Compare CPUs Head-to-Head. Make the Right Choice.

Intel Core i7 11390H vs Intel Core i9 10900K: Which Reigns Supreme in CPU Performance?

Main points

  • Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with powerful options like the Intel Core i7 11390H and the Intel Core i9 10900K.
  • The Intel Core i7-11390H features 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel Core i9-10900K packs a punch with 10 cores and 20 threads.
  • Benchmarks provide a quantitative measure of performance, allowing us to compare the Intel Core i7-11390H and the Intel Core i9-10900K in various scenarios.

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with powerful options like the Intel Core i7 11390H and the Intel Core i9 10900K. Both processors boast impressive performance capabilities, but they cater to different segments and use cases. This blog post will delve into a detailed comparison of these two CPUs, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately helping you determine which one aligns better with your requirements.

The Contenders: A Brief Overview

Intel Core i7-11390H: This is a mobile processor designed for laptops and other portable devices. It belongs to Intel’s 11th Gen Tiger Lake series and is known for its efficient power consumption and impressive performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Intel Core i9-10900K: This is a desktop processor belonging to Intel’s 10th Gen Comet Lake series. It’s a high-performance CPU specifically designed for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and content creation.

Core Architecture and Clock Speeds: The Foundation of Power

The Intel Core i7-11390H is built on Intel’s 10nm SuperFin architecture, offering improved performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessors. It features a base clock speed of 3.4 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.8 GHz. On the other hand, the Intel Core i9-10900K leverages Intel‘s 14nm process technology. It boasts a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a maximum boost clock speed of 5.3 GHz.

Core Count and Thread Count: The Multitasking Muscle

The Intel Core i7-11390H features 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel Core i9-10900K packs a punch with 10 cores and 20 threads. This significant difference in core and thread count translates to superior multi-tasking abilities for the Intel Core i9-10900K, allowing it to handle more demanding workloads simultaneously.

Cache Memory: The Performance Booster

The Intel Core i7-11390H comes with 12 MB of Intel Smart Cache, while the Intel Core i9-10900K boasts a larger 20 MB of Intel Smart Cache. Larger cache sizes help improve performance by storing frequently accessed data closer to the CPU, reducing access times and boosting overall speed.

Integrated Graphics: The Visual Powerhouse

The Intel Core i7-11390H incorporates Intel Iris Xe Graphics, offering decent performance for casual gaming and multimedia tasks. Meanwhile, the Intel Core i9-10900K lacks integrated graphics, requiring a dedicated graphics card for visual processing.

Power Consumption: Efficiency vs Performance

The Intel Core i7-11390H is designed for power efficiency, with a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35W. This makes it ideal for laptops and other mobile devices where power consumption is a critical factor. The Intel Core i9-10900K, on the other hand, has a significantly higher TDP of 125W, reflecting its higher performance and power consumption needs.

Benchmark Scores: A Performance Showdown

Benchmarks provide a quantitative measure of performance, allowing us to compare the Intel Core i7-11390H and the Intel Core i9-10900K in various scenarios. In single-core benchmarks, the Intel Core i9-10900K generally edges out the Intel Core i7-11390H due to its higher clock speeds. However, in multi-core benchmarks, the Intel Core i9-10900K significantly outperforms the Intel Core i7-11390H thanks to its superior core count and thread count.

Gaming Performance: The Ultimate Test

For gamers, performance is paramount. The Intel Core i9-10900K, with its higher core count and clock speeds, delivers superior gaming performance, especially in demanding games that utilize multiple cores. The Intel Core i7-11390H can still handle most modern games at decent frame rates, but it might struggle with the most graphically intensive titles.

Use Case Analysis: Finding the Right Fit

For mobile users: The Intel Core i7-11390H is the clear choice. Its efficient power consumption and impressive performance for everyday tasks, light gaming, and content creation make it ideal for laptops and other portable devices.
For desktop enthusiasts: The Intel Core i9-10900K is the champion for demanding workloads. Its high core count, clock speeds, and powerful performance make it a perfect fit for gamers, video editors, content creators, and other users requiring maximum processing power.

The Verdict: A Matter of Needs and Priorities

Choosing between the Intel Core i7-11390H and the Intel Core i9-10900K boils down to your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize portability and efficiency, the Intel Core i7-11390H is the ideal choice. However, if you demand the ultimate performance for demanding tasks, the Intel Core i9-10900K reigns supreme.

Beyond the Specs: A Final Word

While specifications and benchmarks provide valuable insights, it’s crucial to consider your specific use case and budget when making your decision. The Intel Core i7-11390H offers a balanced blend of performance and efficiency, while the Intel Core i9-10900K is a powerhouse for demanding workloads. Ultimately, the best CPU for you is the one that meets your individual needs and delivers the performance you require.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q1: Which CPU is better for gaming?
The Intel Core i9-10900K generally offers better gaming performance due to its higher core count and clock speeds. However, the Intel Core i7-11390H can still provide decent gaming experiences, especially for less demanding titles.
Q2: Which CPU is more power efficient?
The Intel Core i7-11390H is significantly more power efficient than the Intel Core i9-10900K, making it ideal for laptops and other portable devices.
Q3: Which CPU is better for video editing?
The Intel Core i9-10900K is better suited for video editing due to its higher core count and thread count, which allow it to handle demanding video editing software with ease.
Q4: Which CPU is more affordable?
The Intel Core i7-11390H is generally more affordable than the Intel Core i9-10900K.
Q5: Which CPU is the better overall choice?
The “better” CPU depends on your specific needs and priorities. For mobile users, the Intel Core i7-11390H is a great choice, while for desktop users demanding the highest performance, the Intel Core i9-10900K is the clear winner.

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About the Author
Ethan is a passionate tech enthusiast and writer at Processor Insight, where he dives into the intricacies of CPUs, providing comprehensive comparison guides, insightful knowledge, and practical tips to help readers make informed decisions.