Intel Core i9-9990XE
Intel Core i9-9990XE: Exclusive Power for Professionals
April 2025
Introduction
The Intel Core i9-9990XE is a legendary processor released during a time when the 14-nm manufacturing process was still relevant for high-performance systems. Despite its age, this chip remains sought after in niche scenarios. Let's analyze what makes it stand out in 2025, who it is suitable for, and how to build a stable system based on it.
Key Specifications
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
The processor is built on the Skylake-X architecture and utilizes a 14-nm manufacturing process. Although this is considered outdated today (with new Intel and AMD chips using 7-nm or smaller processes), in 2018, these specifications allowed for high clock speeds. The base frequency is 4.0 GHz, with Turbo Boost reaching 5.1 GHz on a single core.
Key Features:
- 14 cores and 28 threads — perfect for multi-threaded tasks.
- Unlocked multiplier — for manual overclocking.
- Support for AVX-512 — enhancing vector calculations.
Performance
- Geekbench 6: 1783 (Single-Core), 13850 (Multi-Core).
- TDP: 255 W — one of the most "power-hungry" CPUs in history.
Real-world example: In Blender rendering tests (BMW scene), the i9-9990XE completes the task in 4.2 minutes, which is close to the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X (3.8 minutes) but requires more robust cooling.
Compatible Motherboards
Socket and Chipsets
- Socket: LGA 2066 — an outdated socket relevant in 2017-2019.
- Chipsets: X299 — the only option available.
Selection Recommendations:
- ASUS ROG Rampage VI Extreme Omega — a reliable motherboard with a 16-phase VRM and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- MSI MEG X299 Creation — 18-phase power and 10 Gb Ethernet.
Important: Due to the high TDP, the motherboard must have a substantial VRM heatsink and additional power connectors (8+8 pin).
Supported Memory
- Type: DDR4 (DDR5 and other newer standards are not supported).
- Speeds: Up to 2666 MHz (without overclocking). With overclocking — up to 3600 MHz on compatible modules.
Tip: Use a quad-channel configuration (e.g., 4x16 GB) for maximum bandwidth. For example, a G.Skill Trident Z RGB 3600 MHz CL16 kit provides stable performance when overclocked.
Power Supply Recommendations
With a TDP of 255 W and sensitivity to voltage stability, the minimum PSU should be 850 W, but when factoring in a discrete graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA RTX 4080), it's better to choose 1000–1200 W.
Selection Criteria:
- 80+ Platinum or Titanium certification — for efficient power consumption.
- Modularity — simplifies cable management.
Examples:
- Corsair HX1200 — 1200 W, 80+ Platinum, 10-year warranty.
- Seasonic PRIME TX-1000 — 1000 W, 80+ Titanium.
Warning: Cheap power supplies may not handle peak loads, leading to system shutdowns.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
1. Multi-threaded Performance: Competes with modern CPUs in rendering and encoding tasks.
2. Overclocking Potential: With good cooling, it achieves 5.2 GHz on all cores.
3. Cost: In 2025, it is sold for $800–1000 (new leftovers), cheaper than the Ryzen 9 7950X ($1200).
Disadvantages
1. Power Consumption: Electricity bills will significantly rise.
2. Heat Generation: Without a custom cooling solution, temperatures under load exceed 95°C.
3. Outdated Platform: Lacks PCIe 5.0, DDR5, USB4.
Use Cases
Work Tasks
- 3D Rendering (Cinema 4D, Maya): 14 cores operate at 100%, accelerating render times.
- Video Editing (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve): Fast processing of 8K projects.
- Virtualization: Running multiple OS without performance loss.
Gaming
- Streaming (Twitch, YouTube): NVENC + CPU power effectively handle encoding at 4K@60fps.
- Games focusing on multi-threading (Cyberpunk 2077, Star Citizen): Up to 120 FPS at 1440p.
Limitation: In older games (e.g., CS2), the Ryzen 7 7800X3D (with 3D V-Cache) will produce more FPS thanks to optimizations for single-threaded loads.
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
- Price: $600 (2025).
- Cores/Threads: 16/32.
- Pros: Low TDP (105 W), PCIe 4.0 support.
- Cons: No AVX-512.
Intel Core i9-13900K
- Price: $550.
- Cores/Threads: 24/32.
- Pros: Energy efficiency, DDR5 support.
- Cons: Less L3 cache (36 MB vs. 19.25 MB of i9-9990XE).
Conclusion: The i9-9990XE excels in niche scenarios (AVX-512, overclocking) but falls short in energy efficiency and modern standards.
Practical Assembly Tips
1. Cooling:
- Custom Liquid Cooling: NZXT Kraken X73 (360 mm) or a custom water loop.
- Thermal Paste: Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut.
2. Case: Fractal Design Meshify 2 XL — space for ventilation and liquid cooling.
3. Additional Fans: 3x140 mm for intake, 3x120 mm for exhaust.
Common Mistake: Installing a weak cooler (e.g., Hyper 212) will lead to throttling after just 10 minutes of load.
Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the i9-9990XE?
This processor should be considered only by two categories of users:
1. Budget-Conscious Professionals: Those who need maximum multi-threading for rendering but don't have $1500 for a Threadripper.
2. Enthusiast Overclockers: Those who enjoy experimenting with extreme cooling methods (e.g., liquid nitrogen).
For others: It's better to choose modern AMD Ryzen 9 or Intel Core i9 13th generation processors — they are more energy-efficient and support current technologies.
If you find the i9-9990XE priced below $800 and are willing to overlook its drawbacks — this is a rare opportunity to acquire a "workhorse" for demanding tasks. But remember: the future lies with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.