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 i3-1220P 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 i3-1220P 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 i3-1220P

2022

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $135 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Delivers 55.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 58.0 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Draws 28W instead of 95W, a 67W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 14,496).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 37.4 vs 58.0 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
❌239.3% higher power demand at 95W vs 28W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Core i3-1220P moves to FCBGA1744 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-1220P better than Core i7-9700K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-9700K is ahead with a 14.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-1220P pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-1220P is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 12 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-1220P is the better buy right now. Core i3-1220P comes in $135 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $385 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-9700K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 14.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 55.1% better value on MSRP (58.0 vs 37.4 PassMark/$), 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 i3-1220P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2018), a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 12 threads instead of 8/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i3-1220P vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-1220P

The Core i3-1220P is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 14,496 points. Launch price was $149.

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 i3-1220P packs 10 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i3-1220P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i3-1220P versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 1.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-1220P uses the Alder Lake-P (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1220P scores 14,496 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-1220P. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-1220P	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	10 / 12+25%	8 / 8
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz	4.9 GHz+11%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	3.6 GHz+140%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-P (2022)	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark	14,496	14,397
Cinebench R23 Multi	10,921	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,971	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	8,056	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1220P uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i3-1220P versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i3-1220P supports 80% 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: 20 (Core i3-1220P) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i3-1220P offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 600 series (Core i3-1220P) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

Feature	Core i3-1220P	Core i7-9700K
Socket	FCBGA1744	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800+80%	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	128 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20+25%	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 — UHD Graphics 64EU (Core i3-1220P) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-1220P targets Workstation, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i3-1220P rivals Ryzen 3 5425U.

Feature	Core i3-1220P	Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 64EU	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Workstation	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-1220P was priced at $250, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($250 vs $385), Core i3-1220P was $135 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-1220P delivers 58.0 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i3-1220P the 43.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-1220P	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$250-35%	$385
Performance per Dollar	58.0+55%	37.4
Release Date	2022	2018

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