Intel Core i9-9820X
Intel Core i9-9820X in 2025: Is it Worth Getting the "Veteran" HEDT?
A Relevant Analysis for Professionals and Enthusiasts
1. Key Specifications: Architecture, Performance, and Features
The Intel Core i9-9820X processor, released in 2018, belongs to the HEDT (High-End Desktop) segment and still attracts attention for its multithreading capabilities.
Architecture and Process Technology
- Core: Skylake-X (14 nm) — outdated even for 2025, but still has robust capabilities.
- Cores/Threads: 10/20 — optimal for heavy workloads.
- Cache: L3 — 16.5 MB (1.65 MB per core).
- TDP: 165 W — requires serious cooling.
- Frequency: Base — 3.3 GHz, Turbo Boost — up to 4.2 GHz (overclocking — up to 4.5-4.8 GHz).
Performance
- Geekbench 6: 1382 (Single-Core), 8494 (Multi-Core). For comparison: Ryzen 9 7900X scores around ~2100/14500.
- Strengths:
- Excellent multithreading performance for rendering and encoding.
- Support for 44 PCIe 3.0 lanes (quad-channel memory, multiple GPUs).
Key Features
- Unlocked Multiplier — potential for overclocking.
- Support for Intel Optane — relevant for workstations.
- Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technologies.
2. Compatible Motherboards: Sockets and Chipsets
Socket: LGA 2066 — outdated, finding new boards is challenging.
Chipset: X299 — the primary choice, but by 2025, models are only available in the secondary market or as remaining stock (price: $250-400 for new ones, e.g., ASUS ROG Rampage VI Extreme).
Considerations When Choosing:
- VRM Modules: Minimum 8-phase system for stable overclocking.
- BIOS: Updated version for compatibility with new SSDs and peripherals.
- Examples of Boards:
- MSI X299 Gaming Pro Carbon AC ($300) — a good balance of price and features.
- Gigabyte X299 AORUS Ultra ($350) — enhanced VRM cooling.
Issues:
- No support for PCIe 4.0/5.0 and USB4.
- Limited selection of new boards — warranty issues may arise.
3. Supported Memory: DDR4 and Nuances
Memory Type: DDR4 (up to 2666 MHz without overclocking).
Modes: Quad-channel — critical for unlocking potential.
Recommendations:
- Volume: 64 GB (4×16 GB) — optimal for work tasks.
- Frequency: 3200-3600 MHz (with overclocking).
- Examples: Kingston Fury Renegade DDR4-3600 (16 GB ×4, $220).
Cons:
- No support for DDR5 — a disadvantage compared to modern platforms in bandwidth.
4. Power Supply: Power Calculation and Selection
Recommendations:
- Minimum Power: 750 W (considering processor TDP and RTX 4080/4090).
- Optimal: 850-1000 W with 80+ Gold/Platinum certification.
Examples of PSUs:
- Corsair RM850x (2025) — $150, quiet operation, 10-year warranty.
- Seasonic PRIME TX-850 — $180, high stability.
Advice: Don’t skimp on the PSU — voltage fluctuations can damage older platforms.
5. Pros and Cons: Who Is It Relevant for in 2025?
Pros:
- High multithreaded performance.
- Upgradeability to the 18-core i9-10980XE (on the same socket).
- Affordable price: $400-500 (new) compared to $600-800 for modern equivalents.
Cons:
- High power consumption and heat.
- No support for PCIe 4.0/5.0, DDR5, Thunderbolt 4.
- Outdated 14 nm process technology.
6. Use Cases: Gaming, Rendering, Multimedia
- Work Tasks:
- 3D Rendering (Blender, Cinema 4D): Comparable to Ryzen 9 5900X but lags behind the Ryzen 9 7900X by 20-25%.
- Video Editing (Premiere Pro): Quick exports thanks to 10 cores.
- Gaming:
- Full HD/1440p: Adequate for RTX 4070 Ti, but may face bottlenecks in 4K due to PCIe 3.0.
- Example: Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra, 1440p) — 85-90 FPS (versus 110-120 FPS for i5-14600K).
- Multimedia: More than sufficient for streaming — better options include Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
7. Comparison with Competitors: Who Wins?
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900X ($550):
- 12 cores/24 threads, 5 nm, DDR5, PCIe 5.0.
- +30% in multithreading, -20% in power consumption.
- Intel Core i9-14900K ($600):
- 24 cores (8P+16E), DDR5, PCIe 5.0.
- Superior IPC and gaming performance.
Conclusion: The i9-9820X is beneficial only if you already have an X299 board or need a budget workstation.
8. Practical Assembly Tips
- Cooling:
- AIO Liquid Cooling: NZXT Kraken X63 ($130) or Arctic Liquid Freezer II 360 ($110).
- Air Cooling: Noctua NH-D15 ($100).
- Case: Minimum Mid-Tower with good airflow (e.g., Lian Li Lancool III, $150).
- Drives: Use NVMe SSD (Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB, $180) — PCIe 3.0 is sufficient for most tasks.
9. Final Conclusion: Who Is the i9-9820X Suitable For in 2025?
This processor should only be considered in two cases:
1. Upgrade of an old X299 system — if you already have a compatible board.
2. Budget workstation — when multithreading is needed and you can't afford Ryzen 9 7900X or Core i9-14900K.
Who It’s Not Suitable For:
- Gamers seeking maximum FPS.
- Users who prioritize energy efficiency and modern standards (DDR5, PCIe 5.0).
Price: $400-500 (new) — a solution for niche tasks, but not a universal choice.
If you find a used X299 board for $200-250 and can deal with high TDP, the i9-9820X can still serve you. However, in 2025, it’s better to look towards new platforms — they offer more for the same price.