Intel Core i9-11900KB vs 11900K: Tiger Lake vs Rocket Lake Variant – What’s the Difference?

Last week, Intel “secretly” released a series of 11th Intel Core processors that are based on the 10nm node process and Tiger Lake architecture. In theory, this should be better and perhaps more efficient than the Rocket Lake CPUs that are based on a 14nm+++ process. These Tiger Lake processors are denoted by a “B” on their SKUs. So, the “flagship” of this new series is the Intel Core i9-11900KB. Currently, there are only four: the i9-11900KB, i7-11700B, i5-11500B, and i3-11100B. So what’s the difference between the Tiger Lake vs the Rocket Lake Core i9 CPU? Continue reading below…

Intel Core i9-1100KB Tiger Lake – What’s The Deal Here?

The specs are already published by Intel. So, the Core i9-11900KB is a desktop CPU that features 8 cores and 16 threads. That’s similar to the Core i9-11900(K/F) and Core i7-11700(K/F) when it comes to core and thread count. However, the Core i9-11900KB is based on Intel’s 10nm SuperFin fab process, meaning they are basically “Tiger Lake” processors and not Rocket Lake.

If you are familiar with Intel’s lineup, Tiger Lake is currently used on Intel-powered (gaming) laptops. It’s Intel’s answer to AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series 7nm mobile CPUs based on Zen3 architecture.

Going back to the topic, the Intel Core i9-11900KB features a base clock speed of 3.30GHz with a Thermal Velocity Boost Frequency of 5.30GHz. The i9-11900KB also has a Max Turbo Frequency of 4.90GHz. Both the max turbo and base clock are lower compared to the i9-11900K.

Here comes the good part about these new B-series CPUs. Since it is based on the 10nm node, the Core i9-11900KB has a TDP of only 65W; with a “configurable TDP-down” of 55W. On the flip side, the i9-11900K has a TDP of 125W. That’s a huge difference!

Sound good! But wait, there must be a catch, right?

Well, Unfortunately…

Well, before you get excited and if you’re hoping you can get an i9-11900KB for your brand new Z590 motherboard; unfortunately it may not be possible. All the new 11th gen Rocket Lake desktop CPUs use FC-LGA 1200 socket. The same with the 10th gen Intel Core Comet Lake CPUs. These new B-series Tiger Lake CPUs uses FC-BGA 1787 socket that is usually used on NUCs and other specific-use desktop PCs.

So, no, you can’t just get one and install it on your Z590 motherboard. Not unless Intel decides to release a similar product that is compatible with socket LGA 1200. Will that happen? Who knows, I don’t know either. But unless Intel does something about their current lineup, it may be difficult for them to compete with AMD’s current Ryzen Zen3 CPUs.

Intel Core i9-11900KB vs 11900K Specs Comparison

Intel Core Tiger Lake Desktop CPU Specifications