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

#51
GorbazTheDragon
EarthDogI think the point is, however, to remove the glass ceiling. I'd still rather run 130 fps than 120 in a quest to reach 144... no? That is the point here.
Pointless, because it's still a stuttery mess when you drop below your monitor refresh rate
Posted on Reply
#52
EarthDog
GorbazTheDragonPointless, because it's still a stuttery mess when you drop below your monitor refresh rate
Huh..ews to me.

Note, im running a 165 hz monitor with fps that slips below and do not experience such behavior. You act like anything below 144 hzrefresh rate is unplayable... why?
Posted on Reply
#53
anachron
TomgangSo for the same price you can get either I9 9900KS or ryzen 9 3900X.

Now the question is, what do you prefer?

I think I can honestly say 3900X seems more interesting. Sure 9900ks will be a bit faster in games, but in any thing else 3900X will destroy 9900ks and even throw I do game, I am also doing other things on my pc.

And it's not like 9900ks is massively faster than 9900k. Base clock is bumped 400 mhz while max all core boost is measly 300 mhz, so yeah 9900ks is a bit faster, but far from a game changer.

Keep trying Intel, some day they are bound to admit 14 nm is no longer up to date.
While i mostly agree with you, for people like me already having a z390 motherboard, it's cheaper to buy a 9900ks rather than the whole platform for a 3900x.

Now, between the i9-9900ks and the i9-9900k/kf, the initial review of tomshardware seems to indicate that a 9900ks@5.2ghz consumme 20W less than the 9900k@ 5ghz, so it might be an interesting choice depending on the price difference between the two.
Posted on Reply
#54
Animalpak
Still not seen by any seller ... Im gonna get one... If i find it ....
Posted on Reply
#55
GorbazTheDragon
EarthDogHuh..ews to me.

Note, im running a 165 hz monitor with fps that slips below and do not experience such behavior. You act like anything below 144 hzrefresh rate is unplayable... why?
Not unplayable but definitely noticeable and probably jarring... The extra 10 fps matters a lot more when one is over and one is under the monitor refresh..
Posted on Reply
#56
EarthDog
GorbazTheDragonNot unplayable but definitely noticeable and probably jarring... The extra 10 fps matters a lot more when one is over and one is under the monitor refresh..
I don't notice my man. FPS in PUBG for example fluctuate wildly above and below the refresh rate. The only way I notice is because the fps counter is up.

Anyway, wrong thread for this.. I just wanted to correct the info across several titles where this can happen to be, it sure as heck isn't a "stuttery mess". :)
Posted on Reply
#57
Chaitanya
Xx Tek Tip xXReally? No, because they're planning to bin the 9900KS and 3950X :roll:
You mean 9990XE(Auction only Cpu), 3950X is a 16Core mainstream CPU from Amd.
Posted on Reply
#59
phanbuey
That small print section kills.
Posted on Reply
#60
Xzibit
phanbueyThat small print section kills.
Yes comparing 9900KS 8c/16t to 6700K 4c/8t
Posted on Reply
#61
cucker tarlson
It's still gonna be amongst the most efficient for gaming,but 513 usd,they must be crazy.
Posted on Reply
#62
Steevo
XzibitYes comparing 9900KS 8c/16t to 6700K 4c/8t
Their cherries are a green unripe VS a red hot melting one, since they are cherry picking
Posted on Reply
#63
dinmaster
just stop intel ffs. bringing out new models as fast as your doing it is getting you nowhere, what makes it worse is the socket changes all the time. get that sh!t out of here! comparing 3 year old pc to this is garbage.
Posted on Reply
#64
trog100
EarthDogYes trog, sure, you will not be limited by using a potato for a GPU... which makes complete sense when buying the 'fastest' gaming CPU around...

Anyone can find reasons to bunk anything... if you want to hang your hat on the edges and make that a reality for the majority, go right on ahead. :)
i think i was suggesting that "steam" people aint gonna be buying a 9900k.. or was that too much for you to grasp.. he he..

trog
Posted on Reply
#65
john_
1 year warranty

TDP : Sky is the limit

Frequencies "UP TO"

Really funny.
Posted on Reply
#66
EarthDog
trog100i think i was suggesting that "steam" people aint gonna be buying a 9900k.. or was that too much for you to grasp.. he he..

trog
You're absolutely ridiculous...
Posted on Reply
#67
Xzibit
trog100i think i was suggesting that "steam" people aint gonna be buying a 9900k.. or was that too much for you to grasp.. he he..

trog
Certainly not a majority. According to SHS most have a Intel 4c CPU and the most active games continue to be DOTA 2, LOL and CSGO.

