Intel Core i9-11900K

Intel Core i9-11900K

Intel Core i9-11900K: Architecture, Compatibility, and Practical Application in 2025

An updated look at the flagship from years past in the context of modern tasks


Key Specifications: Rocket Lake in Detail

The Intel Core i9-11900K processor, released in 2021, is the last representative of the 11th generation built on a 14nm process. Despite its age, it remains relevant in 2025 for certain scenarios.

Architecture and Process

- Codename: Rocket Lake-S.

- Architecture: Cypress Cove (a refined version of Sunny Cove from the 10nm Ice Lake, adapted for 14nm).

- Cores and Threads: 8 cores, 16 threads.

- Frequencies: Base — 3.5 GHz, maximum turbo frequency — 5.3 GHz (Thermal Velocity Boost).

- Cache: 16 MB L3.

- TDP: 125 W (real consumption under load reaches 250-300 W).

Key Features

- PCIe 4.0 support (20 lanes).

- Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 750 (32 EU).

- Intel Adaptive Boost and Thermal Velocity Boost technologies for automatic overclocking.

Performance

- In Geekbench 6 (2025): 1691 (single-core), 8782 (multi-core).

- In games (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077 with RTX 4070), shows 90-110 FPS at 1440p.


Compatible Motherboards: LGA 1200 Socket and Chipsets

The i9-11900K requires a motherboard with the LGA 1200 socket and 500 series chipsets:

- Z590: Best choice for overclocking (supports PCIe 4.0, improved VRM). Examples: ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero ($250–$300 in 2025).

- B560: Budget option with unlocked support for DDR4-3200 memory. Suitable for mid-range builds (e.g., MSI B560M PRO-VDH, $120–$150).

- H510: For office PCs (no overclocking, minimal ports).

Selection Considerations

- BIOS updates may be required for older 400 series boards (e.g., Z490).

- For PCIe 4.0 SSDs (e.g., Samsung 980 Pro), use slots connected to the CPU rather than the chipset.


Memory: DDR4 and Limitations

The i9-11900K supports only DDR4:

- Officially: up to 3200 MHz.

- With overclocking: up to 5333 MHz (on Z590 boards).

- Recommended modules: 2x16 GB DDR4-3600 CL16 (e.g., G.Skill Trident Z Neo, $120–$150 for the kit).

Why not DDR5?

The Rocket Lake architecture is not designed for DDR5. This is a drawback for future upgrades, but a plus for users with existing DDR4 setups.


Power Supplies: Power Calculation

With a TDP of 125 W, the actual power consumption of the processor under load reaches 250-300 W (especially when overclocked).

Recommendations:

- Minimum: 650 W (for systems with an RTX 4060 level graphics card).

- Optimal: 750-850 W (for RTX 4080/4090 or overclocking).

- Examples: Corsair RM750x (80+ Gold, $110–$130), Seasonic PRIME GX-850 ($160–$180).

Important: Do not skimp on the PSU — unstable power can lead to throttling.


Pros and Cons of the i9-11900K in 2025

Advantages:

1. Single-core performance: 5.3 GHz is still competitive for gaming and IPC-dependent applications.

2. Price: New processors in 2025 cost $250–$300 (compared to $500–$600 in 2021).

3. Compatibility with DDR4: Cheaper upgrade for owners of older systems.

Disadvantages:

1. High thermal output: Requires robust cooling.

2. 8 cores: Lags behind in multi-threaded tasks compared to the Ryzen 9 5900X (12 cores).

3. No PCIe 5.0/DDR5: A limitation for future upgrades.


Usage Scenarios

1. Gaming: Ideal for 1080p/1440p with high FPS (e.g., Valorant — 400+ FPS).

2. Work tasks: Video editing in Premiere Pro, 3D rendering in Blender (but slower than Ryzen 9).

3. Multimedia: Streaming (NVENC on the graphics card reduces CPU load).

Practical Example: A streaming build (i9-11900K + RTX 4070 + 32 GB DDR4) handles encoding in OBS without lag.


Comparison with Competitors

- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X: Cheaper ($200–$250), 8 cores, but lower frequency (4.7 GHz). Better at multi-threading due to Zen 3 architecture.

- Intel Core i5-13600K: Newer (2023), 14 cores (6P+8E), DDR5, but more expensive ($300–$350).

- Ryzen 9 5900X: 12 cores for $350 — a choice for rendering.

Conclusion: The i9-11900K excels in single-threaded performance but falls short in multi-threaded tasks.


Building Tips

1. Cooling: Minimum — tower cooler (Noctua NH-D15, $90) or AIO 240 mm (NZXT Kraken X53, $120).

2. Case: Good airflow (Lian Li Lancool III, $150).

3. Motherboard: Z590 with 12+ phase VRM (e.g., Gigabyte Z590 AORUS Elite).

4. BIOS Update: Check compatibility before purchasing.


Final Conclusion: Who Should Choose the i9-11900K?

This processor is worth choosing if:

- You already have an LGA 1200 platform and want an upgrade without replacing the motherboard and memory.

- Gaming and single-threaded tasks are a priority over rendering.

- Budget is limited to $300, and new CPUs from the 13th/14th generation seem excessive.

In 2025, the i9-11900K is not top-tier, but it is a rational choice for gamers and enthusiasts who value the balance between price and performance.

Basic

Label Name
Intel
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
March 2021
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.
i9-11900K
Code Name
Rocket Lake

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).
8
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
16
Performance-cores
8
Performance-core Base Frequency
3.5 GHz
Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency
?
Maximum P-core turbo frequency derived from Intel® Turbo Boost Technology.
5.3 GHz
L1 Cache
64K per core
L2 Cache
512K per core
L3 Cache
16MB shared
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
LGA-1200
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
125 W
Max. Operating Temperature
?
Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.
100 °C

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.
DDR4-3200
Max Memory Size
?
Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.
128GB
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
2

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.
True

Benchmarks

Cinebench R23
Single Core Score
1596
Cinebench R23
Multi Core Score
15347
Geekbench 6
Single Core Score
1691
Geekbench 6
Multi Core Score
8782
Geekbench 5
Single Core Score
1829
Geekbench 5
Multi Core Score
11033
Passmark CPU
Single Core Score
3520
Passmark CPU
Multi Core Score
25322
Blender
Score
212

Compared to Other CPU

Cinebench R23 Single Core
2145 +34.4%
1792 +12.3%
1293 -19%
1051 -34.1%
Cinebench R23 Multi Core
45651 +197.5%
18920 +23.3%
11391 -25.8%
6561 -57.2%
Geekbench 6 Single Core
1915 +13.2%
1783 +5.4%
1643 -2.8%
1575 -6.9%
Geekbench 6 Multi Core
9900 +12.7%
9372 +6.7%
8388 -4.5%
7947 -9.5%
Geekbench 5 Single Core
1942 +6.2%
1741 -4.8%
1667 -8.9%
Geekbench 5 Multi Core
13205 +19.7%
12135 +10%
10209 -7.5%
9523 -13.7%
Passmark CPU Single Core
3706 +5.3%
3612 +2.6%
3444 -2.2%
3356 -4.7%
Passmark CPU Multi Core
27930 +10.3%
26596 +5%
24219 -4.4%
23042 -9%
Blender
1154 +444.3%
296 +39.6%
139 -34.4%
63 -70.3%