Intel Core i5 1038NG7 vs Intel Core i9 9900KS: The Battle of the CPUs – Who Will Come Out on Top?

What To Know

  • The i9 9900KS boasts an impressive 8 cores and 16 threads, while the i5 1038NG7 offers a more modest 4 cores and 8 threads.
  • While the i9 9900KS has a higher base and boost clock speed, the i5 1038NG7’s integrated graphics provide a significant advantage in tasks requiring graphical processing, such as video playback and light gaming.
  • If you’re on a tight budget and need a processor for everyday tasks and light gaming, the i5 1038NG7 offers a compelling value proposition.

Choosing the right CPU for your computer build can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a wide range of options. Today, we’ll delve into a head-to-head comparison of two popular choices: the Intel Core i5 1038NG7 and the **Intel Core i9 9900KS**. This comprehensive analysis will help you understand their strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to make an informed decision for your specific needs.

Understanding the Core i5 1038NG7 and Core i9 9900KS

Before diving into the comparison, let’s briefly understand the key features of each processor:
Intel Core i5 1038NG7:

  • Architecture: 10th Generation Intel Core (Ice Lake)
  • Cores/Threads: 4 cores / 8 threads
  • Base Clock Speed: 1.8 GHz
  • Boost Clock Speed: 3.8 GHz
  • Integrated Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics
  • TDP: 15W
  • Target Audience: Ultrabooks, thin and light laptops

Intel Core i9 9900KS:

  • Architecture: 9th Generation Intel Core (Coffee Lake Refresh)
  • Cores/Threads: 8 cores / 16 threads
  • Base Clock Speed: 4.0 GHz
  • Boost Clock Speed: 5.0 GHz (all cores)
  • Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • TDP: 95W
  • Target Audience: High-end gaming PCs, content creation workstations

Core Count and Performance: A Clear Advantage for the i9 9900KS

The most obvious difference lies in the core count. The i9 9900KS boasts an impressive 8 cores and 16 threads, while the i5 1038NG7 offers a more modest 4 cores and 8 threads. This core advantage translates to significantly better performance in multi-threaded tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and demanding gaming.
While the i5 1038NG7 can handle light gaming and everyday tasks, the i9 9900KS excels in demanding scenarios, offering a noticeable performance boost for tasks that can leverage multiple cores.

Clock Speed and Boost Performance: A Close Race

Both processors offer impressive clock speeds. The i9 9900KS boasts a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz and a remarkable boost clock speed of 5.0 GHz across all cores. The i5 1038NG7, despite its lower core count, achieves a respectable boost clock speed of 3.8 GHz.
While the i9 9900KS has a higher base and boost clock speed, the i5 1038NG7’s integrated graphics provide a significant advantage in tasks requiring graphical processing, such as video playback and light gaming.

Integrated Graphics: A Clear Victory for the i5 1038NG7

The i5 1038NG7 features Intel Iris Plus Graphics, a powerful integrated graphics solution that outperforms the Intel UHD Graphics 630 found in the i9 9900KS. This translates to smoother video playback, better performance in less demanding games, and enhanced multimedia capabilities.
If you’re looking for a processor that can handle basic gaming without a dedicated graphics card, the i5 1038NG7’s integrated graphics offer a compelling advantage.

Power Consumption and Thermal Design Power (TDP): A Significant Difference

The i5 1038NG7 is a low-power processor with a TDP of 15W, making it ideal for thin and light laptops and ultra-portable devices. On the other hand, the i9 9900KS has a TDP of 95W, requiring more power and generating more heat.
This difference in power consumption and TDP translates to a significant impact on battery life in laptops and cooling requirements in desktop PCs. The i5 1038NG7’s low TDP allows for longer battery life and quieter operation, while the i9 9900KS demands a more robust cooling solution to manage its higher heat output.

Price and Availability: A Reflection of Performance

The i9 9900KS is a premium processor, reflecting its high performance and features in its price tag. While the i5 1038NG7 is more affordable, its lower price point reflects its targeted audience and performance capabilities.
When choosing between the two, consider your budget and the specific tasks you intend to perform. If you’re on a tight budget and need a processor for everyday tasks and light gaming, the i5 1038NG7 offers a compelling value proposition. However, if you demand the highest levels of performance for demanding gaming, content creation, or professional workloads, the i9 9900KS is the clear choice despite its higher price.

Choosing the Right Processor

So, which processor is right for you? The answer depends on your specific needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown:
Choose the Intel Core i5 1038NG7 if:

  • You’re looking for a processor for a thin and light laptop or ultrabook.
  • You need a processor with long battery life.
  • You prioritize affordability and need a processor for everyday tasks and light gaming.
  • You value integrated graphics performance.

Choose the Intel Core i9 9900KS if:

  • You need a processor for demanding gaming, content creation, or professional workloads.
  • You’re willing to invest in a premium processor for the highest performance levels.
  • You’re comfortable with higher power consumption and heat output.
  • You prioritize raw processing power and core count.

Beyond the Comparison: A Look at the Future

While the i5 1038NG7 and i9 9900KS are powerful processors, the landscape of CPUs is constantly evolving. Newer generations of processors are being released with advancements in core count, clock speed, and power efficiency.
As technology advances, it’s crucial to consider the long-term viability of your chosen processor. While the i9 9900KS offers impressive performance, it’s important to note that it’s a previous generation processor. Newer processors might offer better performance and features at a similar price point.

The Final Verdict: A Matter of Priorities

The choice between the Intel Core i5 1038NG7 and the **Intel Core i9 9900KS** ultimately boils down to your priorities. If you’re looking for a powerful, multi-core processor for demanding tasks, the i9 9900KS is the winner. However, if you prioritize affordability, long battery life, and integrated graphics performance, the i5 1038NG7 is a compelling choice.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Can I upgrade the i5 1038NG7 to an i9 9900KS later?
A: No, you cannot upgrade the i5 1038NG7 to an i9 9900KS. The two processors use different sockets and are not compatible with each other.
Q: Which processor is better for gaming?
A: The i9 9900KS offers significantly better performance in demanding games due to its higher core count and clock speed. However, the i5 1038NG7 can handle less demanding games with its integrated graphics.
Q: Which processor is better for video editing?
A: The i9 9900KS is the better choice for video editing due to its higher core count and processing power. It can handle complex video editing tasks more efficiently.
Q: Is there a significant difference in power consumption between the two processors?
A: Yes, the i5 1038NG7 has a significantly lower TDP of 15W compared to the i9 9900KS’s 95W. This translates to longer battery life in laptops and lower power consumption in desktops.
Q: Which processor is better for everyday tasks?
A: Both processors can handle everyday tasks effectively. However, the i5 1038NG7 might be a better choice for everyday tasks that don’t require heavy processing power, as it offers a more affordable price point and longer battery life in laptops.