Monday, October 28th 2019

Intel Announces Core i9-9900KS, World's Best Processor for Gaming Made Better

Intel today announced full details and availability for the new 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS Special Edition processor. Delivering up to 5.00 GHz all-core turbo frequency out of the box for the ultimate gaming experience, the 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS will be available beginning Oct. 30, with recommended customer price starting at $513. This special edition processor will be available for a limited time only and can be found at retailers worldwide.

"Intel has raised the bar for desktop gaming with the new 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS Special Edition processor. Based on the 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900K architecture, it's the world's best gaming desktop processor made even better and created specifically for extreme gamers who want the most performance possible. This processor demonstrates another innovation milestone for Intel, following last year's limited edition 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8086K," said Frank Soqui, Intel vice president and general manager of the Desktop, Workstation and Channel Group. The i9-9900KS processor is unlocked and boasts eight cores and 16 threads, up to 4.00 GHz base frequency, 127 W TDP, 16 MB Intel Smart Cache, and up to 40 platform PCIe lanes for gaming and overclocking.
Key Features and Capabilities:
  • Up to 5.00 GHz all-core turbo frequency; up to 4.00 GHz base frequency, which allow games to run faster when they scale across more cores for higher frame rates
  • Eight cores, 16 threads, 127 W TDP, 16 MB Intel Smart Cache, and up to 40 platform PCIe lanes
  • Compatible with existing Z390 motherboards
  • Up to 27% faster mega-tasking when you simultaneously game, stream and record compared with a 3-year-old PC
  • Up to 35% more frames per second compared with a 3-year-old PC
  • Up to 17% faster 4K video editing compared with the previous generation and up to 78% faster compared with a 3-year-old PC
  • One-year warranty
  • Overclock confidently with new and enhanced features like Intel Performance Maximizer, which makes it easy to dynamically and reliably custom-tune the unlocked processor based on the processor's individual performance DNA
Gamers and overclocking enthusiasts will be able to take performance to the max with the 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS Special Edition processor. Only select chips from Intel wafers can achieve this specification to run up to 5.00 GHz all-core turbo. Quantity is limited for this special edition product.The Small Print:
Performance results are based on testing as of August 10, 2019 and may not reflect all publicly available security updates. See configuration disclosure for details. No product can be absolutely secure. Software and workloads used in performance tests may have been optimized for performance only on Intel microprocessors. Performance tests, such as SYSmark and MobileMark, are measured using specific computer systems, components, software, operations and functions. Any change to any of those factors may cause the results to vary. You should consult other information and performance tests to assist you in fully evaluating your contemplated purchases, including the performance of that product when combined with other products. For more complete information about performance and benchmark results, visit http://www.intel.com/benchmarks.
As measured by in-game benchmark mode performance (score or frames per second) where available, or frames per second where benchmark mode is unavailable. PC Gaming Processors Compared: 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS, 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900K, Intel Core i9-9980XE Extreme Edition, Intel Core i9-9960X X-series, Intel Core i9-9940X X-series, AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, AMD Ryzen 7 3800X, AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, AMD Ryzen 5 3600X, and AMD Ryzen 7 2700X. Prices of compared products may differ. Configurations: Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti, Memory: 2x8GB DDR4 or 4x4GB DDR4 (2666, 2933 or 3200 per highest speed of the corresponding processor), Storage: Intel Optane SSD 900P, OS Windows 10 Pro 1903 v175 19H1(RS6). Results: 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS scored better on the majority of the 20+ game titles tested.Intel Core i9-9900KS is a special edition of Intel Core i9-9900K, with even better performance.
