CPU
GPU
Core 3 N355
Core i7-9700T
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core 3 N355 is positioned at rank #625 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 3 N355
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 3 N355 | Core i7-9700T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) | ✅ More affordable ($276) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Twin Lake (2024−2025) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 3 N355 | Core i7-9700T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+10%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($300) | ✅ More affordable ($276) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 3 N355 and Core i7-9700T
Core 3 N355
The Core 3 N355 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Twin Lake (2024−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 10,502 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i7-9700T
The Core i7-9700T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 10,618 points. Launch price was $323.
Processing Power
Both the Core 3 N355 and Core i7-9700T share an identical 8-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core 3 N355 versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i7-9700T — a 9.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700T (base: 0.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core 3 N355 uses the Twin Lake (2024−2025) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-9700T uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 3 N355 scores 10,502 against the Core i7-9700T's 10,618 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-9700T. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core 3 N355 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700T.
| Feature | Core 3 N355 | Core i7-9700T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 4.3 GHz+10% |
| Base Clock | 0.1 GHz | 2 GHz+1900% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 12 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB (total)+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Twin Lake (2024−2025) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 10,502 | 10,618+1% |
Memory & Platform
The Core 3 N355 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-9700T uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 3 N355 | Core i7-9700T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1264 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core 3 N355) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700T). The Core i7-9700T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core 3 N355 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700T targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core 3 N355 | Core i7-9700T |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core 3 N355 launched at $300 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700T debuted at $323. At current prices ($300 vs $276), the Core i7-9700T is $24 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 3 N355 delivers 35.0 pts/$ vs 38.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700T — making the Core i7-9700T the 9.4% better value option.
| Feature | Core 3 N355 | Core i7-9700T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300-7% | $323 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $300 | $276-8% |
| Performance per Dollar | 35.0 | 38.5+10% |
| Release Date | 2025 | 2019 |
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