Intel’s Core i9-9990XE is Real! Intel Brings 5GHz to X299!

In late 2018, Intel launched their 9th Generation of X299 processors, a refresh of their existing 7th Generation Skylake-X processors with boosted clock speeds, soldered TIM and the platform’s full allotment of PCIe lanes across the lineup. 

Earlier this week, rumours started to emerge regarding a new processor called the i9-9990XE, an ultra-high-end X299 processor that would deliver clock speeds that are higher than the rest of Intel’s X-series, bringing 5GHz boost clock speeds to Intel’s HEDT offerings for the first time. 

The i9-9990XE features a base clock speed of 4.0GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.0GHz, bringing the TDP of the processor to 255W, a staggering increase over the 18-core 19-9980XE, which features a TDP of 165W. The i9-9990XE will also feature a core count of 14, making this processor a beefed up version of the i9-9940X. 

Intel has confirmed that this processor will not receive a retail release, with stock allocations being restricted to closed online auctions. This processor is designed with the financial services market in mind, and as such will be produced in limited quantities. Below is Intel’s full statement about the processor, as given to Anandtech.