1Altering clock frequency or voltage may damage or reduce the useful life of the processor and other system components, and may reduce system stability and performance. Product warranties may not apply if the processor is operated beyond its specifications. Check with the manufacturers of system and components for additional details.
2As measured by gameplay FPS on PUBG (Season 4 - "PC Update 4.1") - 1080p High Settings comparing 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS vs. 6th Gen Intel Core i7-6700K. Measured on platforms with Intel Core i9-9900KS Processor, PL1=127W TDP, 8C16T, Turbo up to 5.0GHz, Motherboard: MSI Z390 A Pro, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 2080Ti, Gfx version: 430.86, Memory: 2x8GB DDR4 2666, Storage: 480GB Intel Optane SSD 900P, OS: Windows* 10 Pro 1903 v175 19H1(RS6), BIOS Version 1105 vs. Intel Core i7-6700K Processor, PL1=95W TDP, 4C8T, Turbo up to 4.2GHz, Motherboard: MSI Z170MPLUS A Pro, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 2080Ti, Gfx version: 430.86, Memory: 4x4GB DDR4 2133, Storage: 480GB Intel Optane SSD 900P, OS: Windows* 10 Pro 1903 v175 19H1(RS6), BIOS Version 3805
3As measured by gameplay FPS on Total War: 3 Kingdoms - Campaign - 1080p High Settings comparing 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS vs. 6th Gen Intel Core i7-6700K. Measured on platforms with: Intel Core i9-9900KS Processor, PL1=127W TDP, 8C16T, Turbo up to 5.0GHz, Motherboard: MSI Z390 A Pro, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 2080Ti, Gfx version: 430.86, Memory: 2x8GB DDR4 2666, Storage: 480GB Intel Optane SSD 900P, OS: Windows* 10 Pro 1903 v175 19H1(RS6), BIOS Version 1105 vs. Intel Core i7-6700K Processor, PL1=95W TDP, 4C8T, Turbo up to 4.2GHz, Motherboard: MSI Z170MPLUS A Pro, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 2080Ti, Gfx version: 430.86, Memory: 4x4GB DDR4 2133, Storage: 480GB Intel Optane SSD 900P, OS: Windows* 10 Pro 1903 v175 19H1(RS6), BIOS Version 3805
4As measured by Adobe Premiere Pro CC Transcode4Kvideo SW workload comparing 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS vs. Intel Core i7-8700K. Measured on platforms with: Intel Core i9-9900KS Processor, PL1=127W TDP, 8C16T, Turbo up to 5.0GHz, Motherboard: MSI Z390 A Pro, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 2080Ti, Gfx version: 430.86, Memory: 2x8GB DDR4 2666, Storage: 480GB Intel Optane SSD 900P, OS: Windows* 10 Pro 1903 v175 19H1(RS6), BIOS Version 1105 vs. Intel Core i7-8700K Processor, PL1=95W TDP, 6C12T, Turbo up to 4.7GHz, Motherboard: MSI Z390 A Pro, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 2080Ti, Gfx version: 430.86, Memory: 2x8GB DDR4 2666, Storage: 480GB Intel Optane SSD 900P, OS: Windows* 10 Pro 1903 v175 19H1(RS6), BIOS Version 1105
5As measured by Adobe Premiere Pro CC Transcode4Kvideo SW workload comparing 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9900KS vs. 6th Gen Intel Core i7-6700K. Measured on platforms with: Intel Core i9-9900KS Processor, PL1=127W TDP, 8C16T, Turbo up to 5.0GHz, Motherboard: MSI Z390 A Pro, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 2080Ti, Gfx version: 430.86, Memory: 2x8GB DDR4 2666, Storage: 480GB Intel Optane SSD 900P, OS: Windows* 10 Pro 1903 v175 19H1(RS6), BIOS Version 1105 vs. Intel Core i7-6700K Processor, PL1=95W TDP, 4C8T, Turbo up to 4.2GHz, Motherboard: MSI Z170MPLUS A Pro, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 2080Ti, Gfx version: 430.86, Memory: 4x4GB DDR4 2133, Storage: 480GB Intel Optane SSD 900P, OS: Windows* 10 Pro 1903 v175 19H1(RS6), BIOS Version 3805
6Intel is providing a one-year warranty on both the box and tray versions of this processor due to its limited volume.
The Recommended Customer Price ("RCP") is pricing guidance for Intel products. Prices are for direct Intel customers and are subject to change without notice. Taxes and shipping, etc. not included. Prices may vary for other package types and shipment quantities, and special promotional arrangements may apply. Listing of these RCP does not constitute a formal pricing offer from Intel. Please work with your appropriate Intel representative to obtain a formal price quotation. Purchases of Intel products are subject to Intel's Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale.
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130 Comments on Intel Announces Core i9-9900KS, World's Best Processor for Gaming Made Better

