | 81.3 | 90.7 | 86.8 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Compare | 91.2 | 98.4 | 95.1 | 92.6 | 87.5 | 90 | 96.5 | 95.6 |
| G.Skill Trident Z Neo Compare | 72.4 | 87 | 78.2 | 0 | 82.9 | 73.4 | 1.5 | 72.3 |
| Lenovo Ryzen 5 Sparepart: Compare | 63.9 | 54.4 | 56.6 | 0 | 99.2 | 64.6 | 11.8 | 66.2 |
| WowWee Xeon Gold 5120 Compare | 73.7 | 20.1 | 17.5 | 0 | 72.6 | 74.3 | 38.3 | 44.2 |
| CISCO SYSTEMS - ENTERPRISE Xeon E5-2699v4 Compare | 44.2 | 46.1 | 17.5 | 0 | 29.7 | 52.4 | 51.2 | 9.9 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Amazon 2 offers From £360
Price History
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
