Core i5-3330S vs Core i7-9700K

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 i5-3330S 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 i5-3330S 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 i5-3330S

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $154 less on MSRP ($231 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Draws 77W instead of 95W, a 18W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,915 vs 14,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.9 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($231 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
❌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: +192.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Delivers 120.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 16.9 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $231 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i5-3330S needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌
66.7% HIGHER MSRP
$385 MSRPvs$231 MSRP
❌23.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 77W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Core i5-3330S?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 192.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 267.7% 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 192.7% 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 267.7% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 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 66.7% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $231 MSRP, and it still gives you a 192.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 120.6% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 16.9 PassMark/$), 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 2012), 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3330S vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3330S

The Core i5-3330S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,915 points. Launch price was $231.

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 i5-3330S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3330S versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 42% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-3330S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3330S scores 3,915 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 114.5% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-3330S vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	4.9 GHz+53%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	3.6 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark	3,915	14,397+268%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3330S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	Core i7-9700K
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	—	128 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-3330S) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-3330S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3330S was priced at $231, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($231 vs $385), Core i5-3330S was $154 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3330S delivers 16.9 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 75.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3330S	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$231-40%	$385
Performance per Dollar	16.9	37.4+121%
Release Date	2012	2018

Search Core i5-3330S on Amazon

Search Core i7-9700K on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.