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 G3900TE 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 G3900TE 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 G3900TE

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $343 less on MSRP ($42 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Delivers 17.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.0 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($42 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,850 vs 14,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 12 MB).

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +421.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+500% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 37.4 vs 44.0 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $42 MSRP).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Celeron G3900TE?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 421.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 678.2% 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 421.0% 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 678.2% 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 still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-9700K comes in 816.7% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $42 MSRP, and it still gives you a 421.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G3900TE only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 17.8% better value on paper (44.0 vs 37.4 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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 2015), 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 G3900TE vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G3900TE

The Celeron G3900TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,850 points. Launch price was $42.

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 Celeron G3900TE 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 2.3 GHz on the Celeron G3900TE versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 72.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K. The Celeron G3900TE uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3900TE scores 1,850 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 154.5% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Celeron G3900TE vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

Feature	Celeron G3900TE	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	8 / 8+300%
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz	4.9 GHz+113%
Base Clock	—	3.6 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB	12 MB (total)+500%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark	1,850	14,397+678%
Geekbench 6 Single	514	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	903	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Celeron G3900TE 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 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H110,Q170 (Celeron G3900TE) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

Feature	Celeron G3900TE	Core i7-9700K
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	DDR4-2666+25%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	128 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 510 (Celeron G3900TE) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3900TE targets Embedded, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Celeron G3900TE rivals Pentium G4400T.

Feature	Celeron G3900TE	Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 510	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Embedded	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3900TE was priced at $42, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($42 vs $385), Celeron G3900TE was $343 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3900TE delivers 44.0 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Celeron G3900TE the 16.3% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G3900TE	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$42-89%	$385
Performance per Dollar	44.0+18%	37.4
Release Date	2015	2018

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