#1
sam_86314
*yawn*

3 year old PC could mean anything from a i7-7700K and GTX 1080 Ti to an i3-7100 and GT 1030.

Also that 127W TDP. Intel needs to drop Skylake and move on.
Posted on Reply
#2
cynic01
Boring. I haven't actually seen a single 9900K not able to OC to all cores 5.0GHz.
Posted on Reply
#3
juiseman
I wonder how far you could push it with some OC? It's going to suck some power though....
If they lowered the price a little more, I could see this selling good.
Posted on Reply
#4
Metroid
advertised = 127w, real = 327w.
Posted on Reply
#5
ZoneDymo
Up to 5 ghz? was the entire point of this re-release not that 5ghz all cores was guaranteed?

Also why the F are they comparing performance to a "3 year old PC"?!?
not even mentioning we have no clue what kinda build this 3 year old pc they are comparing it with is.....
(EDIT, fine print sheds a bit more light on what the build was, still does not make sense to compare it to that though)

"Compatible with existing Z390 motherboards"
that is a key feature/capability?! what?
can you imagine the sh!tstorm if it wasnt... and what would it be compatible with then? its not like anything new is out.

Honestly if they put stuff like that in there you might as well say it has pads to make contact with the motherboard and comes with an IHS....
Posted on Reply
#6
dirtyferret
1 - can't you just OC the 9900k?
2 - doesn't the 9700k give you the exact same performance for less
Metroidadvertised = 127w, real = 327w.
Posted on Reply
#7
juiseman
ZoneDymoUp to 5 ghz? was the entire point of this re-release not that 5ghz all cores was guaranteed?

Also why the F are they comparing performance to a "3 year old PC"?!?
not even mentioning we have no clue what kinda build this 3 year old pc they are comparing it with has.....

"Compatible with existing Z390 motherboards"
that is a key feature/capability?! what?
can you imagine the sh!tstorm if it wasnt... and what would it be compatible with then? its not like anything new is out.

Honestly if they put stuff like that in there you might as well say it has pads to make contact with the motherboard and comes with an IHS....
Oh, I missed that, so its not 5.0 on all cores? then yea, what the crap is the point of this?
Posted on Reply
#8
XL-R8R
i came here looking to make a witty comment... instead I feel as if Intel has made the biggest joke of today with the release of this press announcement and my humor wont come anywhere close to what they themselves have done already....



However, I would really like some information on this supposed "(faster)compared with a 3-year-old PC" - as stated earlier by @sam_86314, it could very well be a 7100T being compared - the statement Intel made needs clarification.
Posted on Reply
#9
steve360
Malibu Stacy gets a new hat.
Posted on Reply
#10
btarunr
Editor & Senior Moderator
ZoneDymo"Compatible with existing Z390 motherboards"
that is a key feature/capability?! what?
can you imagine the sh!tstorm if it wasnt... and what would it be compatible with then? its not like anything new is out.
I think it's their way of saying "don't expect support for B360." I wonder if Z370 is supported, because there are some pretty expensive Z370 boards.

Great warranty, considering these chips are cream of the crop and that the i7-8086K comes with 3-year.
Posted on Reply
#11
GorbazTheDragon
sam_863143 year old PC could mean anything from a i7-7700K and GTX 1080 Ti to an i3-7100 and GT 1030.
It's compared to a 6700k. Videocardz has the fine print, not sure why the TPU one doesn't... videocardz.com/press-release/intel-announces-core-i9-9900ks-special-edition-for-513-usd
up to 4.00 GHz base frequency
Everyone seems to be missing that not even base clock seems to be guaranteed part of spec any more...
One-year warranty
Down from 3 btw...

