Intel Core i9 10900 vs Intel Core Ultra 7 164U: Which CPU is Right for You? A Comprehensive Comparison!

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a vast array of options. Two contenders that often come up in discussions are the Intel Core i9 10900 and the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U. These processors represent different generations and target distinct user profiles.
This comprehensive comparison delves into the key differences between the Intel Core i9 10900 vs Intel Core Ultra 7 164U, exploring their performance, features, and suitability for various tasks. Whether you’re a gamer seeking the ultimate frame rates, a content creator demanding seamless workflow, or a casual user browsing the web, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Architecture and Generation

The Intel Core i9 10900, released in 2020, is a 10th-generation processor built on the Comet Lake architecture. This architecture represents a refinement of the previous generation, offering improved performance and power efficiency. In contrast, the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U, launched in 2023, belongs to the 14th generation and is based on the Meteor Lake architecture. This new architecture introduces significant advancements in performance, power consumption, and integrated graphics.

Core Count and Thread Count

The Intel Core i9 10900 boasts 10 cores and 20 threads, making it a powerhouse for multi-threaded tasks. This high core count allows it to handle demanding workloads with ease, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and software development. On the other hand, the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U features a lower core count of 6 and a thread count of 12. While this may seem like a significant difference, the Meteor Lake architecture compensates with its improved efficiency and performance per core.

Clock Speeds and Turbo Boost

The Intel Core i9 10900 has a base clock speed of 2.8 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 5.3 GHz. This high boost clock speed allows it to deliver exceptional performance for single-threaded applications, such as gaming. The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U, however, offers a lower base clock speed of 2.2 GHz but boasts a higher boost clock speed of up to 5.4 GHz. This indicates that the Core Ultra 7 164U can achieve faster speeds when needed, thanks to its advanced architecture and power management.

Cache and Memory Support

The Intel Core i9 10900 features 20 MB of L3 cache, providing ample storage for frequently accessed data. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to 2933 MHz. The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U, on the other hand, comes with 18 MB of L3 cache and supports the latest DDR5 memory, offering higher bandwidth and lower latency.

Integrated Graphics

The Intel Core i9 10900 integrates the Intel UHD Graphics 630, offering basic graphics capabilities for everyday tasks. However, it is not suitable for demanding gaming or content creation. The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U, however, features the Intel Iris Xe Graphics, which boasts significantly improved performance over its predecessor. This integrated graphics solution is capable of handling light gaming and multimedia tasks with ease.

Power Consumption and Thermal Design Power (TDP)

The Intel Core i9 10900 has a TDP of 105W, indicating its higher power consumption. This can lead to increased heat generation and potentially require more robust cooling solutions. The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U, on the other hand, has a significantly lower TDP of 15W, making it more power-efficient and suitable for compact devices. This lower power consumption also translates to reduced heat generation, allowing for more efficient cooling.

Performance Comparison: Benchmarks and Real-World Usage

In terms of performance, the Intel Core i9 10900 outperforms the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U in multi-threaded workloads. This is due to its higher core count and thread count, which allow it to handle complex tasks more efficiently. For instance, in video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, the Core i9 10900 will render projects faster than the Core Ultra 7 164U.
However, when it comes to single-threaded performance, the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U shines thanks to its higher boost clock speed and advanced architecture. In gaming, where performance is often dictated by single-core performance, the Core Ultra 7 164U can deliver comparable or even slightly better frame rates than the Core i9 10900.

Choosing the Right CPU: Your Needs and Budget

The choice between the Intel Core i9 10900 and the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
If you’re a demanding user:

• Need for high core count and thread count: Choose the Intel Core i9 10900 for its superior multi-threaded performance, making it ideal for video editing, 3D rendering, and other demanding tasks.
• Gaming performance: While the Intel Core i9 10900 is still a capable gaming CPU, it can be outperformed by the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U in certain scenarios.
• Budget: The Intel Core i9 10900 is generally more expensive than the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U.

If you’re a casual user:

• Power efficiency: The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U offers better power efficiency, making it a suitable choice for compact devices like laptops.
• Integrated graphics: The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U’s integrated graphics are significantly better, allowing for light gaming and multimedia tasks.
• Budget: The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U is generally more affordable than the Intel Core i9 10900.

The Future of Intel Processors: A Look Ahead

Intel’s roadmap for future processors is exciting. With the introduction of the Meteor Lake architecture and the Core Ultra brand, Intel is pushing the boundaries of performance and efficiency. We can expect even more powerful and energy-efficient processors in the years to come.

Final Thoughts: A Dynamic Choice

The Intel Core i9 10900 and the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U represent two distinct points in Intel’s processor journey. While the Intel Core i9 10900 remains a capable processor, the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U showcases the advancements in architecture and performance that Intel is bringing to the table. The choice between these two processors ultimately boils down to your specific needs and budget.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q1: What is the difference between the Intel Core i9 10900 and the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U?
A1: The Intel Core i9 10900 is a 10th-generation processor based on the Comet Lake architecture, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U is a 14th-generation processor based on the Meteor Lake architecture. The Core i9 10900 has more cores and threads but lower clock speeds, while the Core Ultra 7 164U has fewer cores but higher clock speeds and improved performance per core.
Q2: Which CPU is better for gaming?
A2: The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U generally offers better gaming performance due to its higher boost clock speed and advanced architecture. However, the Intel Core i9 10900 can still provide a smooth gaming experience.
Q3: Which CPU is better for video editing?
A3: The Intel Core i9 10900 is better suited for video editing due to its higher core count and thread count, which allow it to handle demanding video rendering tasks more efficiently.
Q4: Which CPU is more power-efficient?
A4: The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U is significantly more power-efficient than the Intel Core i9 10900, thanks to its lower TDP and advanced architecture.
Q5: Which CPU is more affordable?
A5: The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U is generally more affordable than the Intel Core i9 10900.