Core i5-2515E vs Core i7-9700K

CPU

GPU

Core i5-2515E

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2011

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Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018

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Core i5-2515E vs Core i7-9700K Performance Spectrum

Core i5-2515E

2 / 4

1,882

0.0%

14,397

+665.0%

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 i5-2515E 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 i5-2515E 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 i5-2515E

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,882 vs 14,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 12 MB).

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +408.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $385 MSRP, while Core i5-2515E mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Core i5-2515E?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 408.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 665% 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 408.5% 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 665% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $385 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 408.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-2515E vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2515E

The Core i5-2515E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,882 points. Launch price was $266.

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 i5-2515E 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 2.5 GHz on the Core i5-2515E versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 64.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-2515E 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 i5-2515E scores 1,882 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 153.8% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2515E vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

Feature	Core i5-2515E	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	8 / 8+300%
Boost Clock	2.5 GHz	4.9 GHz+96%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.6 GHz+44%
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	1,882	14,397+665%
Geekbench 6 Single	530	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2515E uses the BGA1023 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 DDR3-1333 on the Core i5-2515E 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,QM67 (Core i5-2515E) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

Feature	Core i5-2515E	Core i7-9700K
Socket	BGA1023	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR4-2666+100%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	128 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2515E) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2515E) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2515E targets Embedded, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2515E rivals Embedded R-Series.

Feature	Core i5-2515E	Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 3000	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Embedded	Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2515E was priced at $0, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($0 vs $385), Core i5-2515E was $385 cheaper.

Feature	Core i5-2515E	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$0-100%	$385
Performance per Dollar	—	37.4
Release Date	2011	2018

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