And also in the fine print as expected:
Performance results are based on testing as of August 10, 2019 and may not reflect all publicly available security updates.
Overall this is even worse than I had expected, and this thing was already a joke from it's inception.
Posted on Reply
#12
Chrispy_
juisemanOh, I missed that, so its not 5.0 on all cores? then yea, what the crap is the point of this?
It's 4GHz on all cores guaranteed. That's also what the 127W rating is for.

You want more than 4GHz?

MOAR POWER. POWER OVERWHELMING. MY LIFE FOR AIUR INTEL.
Posted on Reply
#13
juiseman
Doesn't every body want more than 4.0GHZ?
Posted on Reply
#15
HwGeek
Poor SiliconeLottery ...
Posted on Reply
#16
Unregistered
HwGeekPoor SiliconeLottery ...
Really? No, because they're planning to bin the 9900KS and 3950X :roll:
#17
AnarchoPrimitiv
steve360Malibu Stacy gets a new hat.
Hahaha

Great reference
Posted on Reply
#18
_UV_
This special edition processor will be available for a limited time only and can be found at retailers worldwide.
They must distribute it as a loot box. You buying box with 9900K"?" and some of them may contain this "best gaming desktop processor made even better" which is better then 3-year-old PC.
Posted on Reply
#19
ZoneDymo
btarunrI think it's their way of saying "don't expect support for B360." I wonder if Z370 is supported, because there are some pretty expensive Z370 boards.

Great warranty, considering these chips are cream of the crop and that the i7-8086K comes with 3-year.
Well I get that it might not be on other platforms, but its not what one would call a Key Feature or a Capability of a product, or am I just crazy?
Just weird to put that in that list like that.
Sure the information should be somewhere in the text as to what motherboard it will work on, just not in that list.
Posted on Reply
#20
Steevo
Congrats on overclocking your own chip a bit more with a lot of unverified info thrown in, like a pinch of salt in the ocean I'm sure it will be slightly more salty.

Also, their poor PR department must have been on fire while trying to write that travesty of word vomit.
Posted on Reply
#22
E-curbi
Xx Tek Tip xXReally? No, because they're planning to bin the 9900KS and 3950X :roll:
Yup, don't let the crazy high 9900KS TDP put you off. That's only an average rating at stock out of the box, with no bios settings added.

Drop into bios, make a few simple adjustments and a really sweet 9900KS binned at 5.1GHz on a Hero XI - same chip binned at 5.3Ghz by Siliconlottery.com on an Maximus Apex XI board will run with MUCH lower voltage and MUCH lower thermals than an average clocking 9900K.

And of course his testing is rigorous, that 5.3Ghz 9900KS/Apex XI CPU is going to run all day with simple workloads easily at 5.4Ghz all 8cores/16threads.

Wish we had more coming from Intel, but unfortunately we still have to wait until next year. :oops:

----

Below is an AIDA 64 memory latency score of 34.6ns the SL dude sent me of the Super-Binned 9900K 5.1Ghz Hero XI - 5.3Ghz Apex XI CPUs running Trident Z 4800Mhz XMP.

Intel bins them once to get the 9900K, then Intel bins them twice to get 9900KS samples, then SL bins once at 5.1 Hero XI, then bins twice with the 5.3 Apex XI.

Binned 4times(4X) to find that small percentage of 9900KS capable of 5.3Ghz. :clap:


LOOK also, at those extremely high Read Write and Copy scores the SL dood achieved! Mind-blowing. :eek:



Posted on Reply
#25
EarthDog
PerfectWaveonly 127 tdb XD
TDP?

Hey! A bit more than half of the 225W FX 9590 that the feeble haters toss out as a comparison!!!

8370 - 9590 - 100W difference or 80%
9900k to 9900KS = 32W difference or ~35% increase.
Posted on Reply
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