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Intel Core i3-9000

Intel Core i3-9000

Intel Core i3-9000: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025

Codename: Coffee Lake | Process Technology: 14 nm | Cores/Threads: 4/4 | L3 Cache: 6 MB | TDP: 65 W

Key Specifications

Architecture and Process Technology

The Intel Core i3-9000 processor, released in 2019, is based on the Coffee Lake microarchitecture (9th generation). Despite using a 14-nm process technology, which is considered outdated by 2025, the chip remains relevant for less demanding tasks. Its base clock speed is 3.7 GHz (no turbo boost available), ensuring stable operation in single-threaded applications.

Key Features:

- Official support for DDR4-2400.

- Integrated Intel UHD 630 graphics (suitable for HD video and basic gaming).

- Support for Intel Optane Memory and Virtualization technologies.

Compatible Motherboards

Sockets and Chipsets

The processor utilizes the LGA 1151 v2 socket, compatible only with 300 series chipsets:

- H310/B360 — budget boards without overclocking (e.g., ASUS Prime H310M-K, $60–$70).

- Z370/Z390 — support for RAM overclocking and multi-layer tuning (e.g., MSI Z390-A Pro, $120–$140).

Selection Highlights:

- H310/B360 boards are sufficient for the i3-9000.

- Z-chipsets are excessive but allow for high-frequency memory.

- Check for BIOS updates if the board was released before 2019.

Supported Memory

The processor works only with DDR4. The maximum frequency depends on the chipset:

- H310/B360 — up to 2666 MHz.

- Z370/Z390 — up to 3000+ MHz (with overclocking).

Recommendations:

- The optimal option is 2×8 GB DDR4-2666 (e.g., Crucial Ballistix, $50–$60).

- For integrated graphics, dual-channel mode is essential — it will increase FPS in games by 15–20%.

Power Supplies

With a TDP of 65 W, a system with the i3-9000 and a GTX 1650 level graphics card consumes no more than 200 W.

Advice:

- Minimum PSU wattage: 400 W (e.g., EVGA 400W, $40).

- For systems with a mid-range discrete GPU (RTX 3050): 500–550 W (Corsair CX550, $60).

- Use a PSU with an 80+ Bronze certification for stability.

Pros and Cons

Advantages:

- Low price ($80–$100 in 2025).

- Energy efficiency (suitable for compact PCs).

- Sufficient performance for office and multimedia tasks.

Disadvantages:

- No hyperthreading — 4 threads compared to 8 in Ryzen 3.

- Outdated 14-nm process (higher heat under load).

- Does not support PCIe 4.0/5.0.

Use Cases

Office and Multimedia

- Working with documents, web browsing, Zoom.

- Watching 4K video via HDMI 1.4 (limited to 30 Hz).

Gaming

- Integrated graphics: CS:GO, Dota 2 on low settings (40–60 FPS).

- With a discrete GPU (GTX 1660): Fortnite, GTA V on medium settings (60+ FPS).

Limitations:

- Multi-threaded tasks (rendering, streaming) — the processor falls short compared to Ryzen 3/5.

Comparison with Competitors

AMD Ryzen 3 3200G (4 cores/4 threads, Vega 8, $90–$110):

- + Better integrated graphics.

- - Higher TDP (65 W vs 45 W for Ryzen at similar performance).

Intel Core i3-10100 (4/8, Comet Lake, $110–$130):

- + Hyperthreading.

- - 20–30% more expensive.

Conclusion: The i3-9000 is only advantageous when purchasing used components or building an ultra-budget PC.

Practical Assembly Tips

1. Motherboard: Choose a B360 with M.2 support for NVMe SSD (e.g., Kingston A2000 500 GB, $45).

2. Cooling: The standard cooler is sufficient, but for quieter operation — DeepCool GAMMAXX 400 ($25).

3. Upgrade: The LGA 1151 v2 socket does not support processors newer than the 9th generation. Plan to replace the motherboard in the future.

4. Graphics Card: For gaming — GTX 1660 or RX 6600 (use a PSU rated at 500 W).

Final Conclusion: Who is the i3-9000 Suitable For?

This processor is relevant for:

- Budget Office PCs — low cost, reliability.

- Home Media Centers — 4K support, compact cases.

- Second-hand Market — if you're upgrading an old LGA 1151 system.

Do not choose the i3-9000 if:

- You need multi-threaded performance (video editing, 3D modeling).

- You plan to play modern AAA games at high settings.

In 2025, the Intel Core i3-9000 is a compromise for those looking for minimal budget options without future upgrade requirements.

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Basic

Label Name
Intel
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
September 2018
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
Core i3-9000
Code Name
Coffee Lake
Generation
Core i3 (Coffee Lake Refresh)

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
4
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
4
Basic Frequency
3.7 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
N/A
L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
256 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
6 MB (shared)
Multiplier Unlocked
No
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
Intel Socket 1151
Bus Frequency
100 MHz
Multiplier
37.0x
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
14 nm
TDP
65 W
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only)

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR4
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
Dual-channel
ECC Memory
No

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
N/A