5 Best i9 Processors in 2024

Affordable and high-quality i9 processors.

best i9 processors

CPU stands for a Central Processing Unit. It is considered to be one of the most crucial components of any gaming PC. Pro-level gamers know that after buying a powerful GPU, one should select a decent processor that will allow them to play recent titles. To facilitate this task and help you find the best i9 processor, we have reviewed the most popular options available on the market today.

Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of the most reliable models and make an informed choice.

Top 5 Best I9 Processors

  1. Intel Core i9-10900X - Our choice
  2. Intel Core i9-10920X - 12 cores
  3. Intel Core i9-10850K - Affordable
  4. Intel Core i9-9900KF - Budget
  5. Intel Core i9-10900 - Starter

We have tested many processors to hand-pick the best options available on the market. If you are interested in gaming, you need to purchase a powerful CPU for a more enjoyable experience.

1. Intel Core i9-10900X

Our choice
intel core i9-10900x i9 processors

Cores: 10 | Threads: 20 | Base clook: 3.7 GHz | Boost clock: 4.7 GHz

  • ✚ Solid performance
  • ✚ The X299 chipset is a true workhorse
  • ✚ Wi-Fi 6 support
  • It can’t keep up with the Ryzen 9 3900X
  • The price is too high
Rating

Intel Core i9-10900X is a high performance desktop CPU, manufactured by Intel Corporation. It is loaded with innovative new technologies that provide extreme performance levels for all your computing needs. Processor comes with four different generations of Intel Turbo Boost technology with support for up to twelve cores and 12GB memory supported. This allows the processor to run faster and for a longer time, no matter what applications you are running. There is also support for next gen Intel Smart Response Technology, which gives you faster response times and better control over virtualization and privacy.

Intel Core i9-10900X processor runs very quiet and cooler than the others in the range. The heat sink is silent along with all the fans being under control. The price is not bad at all, and is easily affordable even by the average user, as it falls into the medium to high end processor price range.

2. Intel Core i9-10920X

12 cores
intel core i9-10920x i9 processors

Cores: 12 | Threads: 24 | Base clook: 3.5 GHz | Boost clock: 4.8 GHz

  • ✚ Excellent for gaming
  • ✚ A multi-threading beast.
  • ✚ Excellent base clock speed
  • Less reasonable pricing
  • High power consumption
Rating

The Intel Core i9-10920X is is the newest addition to Intel's line up of processors and it's definitely one of the most interesting. It is able to run four different programs at the same time without overheating or running into any errors or having any interruptions in the process. This is thanks to the Turbo Frequency Selection, which helps to determine how many programs are running at once. Unlike the previous generation, the Intel Core i9-10920X is able to maintain a constant Turbo Frequency of 3.5 Ghz all the time and this keeps it at the thermally ideal level for a processor. It also has a three year warranty as well as being able to overclock.

One of the pros is that it can overclock but only at full potential. Two other pros is that it is able to get great battery life and even though it has a low base clock it is still able to maintain a steady performance until overclocked.

3. Intel Core i9-10850K

Affordable
intel core i9-10850k i9 processors

Cores: 10 | Threads: 20 | Base clook: 3.6 GHz | Boost clock: 5.2 GHz

  • ✚ Packs more CPU cores
  • ✚ Can handle more threads at once
  • ✚ Has higher operating frequency
  • Requires more power
Rating

The Intel Core i9-10850K CPU is the latest desktop replacement Intel processor. Whether you're working on your latest application or game, the unlocked Intel Core X-series CPUs are ideal for those who like to take advantage of the best of both old and new technology. With speeds up to 2.6 times faster than the previous generation, you can get the benefits of the integrated processing solutions as well as a powerful dual core CPU that support multi-tasking and virtualization.

The pros of the Intel Core i9 10850K are that it's the latest in terms of generation, with the most up-to-date multi-core instructions that have been squeezed into a single chip, meaning that the instruction sets are almost identical to the old i7 series. The new processor is also a bit on the heavy side, meaning that it might not be the best choice for the average desktop PC or laptop.

