Core 5 120UL vs Core i7-9700T
Core 5 120UL
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. 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 5 120UL
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700T
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 5 120UL | Core i7-9700T |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($270) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($276) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-PS (2024) / 10 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 5 120UL | Core i7-9700T |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+2%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($270) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($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 5 120UL and Core i7-9700T
Core 5 120UL
The Core 5 120UL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 April 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-PS (2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 10,558 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
The Core 5 120UL packs 10 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-9700T offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core 5 120UL has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core 5 120UL versus 4.3 GHz on the Core i7-9700T — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Core 5 120UL (base: 1.3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core 5 120UL uses the Raptor Lake-PS (2024) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-9700T uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core 5 120UL scores 10,558 against the Core i7-9700T's 10,618 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-9700T. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core 5 120UL | Core i7-9700T |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 12+25% | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz+7% | 4.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.3 GHz | 2 GHz+54% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 10 nm-29% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Raptor Lake-PS (2024) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 10,558 | 10,618 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 5 120UL uses the LGA1700 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-9700T uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core 5 120UL | Core i7-9700T |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+67% | 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 5 120UL) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700T). The Core i7-9700T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core 5 120UL requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700T targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core 5 120UL | 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 5 120UL launched at $277 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700T debuted at $323. At current prices ($270 vs $276), the Core 5 120UL is $6 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core 5 120UL delivers 39.1 pts/$ vs 38.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700T — making the Core 5 120UL the 1.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core 5 120UL | Core i7-9700T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $277-14% | $323 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $270-2% | $276 |
| Performance per Dollar | 39.1+2% | 38.5 |
| Release Date | 2024 | 2019 |
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