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 i5-2430M 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 i5-2430M 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 i5-2430M

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $160 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,015 vs 14,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.0 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +386.5% higher average FPS across 49 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Delivers 317.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 9.0 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌
71.1% HIGHER MSRP
$385 MSRPvs$225 MSRP
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Core i5-2430M?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 386.5% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data, 614.5% 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 i7-9700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 386.5% more average FPS across 49 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 614.5% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 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 71.1% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 386.5% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 317.6% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 9.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-9700K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2011), 300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2430M vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2430M

The Core i5-2430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,015 points. Launch price was $225.

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 i5-2430M 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 GHz on the Core i5-2430M versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 48.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-2430M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2430M scores 2,015 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 150.9% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2430M vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	8 / 8+300%
Boost Clock	3 GHz	4.9 GHz+63%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3.6 GHz+50%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+300%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark	2,015	14,397+614%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2430M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2430M versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i7-9700K supports 100% 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 16 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2430M) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Core i7-9700K
Socket	PGA988	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1333	DDR4-2666+100%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	128 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	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. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2430M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2430M) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2430M was priced at $225, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($225 vs $385), Core i5-2430M was $160 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2430M delivers 9.0 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 122.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-2430M	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$225-42%	$385
Performance per Dollar	9.0	37.4+316%
Release Date	2011	2018

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