Intel Core i7 11390H vs Intel Core i9 10900K: Which CPU Reigns Supreme in 2024?

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular choices often find themselves in the spotlight: the Intel Core i7 11390H and the Intel Core i9 10900K. Both processors boast impressive performance, but they cater to different use cases and target distinct audiences. This blog post aims to dissect the strengths and weaknesses of each CPU, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.

The Contenders: Intel Core i7 11390H and Intel Core i9 10900K

Let’s start by introducing our contenders:

• Intel Core i7 11390H: A member of Intel’s 11th generation Tiger Lake H-series, this CPU is designed for high-performance laptops. It packs 8 cores and 16 threads, reaching a maximum turbo frequency of 4.6 GHz.
• Intel Core i9 10900K: This processor belongs to Intel’s 10th generation Comet Lake series and is primarily targeted at desktop PCs. It features 10 cores and 20 threads, clocking up to 5.3 GHz.

Architectural Differences: Tiger Lake vs Comet Lake

The Intel Core i7 11390H and the Intel Core i9 10900K are built on different architectures, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The Core i7 11390H utilizes the Tiger Lake architecture, which boasts a 10nm process node. This smaller architecture allows for improved power efficiency and higher clock speeds compared to the Comet Lake architecture.
On the other hand, the Core i9 10900K is based on the 14nm Comet Lake architecture. While this older architecture offers higher core counts, it falls behind in power efficiency and clock speeds compared to the Tiger Lake architecture.

Performance Comparison: Benchmarks and Real-World Use Cases

To understand the true performance differences between the Intel Core i7 11390H and the Intel Core i9 10900K, we need to delve into benchmarks and real-world use cases.
Benchmark Results:

• Cinebench R23: The Core i9 10900K generally outperforms the Core i7 11390H in multi-core benchmarks like Cinebench R23, thanks to its higher core count. However, the Core i7 11390H often surpasses the Core i9 10900K in single-core performance due to its higher clock speed and optimized architecture.
• Geekbench 5: Similar to Cinebench, the Core i9 10900K takes the lead in multi-core performance, while the Core i7 11390H excels in single-core benchmarks.
• 3DMark Time Spy: When it comes to gaming performance, the Core i7 11390H holds an edge over the Core i9 10900K. This is attributed to the Tiger Lake architecture’s improved single-thread performance and power efficiency.

Real-World Use Cases:

• Gaming: For gamers, the Core i7 11390H proves to be a better choice. Its superior single-core performance and power efficiency deliver smoother gameplay at higher frame rates, especially in demanding titles.
• Content Creation: Content creators who rely heavily on multi-core performance, such as video editors and 3D artists, may find the Core i9 10900K more advantageous. Its higher core count allows for faster rendering times and smoother multitasking.
• Productivity: Both CPUs are well-suited for productivity tasks like web browsing, email, and office applications. However, the Core i7 11390H’s improved power efficiency makes it a better choice for users who prioritize battery life.

Power Consumption and Thermal Performance: Efficiency vs Heat Generation

Power consumption and thermal performance are crucial factors to consider, especially for laptop users. The Intel Core i7 11390H, built on the 10nm Tiger Lake architecture, boasts greater power efficiency compared to the Core i9 10900K, which utilizes the older 14nm Comet Lake architecture. This translates to longer battery life and less heat generation for the Core i7 11390H.

Price and Availability: Value for Money

The Intel Core i7 11390H and the Intel Core i9 10900K fall into different price brackets. The Core i7 11390H is typically found in laptops, making its price dependent on the overall system configuration. On the other hand, the Core i9 10900K is a desktop processor, and its price varies depending on the retailer and current market trends.

Choosing the Right CPU: A Decision Guide

Choosing between the Intel Core i7 11390H and the Intel Core i9 10900K boils down to your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the Intel Core i7 11390H if:

• You prioritize gaming performance and efficiency.
• You need a CPU for a laptop and value battery life.
• You require excellent single-core performance.

Choose the Intel Core i9 10900K if:

• You need a CPU for a desktop PC.
• You prioritize multi-core performance for content creation.
• You are willing to sacrifice power efficiency for higher core counts.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options

While the Intel Core i7 11390H and the Intel Core i9 10900K are excellent processors, it’s important to consider other options available in the market. AMD’s Ryzen processors, for example, are known for their competitive performance and value proposition.

The Verdict: A Tale of Two Processors

The Intel Core i7 11390H and the Intel Core i9 10900K are both powerful CPUs with distinct strengths and weaknesses. The Core i7 11390H excels in gaming and power efficiency, making it an ideal choice for laptops. The Core i9 10900K shines in multi-core performance, catering to content creators and users who prioritize raw processing power. Ultimately, the best CPU for you depends on your specific needs and budget.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which CPU is better for gaming?
A: The Intel Core i7 11390H is generally considered better for gaming due to its superior single-core performance and power efficiency, resulting in smoother gameplay and higher frame rates.
Q: Which CPU is better for video editing?
A: The Intel Core i9 10900K is a better choice for video editing thanks to its higher core count, which significantly speeds up rendering times and allows for smoother multitasking.
Q: Which CPU is more power efficient?
A: The Intel Core i7 11390H is more power efficient than the Core i9 10900K due to its smaller 10nm architecture, resulting in longer battery life and less heat generation.
Q: Which CPU is cheaper?
A: The price of both CPUs can vary depending on the retailer and market trends. However, the Intel Core i7 11390H is generally found in laptops, making its price dependent on the overall system configuration. The Intel Core i9 10900K, being a desktop processor, typically has a higher price tag.
Q: Which CPU is better overall?
A: There is no definitive “better” CPU, as it depends on your individual needs and priorities. The Intel Core i7 11390H excels in gaming and power efficiency, while the Intel Core i9 10900K shines in multi-core performance. Consider your specific use cases and budget when making your decision.