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 i5-14400F 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 i5-14400F 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 i5-14400F

2024

Why buy it

✅+78.3% higher PassMark.
✅+66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Costs $189 less on MSRP ($196 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Delivers 250.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 131.0 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($196 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i5-14400F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 25,670).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 20 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 37.4 vs 131.0 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $196 MSRP).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Core i5-14400F moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-14400F better than Core i7-9700K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-9700K is ahead with a 10.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-14400F pulls ahead with 78.3% better PassMark. Core i5-14400F also has the bigger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-14400F is the stronger fit. You are getting 78.3% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i5-14400F is the better buy right now. Core i5-14400F comes in $189 cheaper on MSRP at $196 MSRP versus $385 MSRP, and it still gives you 78.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-9700K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 10.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 250.2% better value on MSRP (131.0 vs 37.4 PassMark/$), 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 i5-14400F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2018), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, 66.7% larger total L3 cache (20 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 16 threads instead of 8/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i5-14400F vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-14400F

The Core i5-14400F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture. It features 10 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 20 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 25,670 points. Launch price was $196.

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 i5-14400F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-14400F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i5-14400F versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 4.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-14400F uses the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-14400F scores 25,670 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 56.3% lead for the Core i5-14400F. L3 cache: 20 MB (total) on the Core i5-14400F vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

Feature	Core i5-14400F	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	10 / 16+25%	8 / 8
Boost Clock	4.7 GHz	4.9 GHz+4%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.6 GHz+44%
L3 Cache	20 MB (total)+67%	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025)	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark	25,670+78%	14,397

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-14400F uses the LGA1700 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 i5-14400F versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i5-14400F supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-14400F supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-14400F) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i5-14400F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-14400F	Core i7-9700K
Socket	LGA1700	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800+80%	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	192 GB+50%	128 GB
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. The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-14400F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-14400F targets Desktop, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-14400F	Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-14400F was priced at $196, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($196 vs $385), Core i5-14400F was $189 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-14400F delivers 131.0 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i5-14400F the 111.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-14400F	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$196-49%	$385
Performance per Dollar	131.0+250%	37.4
Release Date	2024	2018

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