PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Overview

The Core i7-9700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,206 points. Launch price was $323.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700

#450

Ryzen 5 1600X

MSRP: $249|Avg: $144

103%

#451

Celeron G3930

MSRP: $42|Avg: $25

103%

#452

Core i9-14900KS

MSRP: $749|Avg: $670

103%

#453

Athlon II X2 280

MSRP: $50|Avg: $15

103%

#454

Athlon II X4 600e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $20

102%

#455

Core i7-6800K

MSRP: $434|Avg: $120

101%

#456

Core i3-3210

MSRP: $117|Avg: $25

101%

#457

Core i3-8100T

MSRP: $117|Avg: $59

101%

#458

Core i7-13700E

MSRP: $390|Avg: $380

101%

#459

A10-9700

MSRP: $169|Avg: $40

101%

#460

Athlon II X2 270

MSRP: $72|Avg: $15

101%

#461

Athlon X2 340

MSRP: $30|Avg: $15

101%

#462

Ryzen 7 PRO 5750G

MSRP: $430|Avg: $270

101%

#463

Core i3-7101E

MSRP: $117|Avg: $50

101%

#464

Athlon II X2 265

MSRP: $83|Avg: $15

100%

#465

Core i7-9700

MSRP: $333|Avg: $150

100%

#466

Core i5-13500TE

MSRP: $235|Avg: $250

100%

#467

Pentium E5200

MSRP: $84|Avg: $15

100%

#468

Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G

MSRP: $294|Avg: $76

100%

#469

Pentium G4600T

MSRP: $75|Avg: $35

99%

#470

Ryzen Threadripper 1920X

MSRP: $799|Avg: $265

99%

#471

Pentium G3450

MSRP: $82|Avg: $25

99%

#472

Athlon 64 X2 5800+

MSRP: $230|Avg: $20

99%

#473

Phenom II X4 850

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $28

99%

#474

Ryzen 7 PRO 5845

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

99%

#475

Athlon PRO 300GE

MSRP: $50|Avg: $50

99%

#476

Core i7-7820X

MSRP: $599|Avg: $198

99%

#477

Core i7-4790K

MSRP: $350|Avg: $93

98%

#478

Core i7-3770K

MSRP: $332|Avg: $75

98%

#479

Athlon Gold 3150G

MSRP: $100|Avg: $80

98%

#480

Core 2 Quad Q9400

MSRP: $229|Avg: $25

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-9700 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-9700 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700 is a 8-core / 8-thread processor based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4.7 GHz from a base frequency of 3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 12 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 13,206, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,570, while multi-core reaches 7,202. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 8,540.

Specification	Core i7-9700
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	8C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	12 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	178 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	13,206
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	8,540
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,570
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	7,202

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700 fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2666 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 128 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics 630 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i7-9700
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1151
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2666
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	128 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	UHD Graphics 630
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	LGA1151
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i7-9700
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-9700 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 65 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Stock.

Specification	Core i7-9700
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	65 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Stock

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $150 (MSRP: $333), the Core i7-9700 delivers 88 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1123 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-9700
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$333
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$150
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$323
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1123
Release DateLaunch date	23 April 2019 (6 years ago)
Release Year	2019
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel