A4-3420 vs Core i7-9700K

CPU

GPU

A4-3420

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2011

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Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018

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A4-3420 vs Core i7-9700K Performance Spectrum

A4-3420

2 / 2

1,067

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-9700K

8 / 8

14,397

+1249.3%

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.

A4-3420 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.

A4-3420 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.

A4-3420

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $320 less on MSRP ($65 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-9700K.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,067 vs 14,397).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.4 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($65 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +743.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Delivers 127.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 16.4 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $65 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌
492.3% HIGHER MSRP
$385 MSRPvs$65 MSRP
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A4-3420.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than A4-3420?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 743.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1249.3% 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 743.8% 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 1249.3% 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 492.3% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $65 MSRP, and it still gives you a 743.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 127.8% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 16.4 PassMark/$), 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 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A4-3420 vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

A4-3420

The A4-3420 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,067 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.

⚡

Processing Power

The A4-3420 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 2.8 GHz on the A4-3420 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 54.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The A4-3420 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A4-3420 scores 1,067 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 172.4% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A4-3420 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

Feature	A4-3420	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	8 / 8+300%
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz	4.9 GHz+75%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.6 GHz+29%
L3 Cache	0 kB	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB (per core)+100%	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark	1,067	14,397+1249%
Geekbench 6 Single	300	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	500	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The A4-3420 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the A4-3420 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — 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 32 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75,A85X (A4-3420) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

Feature	A4-3420	Core i7-9700K
Socket	FM1	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2666+67%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	128 GB+300%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

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 (A4-3420) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6410D (A4-3420) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-3420 targets Entry Desktop, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: A4-3420 rivals Pentium G630.

Feature	A4-3420	Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Radeon HD 6410D	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	AMD-V	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Entry Desktop	Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A4-3420 was priced at $65, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($65 vs $385), A4-3420 was $320 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A4-3420 delivers 16.4 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 78% better value option.

Feature	A4-3420	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$65-83%	$385
Performance per Dollar	16.4	37.4+128%
Release Date	2011	2018

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