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.

Core i3-1115G4E 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.

Core i3-1115G4E 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.

Core i3-1115G4E

2020

Why buy it

✅Costs $172 less on MSRP ($213 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 (5,231 vs 14,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 24.6 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +155.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Delivers 52.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 24.6 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).
✅300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
80.8% HIGHER MSRP
$385 MSRPvs$213 MSRP
❌533.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Core i3-1115G4E?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 155.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 175.2% better PassMark, 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 155.5% 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 175.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 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 80.8% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $213 MSRP, and it still gives you a 155.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 52.3% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 24.6 PassMark/$), 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 i3-1115G4E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2018). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-1115G4E vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-1115G4E

The Core i3-1115G4E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, LPDDR4X. Passmark benchmark score: 5,231 points. Launch price was $285.

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 Core i3-1115G4E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-1115G4E versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 22.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 2.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-1115G4E uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1115G4E scores 5,231 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 93.4% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-1115G4E vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

Feature	Core i3-1115G4E	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	8 / 8+300%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	4.9 GHz+26%
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+64%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	10 nm-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021)	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark	5,231	14,397+175%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,506	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1115G4E uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i3-1115G4E versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i3-1115G4E supports 20% 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. PCIe lanes: 4 (Core i3-1115G4E) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i7-9700K offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-1115G4E	Core i7-9700K
Socket	FCBGA1449	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+20%	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	128 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	4	16+300%

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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. Only the Core i3-1115G4E supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-1115G4E) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics for 11th Gen (48 EU) (Core i3-1115G4E) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1115G4E targets Embedded, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-1115G4E rivals Ryzen Embedded V2516.

Feature	Core i3-1115G4E	Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics for 11th Gen (48 EU)	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Embedded	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-1115G4E was priced at $213, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($213 vs $385), Core i3-1115G4E was $172 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-1115G4E delivers 24.6 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 41.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-1115G4E	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$213-45%	$385
Performance per Dollar	24.6	37.4+52%
Release Date	2020	2018

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