A10-7300 vs Core i7-9700K

AMD

A10-7300

4 Cores4 Thrd4 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2014
VS
Intel

Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018

A10-7300 vs Core i7-9700K Performance Spectrum

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.

A10-7300 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.

A10-7300 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.

A10-7300

2014

Why buy it

  • βœ…Costs $235 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
  • βœ…Draws 4W instead of 95W, a 91W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Lower PassMark (1,736 vs 14,397).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.6 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +443.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…Delivers 223.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 11.6 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • ❌
    156.7% HIGHER MSRP
    $385 MSRPvs$150 MSRP
  • ❌2275% higher power demand at 95W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than A10-7300?
Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 443.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 729.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, 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 443.2% 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 729.3% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.
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 156.7% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $150 MSRP, and it still gives you a 443.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 223.1% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 11.6 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-9700K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A10-7300 vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A10-7300

The A10-7300 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kaveri (2014βˆ’2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP3. Thermal design power (TDP): 4 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,736 points. Launch price was $130.

Intel

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 (2018βˆ’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.

⚑

Processing Power

The A10-7300 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads β€” the Core i7-9700K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the A10-7300 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K β€” a 42% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 1.9 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The A10-7300 uses the Kaveri (2014βˆ’2015) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018βˆ’2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A10-7300 scores 1,736 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 β€” a 157% lead for the Core i7-9700K.

FeatureA10-7300Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
4.9 GHz+53%
Base Clock
1.9 GHz
3.6 GHz+89%
L3 Cache
β€”
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
4096 kB+1500%
256K (per core)
Process
28 nm
14 nm-50%
Architecture
Kaveri (2014βˆ’2015)
Coffee Lake-R (2018βˆ’2019)
PassMark
1,736
14,397+729%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The A10-7300 uses the FP3 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the A10-7300 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K β€” the Core i7-9700K supports 66.6% 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 16 GB β€” 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FP3 (A10-7300) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

FeatureA10-7300Core i7-9700K
Socket
FP3
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR4-2666+67%
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
128 GB+700%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking β€” a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-7300) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). Both include integrated graphics β€” Radeon R6 (A10-7300) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) β€” useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-7300 targets Laptop, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: A10-7300 rivals Core i3-4010U.

FeatureA10-7300Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon R6
UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Laptop
Desktop
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the A10-7300 was priced at $150, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($150 vs $385), A10-7300 was $235 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A10-7300 delivers 11.6 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K β€” making the Core i7-9700K the 105.5% better value option.

FeatureA10-7300Core i7-9700K
MSRP
$150-61%
$385
Performance per Dollar
11.6
37.4+222%
Release Date
2014
2018

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