Disappointing Intel Core i9-10900 benchmarks leak, it doesn't look like it'll beat AMD Ryzen

(Image credit: Future)

We've been waiting for new desktop processors from Intel for what feels like an eternity. And while they're surely on their way, some new benchmarks have leaked that have tempered our expectations a bit. 

Spotted by the folks over at Wccftech, these benchmarks appeared on Hong Kong tech site XFastest, and they don't look too hot for Intel. However, what might be holding this processor back is that it's rocking a tiny 65W TDP, which is much less than the 95W that its predecessor the Intel Core i9-9900K features. It is important to note, though, that the Intel Core i9-9900 has the 65W TDP. 

Because of this low TDP, the 10 cores on this supposed processor don't boost super well when pushed to their limits, and even on single-core tests it doesn't hit the 5GHz that the Core i9-9900 or 9900K would. Again, we can't even be sure if these benchmarks are real, but if they are it could very well be because Intel is cramming an extra 2 cores in there without shrinking the manufacturing process down from 14nm.

Anyways, this growth in core count with an apparent reduction in clock speeds results in some pretty disappointing benchmark results. For instance, in Cinebench R20, the apparent Intel Core i9-10900 manages a paltry score of 3,714 points. Out of curiosity we ran Cinebench R20 on our AMD Ryzen 9 3900X with Google Chrome, Tidal and Photoshop still open and we managed a score of 6,519 points. This is the chip Intel is going to have to top on the high-end if it wants to remain relevant in the desktop space, and if these leaked benchmarks are any indication, we're not getting our hopes up. 

Still, we won't know whether or not these are even the final specs. Assuming that this chip is real, it's very possible that Intel will raise clocks before the final release – especially since temperatures were only hitting around 68C. Either way with all the Intel Comet Lake-S leaks we've been seeing recently, we can only assume an official reveal is right around the corner, and we can't wait to see what Intel actually has in store. 

Bill Thomas

Bill Thomas (Twitter) is TechRadar's computing editor. They are fat, queer and extremely online. Computers are the devil, but they just happen to be a satanist. If you need to know anything about computing components, PC gaming or the best laptop on the market, don't be afraid to drop them a line on Twitter or through email.

Latest in CPU
AMD Ryzen AI
New leak suggests AMD's working on an Arm-based processor to rival Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series
AMD Ryzen 9950X3D chip next to its packaging on a pink table
Asus' AI Cache Boost promises to "pump up" your AMD Ryzen 9000 processor's AI performance
An AMD Ryzen processor slotted into a motherboard
Future AMD-powered gaming handhelds and notebooks could miss out on a key feature – and it might be a deal breaker for gamers
John Loeffler holding the Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Great news! The best gaming CPU ever made is finally available for its original launch price again
The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 could power the latest generation of powerful mini PCs
The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 dominates as the "most powerful" APU on the market, but its competition is questionable
Intel Lunar Lake concept
Intel's Panther Lake processors won't arrive until Q1 2026 - corroborates previous delay rumors despite former Intel CEO's promise of 2025 launch
Latest in News
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #1154)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #385)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 23 (game #651)
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold main display opened
Apple is rumored to be prioritizing battery life on the foldable iPhone – which could also feature a liquid metal hinge for added durability
Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 10 just showed up in Android code – and may come with a useful speed boost
L-mount alliance
Sirui joins L-Mount Alliance to deliver its superb budget lenses for Leica, DJI, Sigma and Panasonic cameras