Core i5-14490F vs Core i7-9700K

Intel

Core i5-14490F

10 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 5 GHz2024
Core family
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VS
Intel

Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018
Similar parts
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Core i5-14490F vs Core i7-9700K Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-14490F 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 i5-14490F 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 i5-14490F

2024

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +4.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Costs $176 less on MSRP ($209 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
  • Delivers 253.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 132.2 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($209 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i5-14490F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-14490F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 27,621).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 24 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 37.4 vs 132.2 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $209 MSRP).
  • 46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-14490F better than Core i7-9700K?
Yes. Core i5-14490F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 91.9% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i5-14490F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.8% 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 i5-14490F is the stronger fit. You are getting 91.9% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-14490F is the better buy right now. Core i5-14490F comes in $176 cheaper on MSRP at $209 MSRP versus $385 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 253.4% better value on MSRP (132.2 vs 37.4 PassMark/$), 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 i5-14490F 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, 100% larger total L3 cache (24 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 i5-14490F vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-14490F

The Core i5-14490F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Janeiro 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 5 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 27,621 points. Launch price was $299.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

The Core i5-14490F packs 10 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i5-14490F has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i5-14490F versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i5-14490F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-14490F uses the Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-14490F scores 27,621 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 62.9% lead for the Core i5-14490F. L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i5-14490F vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

FeatureCore i5-14490FCore i7-9700K
Cores / Threads
10 / 16+25%
8 / 8
Boost Clock
5 GHz+2%
4.9 GHz
Base Clock
2.5 GHz
3.6 GHz+44%
L3 Cache
24 MB (total)+100%
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
256K (per core)+20380%
Process
10 nm-29%
14 nm
Architecture
Raptor Lake-R (2023−2025)
Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark
27,621+92%
14,397
Cinebench R23 Multi
2,510
Geekbench 6 Single
2,600
Geekbench 6 Multi
12,000
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-14490F 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, DDR4-3200 on the Core i5-14490F versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i5-14490F supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-14490F 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 i5-14490F) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i5-14490F offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H610,B660,Z690,B760,Z790 (Core i5-14490F) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

FeatureCore i5-14490FCore i7-9700K
Socket
LGA1700
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 5.0+67%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR5-4800, DDR4-3200+80%
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
192 GB+50%
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
20+25%
16
🔧

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 i5-14490F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-14490F targets Mid-Range, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-14490F rivals Ryzen 5 7600.

FeatureCore i5-14490FCore 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
Mid-Range
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-14490F was priced at $209, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($209 vs $385), Core i5-14490F was $176 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-14490F delivers 132.2 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i5-14490F the 111.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-14490FCore i7-9700K
MSRP
$209-46%
$385
Performance per Dollar
132.2+253%
37.4
Release Date
2024
2018

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