On April 30 of this year, Intel officially launched its 10th generation Core processors for the desktop market, codenamed Comet Lake-S. From the specifications, this time the 10th generation Core has undergone a comprehensive upgrade, and the pricing in China is lower than that of the 9th generation. This means more power at a lower price. So, what are the highlights of the 10th generation Core? Is it worth choosing? After reading our detailed analysis, you will find the answer.
Comprehensive Upgrades! 10th Generation Core Frequency/Thread Count Soars
The 10th generation Core has broken limits in processor frequency, with a maximum turbo frequency reaching 5.3GHz.
The 10th generation Core has significantly upgraded its frequency, thread count, core count, and memory support.
Overall, the 10th generation desktop Core processors have improved from a maximum of 8 cores and 16 threads with 16MB of cache in the 9th generation to a maximum of 10 cores and 20 threads with 20MB of cache in the 10th generation. Notably, from i9 to Pentium, all 10th generation Core processors now support hyper-threading, effectively doubling the multi-threading performance across the board, which is a significant upgrade.
We know that frequency has always been Intel’s advantage, and the Core processors deliver unparalleled gaming performance in this regard. The 10th generation Core further enhances the operating frequency compared to the 9th generation, with the new Thermal Velocity Boost technology allowing the Core i9 10900K to reach a maximum turbo frequency of 5.3GHz, showing a clear advantage. We also noticed that there are as many as six models in the 10th generation Core that exceed a maximum turbo frequency of 5GHz, suggesting that the 10th generation Core will undoubtedly become a new weapon for gamers.
In terms of memory, the 10th generation Core has also undergone a significant upgrade, with the maximum supported frequency increased from 2666MHz in the 9th generation to 2933MHz. Of course, with a Z490 motherboard, it can also be overclocked or use XMP mode, supporting up to DDR4 5000+, allowing for higher memory bandwidth and lower data latency in software and games. Additionally, the 10th generation Core has upgraded peripheral functions, with standard support for Thunderbolt 3 interfaces, Wi-Fi 6 wireless network cards, and 2.5G (Intel i225 Foxville) network cards. Some flagship Z490 motherboards even come equipped with 10Gbps network cards, which are very practical features for enthusiasts and professional users. Moreover, besides the versions with integrated graphics, the 10th generation Core also includes the F series without integrated graphics, providing a more cost-effective option for gamers using dedicated graphics cards.
In summary, Intel’s 10th generation Core upgrade is indeed very sincere. Next, let’s analyze why the 10th generation Core has undergone such an upgrade.
10th Generation Core Upgrades Focused on Efficiency and Experience
★ High Frequency Boosts Gaming/Work Efficiency!
With high frequency and numerous cores, the flagship 10th generation Core has no shortcomings.
The strong ecosystem support, with numerous productivity tools and games optimized for the 10th generation Core.
High frequency has always been Intel’s strength, and in this regard, it can be said to be unmatched. The Core i9 9900KS from the previous 9th generation was praised by gamers as the “golden gaming CPU” due to its all-core 5GHz ultra-high frequency. Additionally, for professional designers, the higher single-core frequency of the Core i9 can also achieve greater efficiency in many design software (such as After Effects, AutoCAD, SketchUp, etc.). Therefore, in the 10th generation Core, Intel certainly aims to maintain and enhance this advantage, with the Core i9 10900K’s maximum turbo frequency reaching 5.3GHz, which is 300MHz higher than the 9th generation’s maximum of 5GHz—a substantial increase. Moreover, from the entire product line perspective, there are six models in the 10th generation Core desktop processors with maximum turbo frequencies exceeding 5GHz, showcasing a comprehensive effort.
★ Cutting-Edge Technology Redefines Overclocking
The 10th generation Core i9/i7 supports the new Turbo Boost Max 3.0, selecting the best two cores to operate at higher frequencies.
The 10th generation Core features new overclocking enhancement technology, supporting individual core hyper-threading settings.
The new thin chip soldering thermal interface material technology provides better heat dissipation for the 10th generation Core, keeping working temperatures lower.
Of course, the default maximum turbo frequency of 5.3GHz is not the limit of the 10th generation Core. We all know that one of the characteristics of Intel processors is their overclocking capability! This time, the 10th generation Core has also introduced cutting-edge technologies, such as the new Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technology, which can automatically select the two best cores to boost frequency without increasing voltage, effectively reducing power consumption and leaving more room for turbo boost acceleration to achieve stronger performance. The new Thermal Velocity Boost (TVB) acceleration technology can automatically enhance the frequency of a single core based on how long the 10th generation Core operates at the maximum temperature, and whether there is remaining turbo boost power limit. The specific boost amplitude and duration depend on the workload, processor specifications, and cooling conditions. The new overclocking enhancement technology allows for hyper-threading settings for each core and free adjustment of PEG/DMI frequencies, along with voltage and frequency curve adjustments in XTU, giving enthusiasts more room to unleash the ultimate potential of the 10th generation Core K series.
