Intel Core i9-10920X X-series
Intel Core i9-10920X X-Series: Review and Relevance in 2025
Who is this processor for six years after its release?
Key Specifications: Cascade Lake-X Architecture and Its Potential
The Intel Core i9-10920X processor, released in late 2019, belongs to the X-Series lineup for enthusiasts. Despite its age, it retains niche popularity due to its unique features:
- Architecture and Process: 14nm technology (Intel was unable to move the X-Series to 10nm before the arrival of Sapphire Rapids). Cascade Lake-X brought improvements in security (hardware fixes for Spectre/Meltdown) and support for Intel Deep Learning Boost.
- Cores and Threads: 12 cores / 24 threads. Base frequency — 3.5 GHz, maximum in Turbo Boost Max 3.0 — 4.8 GHz.
- Cache: 19.25 MB L3.
- TDP: 165 W — high power consumption even by modern standards.
- Performance: In Geekbench 6 (2023) — 1487 (single-core), 8634 (multi-core). For comparison, the Ryzen 9 5900X (12 cores) scores around ~1700/11000, but it is a 2020 processor.
Key Features:
- Support for PCIe 3.0 (48 lanes) — sufficient for multiple GPUs or NVMe drives but falls short of PCIe 4.0/5.0.
- Quad-Channel DDR4: Memory operates in quad-channel mode, which is critical for workload tasks.
- Unlocked Multiplier — potential for overclocking.
Compatible Motherboards: LGA 2066 Socket and X299 Chipset
The i9-10920X uses the LGA 2066 socket, which is supported only by motherboards on the Intel X299 chipset. In 2025, such motherboards are no longer in production, but new units can still be found for sale:
- Examples of Models:
- ASUS ROG Rampage VI Extreme Omega — $350–450 (price for a new one in 2025).
- MSI MEG X299 Creation — $300–400.
- Gigabyte X299 AORUS Master — $250–350.
Selection Features:
- VRM and cooling: Due to the processor’s high TDP, the motherboard must have a reliable power system (at least an 8-phase VRM) and heatsinks.
- PCIe Slots: To utilize the potential of 48 PCIe 3.0 lanes, choose boards with 3–4 x16 slots.
- BIOS: Ensure that the board supports Cascade Lake-X (not all older X299 boards are compatible without a firmware update).
Supported Memory: DDR4 and Its Configurations
The processor works only with DDR4 (up to 256 GB in 8-slot configurations). Recommendations:
- Frequencies: Officially up to 2933 MHz, but overclocking to 3200–3600 MHz is possible.
- Modes: Quad-Channel (4 modules) for maximum bandwidth.
- Examples: DDR4-3200 CL16 kits (32 GB, 4x8 GB) — $120–150.
Important: DDR5 is not supported, which becomes a disadvantage for new builds in 2025.
Power Supplies: Calculation for 165 W TDP
Considering the processor's power consumption and modern components:
- Minimum PSU wattage: 650 W (for a system with a GPU level of RTX 4070).
- Recommended: 750–850 W (with headroom for overclocking and high-end graphics cards).
- Certification: 80 Plus Gold or Platinum (efficiency of at least 90% at 50% load).
- Examples: Corsair RM750x (2025 — $130–150), Seasonic Focus GX-850 ($140–160).
Tip: Don’t skimp on the PSU — unstable power can lead to CPU throttling.
Pros and Cons of i9-10920X in 2025
Advantages:
1. Multithreaded Performance: 24 threads are relevant for rendering, encoding, and virtualization.
2. Configuration Flexibility: 48 PCIe 3.0 lanes allow connecting multiple GPUs or NVMe RAID setups.
3. Cost: New processors can be found for $400–500 — 2–3 times cheaper than modern counterparts (e.g., Core i9-14900K — $600–700).
Disadvantages:
1. Energy Efficiency: 14nm vs. 5–7nm in competitors (AMD Ryzen 7000/8000, Intel 13–14gen).
2. Lack of PCIe 4.0/5.0: NVMe and GPU speeds are limited.
3. Single-Threaded Performance: Falls behind even Ryzen 5 7600X (~2000 points in Geekbench 6).
Usage Scenarios: Where i9-10920X Is Still Relevant
1. Workstations:
- 3D rendering (Blender, Cinema 4D): 24 threads handle tasks faster than entry-level 8-core CPUs.
- Virtualization: Running multiple VMs without noticeable lag.
2. Content Creators:
- Video editing in DaVinci Resolve: Quad-Channel DDR4 accelerates work with 4K materials.
- Studio sound processing: Low latency when using PCIe audio cards.
3. Gaming:
- In 2025, the processor is weak for AAA games at 4K/144Hz, but at medium settings (Full HD/144Hz) with a GPU like the RTX 4060 Ti, it achieves 90–120 FPS.
Limitations: For streaming (OBS + gaming), a separate PC or NVENC encoding via GPU may be needed.
Comparison with Competitors
1. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X (12 cores/24 threads):
- Pros: 7nm, PCIe 4.0, better single-threaded performance (~1700 GB6).
- Cons: Dual-channel memory (affects rendering). Price: $350–400 (new).
2. Intel Core i7-14700K (20 cores/28 threads):
- Pros: Newer cores (Raptor Lake), DDR5, PCIe 5.0.
- Cons: Higher price ($450–500).
3. AMD Threadripper 2920X (12 cores/24 threads):
- Pros: Quad-channel memory, 64 PCIe 4.0 lanes.
- Cons: Pricier ($600+), hard to find new boards.
Conclusion: The i9-10920X is advantageous only when paired with a cheap motherboard or for upgrading an old system.
Building Tips
1. Cooling:
- A powerful cooler is essential (Noctua NH-D15 — $100) or an AIO (NZXT Kraken X63 — $150).
2. Case:
- Choose models with good ventilation (Lian Li Lancool III — $140).
3. Memory:
- 4x16 GB DDR4-3200 is optimal for Quad-Channel.
4. Drives:
- Use PCIe 3.0 NVMe (Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB — $150) — the difference with PCIe 4.0 in real tasks is almost negligible.
Final Conclusion: Who Is the i9-10920X Suitable for in 2025?
This processor should be considered in two scenarios:
1. Upgrade of an Existing X299 System: If you already have a compatible motherboard, the i9-10920X will provide a performance boost without replacing the platform.
2. Budget Workstation: For editing, rendering, or server tasks where cores matter more than energy efficiency.
Who it is not suitable for:
- Gamers seeking maximum FPS in new titles.
- Users for whom PCIe 4.0/5.0 or DDR5 are critical.
In 2025, the i9-10920X is a choice for those valuing the balance between price and multithreaded power and who are willing to compromise with an outdated platform.