A9-9425 vs Core i7-9700K

AMD

A9-9425

2 Cores2 Thrd15 WWMax: 3.7 GHz2016
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018
Similar parts
·······

A9-9425 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.

A9-9425 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.

A9-9425 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.

A9-9425

2016

Why buy it

  • Costs $235 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
  • Draws 15W instead of 95W, a 80W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (1,518 vs 14,397).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.1 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +507.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Delivers 269.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 10.1 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
  • 100% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 8) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 156.7% HIGHER MSRP
    $385 MSRPvs$150 MSRP
  • 533.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than A9-9425?
Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 507.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 848.4% 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 507.0% 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 848.4% 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 $150 MSRP, and it still gives you a 507.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 269.5% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 10.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-9700K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2016) 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.

A9-9425 vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A9-9425

The A9-9425 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 31 May 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT4. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 1,518 points. Launch price was $69.

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 (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 A9-9425 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 3.7 GHz on the A9-9425 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 27.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The A9-9425 uses the Stoney Ridge (2016−2019) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A9-9425 scores 1,518 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 161.8% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A9-9425 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

FeatureA9-9425Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
8 / 8+300%
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz
4.9 GHz+32%
Base Clock
3.1 GHz
3.6 GHz+16%
L3 Cache
0 kB
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
256K (per core)+25500%
Process
28 nm
14 nm-50%
Architecture
Stoney Ridge (2016−2019)
Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark
1,518
14,397+848%
Geekbench 6 Single
422
Geekbench 6 Multi
724
🧠

Memory & Platform

The A9-9425 uses the FT4 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 DDR4-2133 on the A9-9425 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i7-9700K supports 25% 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 8 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (A9-9425) vs 2 (Core i7-9700K). PCIe lanes: 8 (A9-9425) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i7-9700K offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (A9-9425) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

FeatureA9-9425Core i7-9700K
Socket
FT4
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2133
DDR4-2666+25%
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
128 GB+1500%
RAM Channels
1
2+100%
ECC Support
No
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 (A9-9425) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). Both include integrated graphics Radeon R5 (Stoney Ridge) (A9-9425) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A9-9425 targets Budget Laptop, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: A9-9425 rivals Pentium N4200.

FeatureA9-9425Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon R5 (Stoney Ridge)
UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget Laptop
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A9-9425 was priced at $150, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($150 vs $385), A9-9425 was $235 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A9-9425 delivers 10.1 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 114.8% better value option.

FeatureA9-9425Core i7-9700K
MSRP
$150-61%
$385
Performance per Dollar
10.1
37.4+270%
Release Date
2016
2018

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.