Furthermore, we know that overclocking inevitably leads to higher heat generation, but this time the 10th generation Core K series has adopted the new thin chip soldering thermal interface material technology, which provides better thermal conductivity compared to traditional soldering and thermal paste filling, resulting in lower working temperatures and better overclocking potential. In summary, the overclocking capabilities of the 10th generation Core are indeed exciting, allowing it to excel in frequency performance. Choosing a high-frequency 10th generation Core will result in higher execution efficiency and smoother operation in many large games and professional design software.
★ Thread Count Doubled, Mainstream Models’ Competitiveness Soars
The 10th generation Core has popularized hyper-threading across the board, greatly enhancing the competitiveness of mainstream models.
The increased core/thread count of the 10th generation Core also yields higher execution efficiency in large games.
The increased processor resources of the 10th generation Core also translate to a better gaming experience.
For many professional software applications, the more processor cores/threads, the higher the execution efficiency. Therefore, the 10th generation Core has not only upgraded the core count for flagship models like the Core i9 but has also doubled the thread count for Core i7/i5/i3 (by adding hyper-threading technology). This upgrade not only enhances the frequency advantage of flagship Core i9 but also significantly benefits Core i7/i5/i3. With the hyper-threading upgrade, the 10th generation Core i7/i5/i3 will have no shortcomings in multi-threading performance, whether for professional design or gaming applications, providing a clear advantage.
Of course, the most eye-catching is the mainstream product of the 10th generation Core, such as the Core i5 10400F, which has 6 cores and 12 threads priced at only 1399 yuan, making it very competitive among similar products. It can be seen that the 10th generation Core has achieved a perfect combination of high frequency and multi-threading specifications, making it more adaptable to both gaming and professional software (some professional software relies on high single-core frequency, while others depend on core/thread count), providing excellent execution efficiency in various applications. Users no longer need to choose between core count and operating frequency; choosing the 10th generation Core is a one-stop solution.
A Good Horse Needs a Good Saddle: Z490 Strong Support
Major motherboard manufacturers have launched a large number of high-quality Z490 motherboards, specifically optimized for the 10th generation Core.
Flagship Z490 motherboards provide excellent power supply and heat dissipation, offering strong hardware support for extreme overclocking of the 10th generation Core flagship.
Intel has launched Z490 chipset motherboards for the 10th generation Core (other 400 series motherboards will also be released soon), which is the flagship among the 400 series motherboards, providing better support for overclocking the 10th generation Core K series processors.
Of course, major motherboard manufacturers have promptly introduced products featuring the Z490 chipset, and this time we can see unprecedented support from motherboard manufacturers, indicating their confidence in the 10th generation Core’s market performance. For example, Gigabyte and ASUS’s flagship Z490 motherboards feature luxurious upgrades in processor power supply, with single-phase outputs reaching 90A, and are equipped with powerful heat dissipation systems, making them perfect for enthusiasts looking to push the limits of the 10th generation Core flagship.
For mainstream performance-level gamers, there are also affordable Z490 motherboards available. It’s worth noting that the TDP of the 10th generation Core K series Core i9/i7/i5 is only 125W. For those not overclocking or doing light overclocking, mainstream Z490 motherboards can easily handle the workload, allowing users to enjoy the excellent experience brought by high core count and frequency. For non-K models like the Core i7 10700/Core i5 10400, the TDP is only 65W, making it easy to install in uniquely designed mini cases without any cooling issues, thus making MATX/ITX Z490 boards a good choice. For those wanting to try the 10th generation Core, this combination is worth considering. Of course, for those not overclocking and seeking the best price-to-performance ratio, waiting for the mainstream 400 series motherboards to hit the market and pairing them with Core i5 10400F/Core i3 10100 will also be a great option.
Conclusion: The 10th Generation Core Upgrade is Full of Sincerity, High Efficiency for Gaming and Work
From the previous analysis, it can be seen that Intel’s 10th generation Core upgrade is indeed sincere, especially the enhancements in frequency and the doubling of threads effectively eliminate users’ concerns about whether to choose high frequency or multi-core—both are provided at a price lower than the launch price of the 9th generation Core! Therefore, whether gaming or professional software is sensitive to frequency or core count, the 10th generation Core can deliver better execution efficiency. Moreover, Intel processors are renowned for their stability and compatibility. Overall, the 10th generation Core is a product without shortcomings and is bound to become a hot item in the market.
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