3020e vs Core i7-9700K

CPU

GPU

3020e

2 Cores2 Thrd1 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2020

Similar parts

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Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018

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3020e vs Core i7-9700K Performance Spectrum

3020e

2 / 2

2,406

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-9700K

8 / 8

14,397

+498.4%

About PassMark

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.

3020e vs Core i7-9700K FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

3020e vs Core i7-9700K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

3020e

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $285 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Draws 1W instead of 95W, a 94W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,406 vs 14,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 24.1 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +321.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Delivers 55.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 24.1 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).
✅100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
285% HIGHER MSRP
$385 MSRPvs$100 MSRP
❌9400% higher power demand at 95W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than 3020e?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 321.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 498.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-9700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 321.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-9700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 498.4% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-9700K is the better buy right now. Core i7-9700K comes in 285.0% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 321.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 55.4% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 24.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

3020e makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2018). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

3020e vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

3020e

The 3020e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Dali (Zen) (2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FT5. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB + 4 MB. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,406 points. Launch price was $50.

Core i7-9700K

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.

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Processing Power

The 3020e packs 2 cores / 2 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the 3020e versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 61.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 1.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The 3020e uses the Dali (Zen) (2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the 3020e scores 2,406 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 142.7% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 4 MB on the 3020e vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

Feature	3020e	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	8 / 8+300%
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	4.9 GHz+88%
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+200%
L3 Cache	4 MB	12 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Dali (Zen) (2020)	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark	2,406	14,397+498%
Cinebench R23 Multi	480	—
Geekbench 6 Single	660	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,100	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The 3020e uses the FT5 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the 3020e versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i7-9700K supports 11.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-9700K supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 8 (3020e) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i7-9700K offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	3020e	Core i7-9700K
Socket	FT5	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2666+11%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	128 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	8	16+100%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (3020e) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon Graphics (Vega 3) (3020e) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: 3020e targets Entry Level Laptop, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: 3020e rivals Celeron N4020.

Feature	3020e	Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Radeon Graphics (Vega 3)	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Entry Level Laptop	Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the 3020e was priced at $100, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($100 vs $385), 3020e was $285 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the 3020e delivers 24.1 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 43.4% better value option.

Feature	3020e	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$100-74%	$385
Performance per Dollar	24.1	37.4+55%
Release Date	2020	2018

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