Skip to main content

Intel announces specs and features of 10th-gen Comet Lake desktop CPUs

From the cheap Core i3-10100 to the flagship Core i9-10900K.

Intel officially announced its 10th-generation Core desktop processors today, from the $122 Core i3 10100 all the way up to the $488 Core i9 10900K. Like its Comet Lake H mobile processors, announced in early April, the big focus here is on single-core performance through frequency gains - with several models pushing past 5GHz and the flagship model hitting 5.3GHz - but there are also higher core and thread counts for many models. Intel also detailed some nice feature additions for enthusiasts and overclockers which look promising - but will it be enough to reverse the trend towards AMD Ryzen for gamers and content creators? Here's what you need to know about Comet Lake on desktop.

First, let's take a look at the full Comet Lake Core lineup. We're seeing faster frequencies more or less across the board compared to the Coffee Lake refresh of 2019, but there are also some interesting design changes to note.

Core i9 processors now have ten hyper-threaded cores, up from eight last gen, while Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 keep their ninth-gen core counts (four, six and eight, respectively) but gain hyper-threading. Finally, the tray prices here are exactly the same as last-gen, which hopefully will translate into similar prices at retail despite the current human malware situation.

Processor Cores/Threads Base Clock Single/All Core Turbo TDP Cost
Core i9-10900K* 10/20 3.7GHz 5.3GHz/4.9GHz 125W $488
Core i9-10900*† 10/20 2.8GHz 5.2GHz/4.6GHz 65W $439
Core i7-10700K* 8/16 3.8GHz 5.1GHz/4.7GHz 125W $374
Core i7-10700*† 8/16 2.9GHz 4.8GHz/4.6GHz 65W $323
Core i5-10600K* 6/12 4.1GHz 4.8GHz/4.5GHz 125W $262
Core i5-10600† 6/12 3.3GHz 4.8GHz/4.4GHz 65W $213
Core i5-10500† 6/12 3.1GHz 4.5GHz/4.2GHz 65W $192
Core i5-10400*† 6/12 2.9GHz 4.3GHz/4.0GHz 65W $182
Core i3-10320 4/8 3.8GHz 4.6GHz/4.4GHz 65W $154
Core i3-10300† 4/8 3.7GHz 4.4GHz/4.2GHz 65W $143
Core i3-10100† 4/8 3.6GHz 4.3GHz/4.1GHz 65W $122

To keep this chart to a manageable size, note that there are asterisks(*) to denote processors which have a corresponding 'F' version, which comes without integrated graphics but costs slightly less - eg the 10900KF. We have also used daggers (†) to indicate processors with corresponding 'T' versions, which operate at a highly reduced 35W TDP and lower clockspeeds, intended for use in all-in-one or other small form factor desktops - e.g. the 10900T. As usual, the 'K' suffix denotes an unlocked (and therefore overclockable) processor.

There are several technologies contributing to maximum turbo values here. Core i7 and i9 models are equipped with "Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0", which identifies the two fastest cores in your particular processor, runs them at higher frequencies (but not higher voltages) and prioritises them in lightly-threaded workloads. This tool arrived on Core X-series chips last autumn, but this is the first time it's been on consumer-grade processors. Meanwhile, Core i9 models also get "Thermal Velocity Boost" or TVB, which opportunistically increases processor frequency if thermal and power constraints allow. That suggests you may need a beefy cooling solution, such as a dual-fan air cooler or a 240mm or larger AIO, to consistently hit the quoted single-core and all-core frequencies on the Core i9 models.

While increases to core count, thread count and frequency should result in a higher thermal load, Intel has also made some changes to its soldered thermal interface material (STIM) which could push things in the other direction. The company is now producing thinner silicon dies, while using thicker integrated heat spreaders (IHS) with a higher copper content to ensure the entire package remains the same size. The differences we're talking about here are a matter of microns, but trading even a small amount of thermally resistive silicon for thermally conductive copper should result in better heat transfer and therefore an increase in sustained performance.

So the big question is this: will all these changes make a big difference to performance? Intel's press materials suggest frame-rate improvements between 10 per cent (the ever-popular PUBG) and 33 per cent (the early access title Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord) going from the Core i9-9900K to the Core i9-10900K. We might see even bigger performance gains in the Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 chips which also get the advantage of hyper-threading. Of course, it won't be until we can test these chips ourselves that we can know for sure.

As well as increasing out-of-the-box performance, Intel has spent a lot of time working on overclocking for their next-gen chips. There are a number of new and expanded features arriving with Comet Lake, but the standout addition here is the ability to enable or disable hyper-threading (HT) on a per-core basis. HT is useful because it allows processors to run heavily-threaded applications faster, but having HT enabled often reduces performance in lightly-threaded tasks and increases heat generation. Therefore, if you know a particular game or application only makes use of a certain number of threads, you can tune your system to offer exactly that number. For example, if you had a game that used up to six threads, and you were on a four-core, eight-thread processor, you could disable hyper-threading on two cores to maximise your performance. With a greater number of cores and threads available in modern CPUs, being able to adapt thread count to a given task could result in some solid performance improvements.

There are other new tweaking possibilities in Intel's overhauled Extreme Tuning Utility app. For example, PEG/DMI overclocking is available, which could be used to overclock a chip's integrated graphics, and there are more fine-grained controls for the voltage/frequency curve, unlocking the ability to better tune your system for power usage or performance. As well as new features, the app also looks better and provides real-time telemetry logging, which again will be useful for overclocking enthusiasts.

New Intel processors often require new chipsets, and that's the case again here. The new CPUs will require a new socket, LGA1200, and there will be several Intel 400-series chipsets - with the first available platform to be the high-end Z490, followed by the successively cheaper H470, B460 and H410.

The 400-series chipsets support up to DDR4-2933MHz memory as standard (with many boards exceeding this), and many will also feature a 2.5-gigabit I225 ethernet controller and integrated Wi-Fi 6 Gig+. Note that PCIe 4.0 support isn't mentioned at all, so presumably this feature will remain exclusive to AMD's recent platforms for the immediate future. Final pricing hasn't yet been announced, but expect the first Z490 boards - like the Asus Maximus 12 Extreme shown below - to be premium propositions.

So there we have it - a whole new generation of Intel processors, again produced using that familiar 14nm++ process but offering higher core counts, higher thread counts and faster frequencies - not to mention a nice spread of automatic turbo boosting and manual overclocking features and a whole new chipset family.

It's clear to see the effect that the runaway success of AMD's Ryzen processors has had, and it'll be fascinating to see whether Intel will be able to make up any ground against Team Red in content creation workloads and hold onto its advantage in gaming. We look forward to testing these processors ourselves to let you know exactly how they perform.

