Celeron G1820 vs Core i7-9700K

Intel

Celeron G1820

2 Cores2 Thrd54 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018
Similar parts
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Celeron G1820 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.

Celeron G1820 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.

Celeron G1820 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.

Celeron G1820

2013

Why buy it

  • Costs $275 less on MSRP ($110 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
  • Draws 54W instead of 95W, a 41W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (1,696 vs 14,397).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 15.4 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($110 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +460.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +500% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 2 MB).
  • Delivers 142.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 15.4 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $110 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • 250% HIGHER MSRP
    $385 MSRPvs$110 MSRP
  • 75.9% higher power demand at 95W vs 54W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Celeron G1820?
Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 460.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 748.9% 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 460.3% 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 748.9% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 500% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 2 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 250.0% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $110 MSRP, and it still gives you a 460.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 142.5% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 15.4 PassMark/$), 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 2013), 500% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 2 MB), 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.

Celeron G1820 vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron G1820

The Celeron G1820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 December 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,696 points. Launch price was $110.

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 Celeron G1820 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 2.7 GHz on the Celeron G1820 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 57.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Celeron G1820 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G1820 scores 1,696 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 157.8% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron G1820 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

FeatureCeleron G1820Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
8 / 8+300%
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz
4.9 GHz+81%
Base Clock
2.7 GHz
3.6 GHz+33%
L3 Cache
2 MB
12 MB (total)+500%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
22 nm
14 nm-36%
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark
1,696
14,397+749%
Geekbench 6 Single
496
Geekbench 6 Multi
910
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G1820 uses the LGA1150 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 DDR3-1333 on the Celeron G1820 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i7-9700K supports 100% 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: H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Celeron G1820) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

FeatureCeleron G1820Core i7-9700K
Socket
LGA1150
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
DDR4-2666+100%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
128 GB+300%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
Yes
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: VT-x (Celeron G1820) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics (Haswell) (Celeron G1820) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G1820 targets Budget, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G1820 rivals Pentium G3220.

FeatureCeleron G1820Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics (Haswell)
UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Budget
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G1820 was priced at $110, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($110 vs $385), Celeron G1820 was $275 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G1820 delivers 15.4 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 83.2% better value option.

FeatureCeleron G1820Core i7-9700K
MSRP
$110-71%
$385
Performance per Dollar
15.4
37.4+143%
Release Date
2013
2018

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