4. Intel Core i9-9900KF

Budget
intel core i9-9900kf i9 processors

Cores: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base clook: 3.6 GHz | Boost clock: 5 GHz

  • ✚ Excellent for gaming
  • ✚ Excellent for multi-tasking and productivity
  • ✚ Excellent base clock speed
  • Outdated manufacturing process for thermals
Rating

The new tenth Gen Intel Core i9-9900KF CPU is loaded with innovative technology that introduces the new features that users are demanding. With a quad core processor and up to four gigabytes of DDR3L-DDR4, the Intel offers you the performance you need for innovating on the go and giving you access to an even greater level of performance than you thought possible. When coupled with the Intel Optane memory this speeds up the loading and opening of applications as well as the accelerated streaming of the videos you watch.

With up to five GHz and sixteen-way multi-core processing power, allow your creativity to run free with all the power you require to make, edit, and share your digital content.

If you are looking for great performance in a desktop model with dependability you should check out the Intel Core i9-9900KF.

5. Intel Core i9-10900

Starter
intel core i9-10900 i9 processors

Cores: 10 | Threads: 20 | Base clook: 2.8 GHz | Boost clock: 5.2 GHz

  • ✚ Fastest gaming performance
  • ✚ Strong in both single- and multi-threaded applications
  • ✚ Chipset with upgraded networking
  • GPU has far greater impact on fps
  • Thermal output and cooling requirements
Rating

Intel Core i9-10900 CPU is one of the latest Intel CPU available in the market. It is a quad core i9 processor that offers great value for money. Although the i9 processor is not especially cheap, it has a lot of impressive features that set it apart from other similar Intel Core i9 models. This processor is also excellent when it comes to desktop PCs.

It has better multithreaded support and is better equipped with security measures to protect the operating system as well as applications and programs. This processor is also a good choice for high performing gaming notebooks and laptops as it has powerful graphics cards and large amounts of RAM to render smooth and sharp game scenes. For professionals, who require high performance but at a relatively lower price, this is a fantastic option.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
intel core i9-10900x i9 processors
Intel Core i9-10900X
Our choice
  • Solid performance
  • The X299 chipset is a true workhorse
CHECK PRICE
intel core i9-10920x i9 processors
Intel Core i9-10920X
12 cores
  • Excellent for gaming
  • A multi-threading beast.
CHECK PRICE
intel core i9-10850k i9 processors
Intel Core i9-10850K
Affordable
  • Packs more CPU cores,
  • Can handle more threads at once,
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the i9 Processors?

best i9 processors

For those who have never tried choosing a CPU, selecting the best i9 processor might be quite challenging. This is why I have compiled a list of the things that you need to pay attention to.

Cores and Threads

Every CPU consists of cores and threads. Most modern processors have several cores, which makes it easier for them to solve several tasks at once.

Clock Speed

When talking about clock speed, people often call it cycle speed. It indicates how many cycles a core can perform per second. Clock speed is measured in megahertz (MHz). For instance, a 4MHz processor can perform four million cycles per second.

Cores and Clock Speed Combined

By paying attention to the number of CPU cores and its clock speed, you will better understand if your processor is powerful enough to handle complex tasks. For example, you need to consider the number of instructions per cycle (IPC) as it will show you how many actions will be performed during every cycle. You can find this information in a specs sheet. Some tasks don’t require many cores. If you like playing games, it’s possible to use a single-core processor. However, for better performance, make sure to opt for a CPU with four cores. If you are a video editor, you will need to find a processor with at least 8 cores.

Socket Types

i9 processors

Every motherboard has a special CPU mount that keeps a processor in place. When selecting the best i9 processor, make sure to check, whether it is compatible with your motherboard. If it doesn’t match the socket, it’s better to opt for another CPU.

Chipsets

Each CPU is designed to be compatible with certain chipsets. You need to pay attention to it when selecting a new motherboard since it will allow you to understand whether you will be able to make the most out of your processor.

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