8c CPUs only account for 4% using Windows in the Steam Hardware Survey.
Posted on Reply
#68
TheoneandonlyMrK
Imagine what the voiceover guy looks like, trying to get through that small print in the 3seconds left at the end of the typical advert.

That exasperated out of breath dude IS Intel atm,

Wow this is F#@&in weak ,Ltd edition and all benchmarks for sure were ran with all mitigation off as they say as much in line one.
Posted on Reply
#69
EarthDog
theoneandonlymrkImagine what the voiceover guy looks like, trying to get through that small print in the 3seconds left at the end of the typical advert.

That exasperated out of breath dude IS Intel atm,

Wow this is F#@&in weak ,Ltd edition and all benchmarks for sure were ran with all mitigation off as they say as much in line one.
Micromachine guy from the late 80s?

It's not the real THING! :p
Posted on Reply
#70
Aerpoweron
Wow, one year warranty. Don't Intel CPUs usually have 2 years?
Posted on Reply
#71
cucker tarlson
40 lanes,good decision to allow high-end users to run 16x-16x on best gaming chips. platform lanes means 16+24
still,513 usd is pretty friggin high,though this this thing is a gaming beast.
it'll be unobtanium like 8086k,might be even worse.
GorbazTheDragonPointless, because it's still a stuttery mess when you drop below your monitor refresh rate
get a adaptive sync monitor already,it's 2019.
games do not stutter no matter how low it dips.dipping from 120 to 60 ? no problem.The framerate is clearly lower,but no stutter,no lag,no tearing.None.
using v-sync ? good luck,it drops to 119 and you're screwed cause you're getting tons of stutter and lag.
Posted on Reply
#72
EarthDog
XzibitCertainly not a majority. According to SHS most have a Intel 4c CPU and the most active games continue to be DOTA 2, LOL and CSGO.

8c CPUs only account for 4% using Windows in the Steam Hardware Survey.
Of course not the majority. :)

BUt those using in the market for and using a flagship midrange CPU, aren't buying potato GPUs either...

Steam HW survey is not The Gospel, we get that, but it's more than obvious that an overwhemling majority of users are rocking 1080p and below res. This includes potatos and enthusiasts alike. 3 of the top 5 most popular steam cards can be held back by the CPU... 5 of the top 10...7 of 13... that's about half which would could be held back with an inferior CPU. And the fastest card in that group is 'only' a RTX 2070.

RE: 4c processor the majority.. absolutely!!! This could be anything from a Q6600 to a 7700K or any other 4c CPU in Intel and AMD's stable. The latter, also placing a glass ceiling when pairing it with a modern mid-range+ card.
Posted on Reply
#73
R-T-B
dirtyferretcan't you just OC the 9900k?
Not mine. Of course, she's a proper turd that won't go past one bin above stock.
Posted on Reply
#74
efikkan
Just like i7-8086K before it, i9-9900KS is certainly a good product, but is ultimately just a PR stunt for a few thousand golden samples.
TomgangI will say it depends on the task at hand. If the software is optimized for Intel, then yeah it will be faster.
There is no way to optimize software for either Intel or AMD. They use the same ISA, and the low-level differences that separates them are not exposed to the programmers. The myth of "Intel optimized software" is a lie and needs to die.
Tomgang9900KS wins in most games, but as a cpu needed for for every thing. 3900X is a better all over performer and also if you stream your gaming then 3900X is also a better solution.
That all depends on the workload. Some real-world productive loads like Photoshop and Premiere scales much better on fewer faster cores. And for most non-server workloads, faster cores will remain advantageous. Unlike before, there is no clear cut winner across the board, so buyers needs to look at benchmarks relevant to their use case. There is no point in choosing products based on irrelevant use cases or even synthetics.
Posted on Reply
#75
wiyosaya
Faster than a three-year old PC is Intel's way of saying that they have made progress. :roll:
Posted on Reply
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