How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-8100 scores 24/100 overall; Intel Core i9-9900K scores 42.5/100. Intel Core i3-8100 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i9-9900K wins 14.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-8100 and the Intel Core i9-9900K?

Intel Core i3-8100 advantages: 32% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 95 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $117 vs $488. Intel Core i9-9900K advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 40 vs 26; Stronger Multi-core score: 41 vs 24; Stronger gaming score: 47 vs 22; 300% higher threads: 16 vs 4; 226% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 12,400 vs 3,800.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-8100 or Intel Core i9-9900K?

Intel Core i3-8100 launched cheaper at $117, versus $488 for the Intel Core i9-9900K.

Intel Core i3-8100 vs Intel Core i9-9900K

Intel

Intel Core i3-8100

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i9-9900K

$488

26.3Single-core40.4

23.7Multi-core41.2

21.9Gaming47.4

2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-810014 spec wins — Intel Core i9-9900K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i9-9900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 42.5 to 24, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+26) and Multi-core (+18). Intel Core i3-8100 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-8100

32% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 95 W
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $117 vs $488

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-9900K

Stronger Single-core score: 40 vs 26
Stronger Multi-core score: 41 vs 24
Stronger gaming score: 47 vs 22
300% higher threads: 16 vs 4
226% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 12,400 vs 3,800

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i9-9900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i9-9900K
Announced	2017	2018
Socket	LGA1151-v2	LGA1151-v2
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Base TDP	65 W+32%	95 W
Max turbo power	—	119 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i9-9900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i9-9900K
Cores	4	8+100%
Performance cores	4	8+100%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	16+300%
Base clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
Boost clock	3.6 GHz	5 GHz+39%
L2 cache	1 MB	2 MB+100%
L3 cache	6 MB	16 MB+167%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i9-9900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i9-9900K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	1,200 MHz+9%

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i9-9900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i9-9900K
Memory support	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2666
Max memory	64 GB	128 GB+100%
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i9-9900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i9-9900K
PCIe version	3	3
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i9-9900K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i9-9900K
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,200Top 83%	1,720+43%Top 51%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	3,350Top 90%	8,800+163%Top 46%
Cinebench R23 (single)	—	1,280Top 62%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	3,800Top 92%	12,400+226%Top 45%
PassMark	6,100Top 90%	18,600+205%Top 53%

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