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 i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.

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 i7-9700K

#575

Core i7-4770R

MSRP: $360|Avg: $89

102%

#576

Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition

MSRP: $990|Avg: $175

102%

#577

Ryzen Threadripper 1950

MSRP: $999|Avg: $300

102%

#578

Ryzen 3 PRO 4350GE

MSRP: $149|Avg: N/A

102%

#579

Core i5-10500

MSRP: $200|Avg: $178

102%

#580

Celeron G6900T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $50

102%

#581

Core i9-10850K

MSRP: $453|Avg: $300

102%

#582

Pentium E5700

MSRP: $75|Avg: $15

102%

#583

Core i9-13900E

MSRP: $554|Avg: $554

102%

#584

Core i9-9820X

MSRP: $889|Avg: $280

102%

#585

Core i7-4960X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $136

101%

#586

Athlon II X4 620e

MSRP: $99|Avg: $40

101%

#587

Phenom X3 8750

MSRP: $195|Avg: $20

100%

#588

Core i9-9900X

MSRP: $989|Avg: $300

100%

#589

Athlon II X2 250

MSRP: $87|Avg: $15

100%

#590

Core i7-9700K

MSRP: $385|Avg: $200

100%

#591

Athlon II X2 235e

MSRP: $69|Avg: $15

100%

#592

Core i5-4570T

MSRP: $195|Avg: $45

99%

#593

Core i7-4770K

MSRP: $339|Avg: $100

99%

#594

FX-6120

MSRP: $188|Avg: $54

99%

#595

Core i3-10320

MSRP: $154|Avg: $140

99%

#596

Core i5-9600KF

MSRP: $262|Avg: $150

99%

#597

Pentium G3430

MSRP: $116|Avg: $30

98%

#598

Ryzen 3 PRO 5355GE

MSRP: $180|Avg: $180

98%

#599

Pentium D 820

MSRP: $241|Avg: $20

98%

#600

Core i7-14701TE

MSRP: $392|Avg: $390

98%

#601

Core i7-975

MSRP: $999|Avg: $50

98%

#602

Pentium D 915

MSRP: $74|Avg: $10

98%

#603

Core i9-11900KF

MSRP: $513|Avg: $349

98%

#604

Core i3-12100TE

MSRP: $149|Avg: N/A

97%

#605

Athlon Silver 3050GE

MSRP: $75|Avg: $65

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

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

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-9700K specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K 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 4.9 GHz from a base frequency of 3.6 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 14,397, placing it in the Budget performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-9700K
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	8C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4.9 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.6 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
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	14,397

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K 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 i7-9700K
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	Intel 300 series
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-9700K is primarily designed for Desktop. It features an unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock beyond stock frequencies for additional performance. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i7-9700K
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	✅ Unlocked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-9700K has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i7-9700K
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	95 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $200 (MSRP: $385), the Core i7-9700K delivers 72 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #1045 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-9700K
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$385
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$200
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$374
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1045
Release DateLaunch date	19 October 2018 (7 years ago)
Release Year	2018
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel