Are Intel Core i9 CPUs worth it?
Are Intel Core i9 CPUs worth it? Let's find out
WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
Intel’s Core i9 processors have top-tier specs and offer incredible raw performance. But they also cost a lot, and it’s important to consider whether you’re really getting your money’s worth before shelling out on expensive electronics. In the article, we ask the question: Are Intel Core i9 CPUs worth it?
Now Read: Best CPU for gaming
Intel Core i9 CPUs
Intel introduced Core i9 CPUs to us in 2017, with the i9-7900X. Core i9 processors have only gotten stronger since, and today they are monstrous processors.
Intel Core i9-13900K
Cores
24
Threads
32
Base speed
P-cores 3 GHz / E-cores 2.2 GHz
Boost speed
P-cores 5.8 GHz / E-cores 4.3 GHz
Cache
36MB
TDP
125 W / 253 W boost.
Intel Core i9-12900K
Boost clock speed (single core)
5.3 GHz
Total Cores / Threads
16/24
P-cores
8
E-cores
8
Socket
LGA 1700
Overclockable
Yes
Let’s take a look at the 13900K – a recently released and very popular Core i9 processor – as an example.
- Cores: P-cores 8 / E-cores 16
- Threads: 32
- Base clock frequency: P-cores 3 GHz / E-cores 2.2 GHz
- Boost clock frequency: P-cores 5.8 GHz / E-cores 4.3 GHz
- L3 cache: 36MB
- Default TDP: 125 W / 253 W boost.
- iGPU: Intel UHD graphics 770
The processor has an industry-leading 32 threads and a whopping 24 cores. Combine that with its impressive 5.8GHz max clock speed, and it’s easy to see why modern Core i9 processors deliver such incredible performance, both in single-core and multicore heavy workloads.
The slightly older Core i9 CPUs, such as the 9900, 10900, and 11900, were leading processors at their time, and they’re by all means still very capable processors today, but are somewhat outmatched by the newer Core i5 and Core i7 processors.
The 12th generation Alder Lake i9-12900K remains a solid option, even in the presence of the massively upgraded Intel 13th gen and Ryzen 7000 series CPUs.
Depending on the exact model of the i9 processor you’re getting, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $700.
Are Intel Core i9 CPUs worth it?
Unfortunately, as you go up the performance ladder, price efficiency tends to drop. Another way to think of it is that you get diminishing returns on performance with money spent.
Of course, you do need to spend enough to have a competent processor that can get stuff done, so the sweet spot for most people ends up being somewhere in the mid-range Intel Core i5 and Ryzen 5 processor offerings.
Core i9 processors do offer you the best raw performance but not the best bang for your buck. You could pay roughly half as much for a modern Core i5, such as the very popular i5-13600K, to get only slightly lower performance in single-thread heavy workloads such as gaming, and moderately lower multicore performance for productivity.
There’s also the fact that Core i9 processors run extremely hot and require an expensive AIO or custom loop for thermal maintenance, which only makes them even more impractical for casual users.
Is an Intel Core i9 CPU right for me?
If you’re a casual gamer looking to build a capable gaming PC, you’ll find Core i5 and Ryzen 5 processors more worth your money. Only if you’re looking to build the best possible gaming rig money can buy would Core i9 CPUs be the way to go.
If you use your PC professionally for tasks such as streaming, content creation, video editing, 3D rendering, or data analysis, Core i9 CPUs are an excellent choice, despite their lower price efficiency, since they help you be more productive.
In a professional context, your productivity is tied to your income. If having a faster processor would help you make more money, the Core i9 would practically pay for itself over time while also letting you enjoy a faster PC.
If you do go with an i9 CPU, remember to go with either the 12900 or 13900 (or one of their variants). It’s better to go with the new Core i5 and i7 CPUs than to purchase 11th gen and older i9 CPUs.
Check out some Intel Core i9 processors for yourself
Treat yourself and pick up a Core i9 Intel processor today.
Intel Core i9-13900K
Cores
24
Threads
32
Base speed
P-cores 3 GHz / E-cores 2.2 GHz
Boost speed
P-cores 5.8 GHz / E-cores 4.3 GHz
Cache
36MB
TDP
125 W / 253 W boost.
Intel Core i9-12900K
Boost clock speed (single core)
5.3 GHz
Total Cores / Threads
16/24
P-cores
8
E-cores
8
Socket
LGA 1700
Overclockable
Yes