Read this next

seductrice.net
universo-virtual.com
buytrendz.net
thisforall.net
benchpressgains.com
qthzb.com
mindhunter9.com
dwjqp1.com
secure-signup.net
ahaayy.com
tressesindia.com
puresybian.com
krpano-chs.com
cre8workshop.com
hdkino.org
peixun021.com
qz786.com
utahperformingartscenter.org
worldqrmconference.com
shangyuwh.com
eejssdfsdfdfjsd.com
playminecraftfreeonline.com
trekvietnamtour.com
your-business-articles.com
essaywritingservice10.com
hindusamaaj.com
joggingvideo.com
wandercoups.com
wormblaster.net
tongchengchuyange0004.com
internetknowing.com
breachurch.com
peachesnginburlesque.com
dataarchitectoo.com
clientfunnelformula.com
30pps.com
cherylroll.com
ks2252.com
prowp.net
webmanicura.com
sofietsshotel.com
facetorch.com
nylawyerreview.com
apapromotions.com
shareparelli.com
goeaglepointe.com
thegreenmanpubphuket.com
karotorossian.com
publicsensor.com
taiwandefence.com
epcsur.com
southstills.com
tvtv98.com
thewellington-hotel.com
bccaipiao.com
colectoresindustrialesgs.com
shenanddcg.com
capriartfilmfestival.com
replicabreitlingsale.com
thaiamarinnewtoncorner.com
gkmcww.com
mbnkbj.com
andrewbrennandesign.com
cod54.com
luobinzhang.com
faithfirst.net
zjyc28.com
tongchengjinyeyouyue0004.com
nhuan6.com
kftz5k.com
oldgardensflowers.com
lightupthefloor.com
bahamamamas-stjohns.com
ly2818.com
905onthebay.com
fonemenu.com
notanothermovie.com
ukrainehighclassescort.com
meincmagazine.com
av-5858.com
yallerdawg.com
donkeythemovie.com
corporatehospitalitygroup.com
boboyy88.com
miteinander-lernen.com
dannayconsulting.com
officialtomsshoesoutletstore.com
forsale-amoxil-amoxicillin.net
generictadalafil-canada.net
guitarlessonseastlondon.com
lesliesrestaurants.com
mattyno9.com
nri-homeloans.com
rtgvisas-qatar.com
salbutamolventolinonline.net
sportsinjuries.info
wedsna.com
rgkntk.com
bkkmarketplace.com
zxqcwx.com
breakupprogram.com
boxcardc.com
unblockyoutubeindonesia.com
fabulousbookmark.com
beat-the.com
guatemala-sailfishing-vacations-charters.com
magie-marketing.com
kingstonliteracy.com
guitaraffinity.com
eurelookinggoodapparel.com
howtolosecheekfat.net
marioncma.org
oliviadavismusic.com
shantelcampbellrealestate.com
shopleborn13.com
topindiafree.com
v-visitors.net
djjky.com
053hh.com
originbluei.com
baucishotel.com
33kkn.com
intrinsiqresearch.com
mariaescort-kiev.com
mymaguk.com
sponsored4u.com
crimsonclass.com
bataillenavale.com
searchtile.com
ze-stribrnych-struh.com
zenithalhype.com
modalpkv.com
bouisset-lafforgue.com
useupload.com
37r.net
autoankauf-muenster.com
bantinbongda.net
bilgius.com
brabustermagazine.com
indigrow.org
miicrosofts.net
mysmiletravel.com
selinasims.com
spellcubesapp.com
usa-faction.com
hypoallergenicdogsnames.com
dailyupdatez.com
foodphotographyreviews.com
cricutcom-setup.com
chprowebdesign.com
katyrealty-kanepa.com
tasramar.com
bilgipinari.org
four-am.com
indiarepublicday.com
inquick-enbooks.com
iracmpi.com
kakaschoenen.com
lsm99flash.com
nana1255.com
ngen-niagara.com
technwzs.com
virtualonlinecasino1345.com
wallpapertop.net
casino-natali.com
iprofit-internet.com
denochemexicana.com
eventhalfkg.com
medcon-taiwan.com
life-himawari.com
myriamshomes.com
nightmarevue.com
healthandfitnesslives.com
androidnews-jp.com
allstarsru.com
bestofthebuckeyestate.com
bestofthefirststate.com
bestwireless7.com
britsmile.com
declarationintermittent.com
findhereall.com
jingyou888.com
lsm99deal.com
lsm99galaxy.com
moozatech.com
nuagh.com
patliyo.com
philomenamagikz.net
rckouba.net
saturnunipessoallda.com
tallahasseefrolics.com
thematurehardcore.net
totalenvironment-inthatquietearth.com
velislavakaymakanova.com
vermontenergetic.com
kakakpintar.com
begorgeouslady.com
1800birks4u.com
2wheelstogo.com
6strip4you.com
bigdata-world.net
emailandco.net
gacapal.com
jharpost.com
krishnaastro.com
lsm99credit.com
mascalzonicampani.com
sitemapxml.org
thecityslums.net
topagh.com
flairnetwebdesign.com
rajasthancarservices.com
bangkaeair.com
beneventocoupon.com
noternet.org
oqtive.com
smilebrightrx.com
decollage-etiquette.com
1millionbestdownloads.com
7658.info
bidbass.com
devlopworldtech.com
digitalmarketingrajkot.com
fluginfo.net
naqlafshk.com
passion-decouverte.com
playsirius.com
spacceleratorintl.com
stikyballs.com
top10way.com
yokidsyogurt.com
zszyhl.com
16firthcrescent.com
abogadolaboralistamd.com
apk2wap.com
aromacremeria.com
banparacard.com
bosmanraws.com
businessproviderblog.com
caltonosa.com
calvaryrevivalchurch.org
chastenedsoulwithabrokenheart.com
cheminotsgardcevennes.com
cooksspot.com
cqxzpt.com
deesywig.com
deltacartoonmaps.com
despixelsetdeshommes.com
duocoracaobrasileiro.com
fareshopbd.com
goodpainspills.com
hemendekor.com
kobisitecdn.com
makaigoods.com
mgs1454.com
piccadillyresidences.com
radiolaondafresca.com
rubendorf.com
searchengineimprov.com
sellmyhrvahome.com
shugahouseessentials.com
sonihullquad.com
subtractkilos.com
valeriekelmansky.com
vipasdigitalmarketing.com
voolivrerj.com
zeelonggroup.com
1015southrockhill.com
10x10b.com
111-online-casinos.com
191cb.com
3665arpentunitd.com
aitesonics.com
bag-shokunin.com
brightotech.com
communication-digitale-services.com
covoakland.org
dariaprimapack.com
freefortniteaccountss.com
gatebizglobal.com
global1entertainmentnews.com
greatytene.com
hiroshiwakita.com
iktodaypk.com
jahatsakong.com
meadowbrookgolfgroup.com
newsbharati.net
platinumstudiosdesign.com
slotxogamesplay.com
strikestaruk.com
trucosdefortnite.com
ufabetrune.com
weddedtowhitmore.com
12940brycecanyonunitb.com
1311dietrichoaks.com
2monarchtraceunit303.com
601legendhill.com
850elaine.com
adieusolasomade.com
andora-ke.com
bestslotxogames.com
cannagomcallen.com
endlesslyhot.com
iestpjva.com
ouqprint.com
pwmaplefest.com
qtylmr.com
rb88betting.com
buscadogues.com
1007macfm.com
born-wild.com
growthinvests.com
promocode-casino.com
proyectogalgoargentina.com
wbthompson-art.com
whitemountainwheels.com
7thavehvl.com
developmethis.com
funkydogbowties.com
travelodgegrandjunction.com
gao-town.com
globalmarketsuite.com
blogshippo.com
hdbka.com
proboards67.com
outletonline-michaelkors.com
kalkis-research.com
thuthuatit.net
buckcash.com
hollistercanada.com
docterror.com
asadart.com
vmayke.org
erwincomputers.com
dirimart.org
okkii.com
loteriasdecehegin.com
mountanalog.com
healingtaobritain.com
ttxmonitor.com
nwordpress.com
11bolabonanza.com