Core i7-1255U vs Core i7-9700F

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 i7-1255U vs Core i7-9700F 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 i7-1255U vs Core i7-9700F: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-1255U

2022

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1744 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, while Core i7-9700F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (13,128 vs 13,165).

Core i7-9700F

2019

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $323 MSRP, while Core i7-1255U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Core i7-1255U moves to FCBGA1744 and DDR5.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-1255U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700F better than Core i7-1255U?

Yes. Core i7-9700F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-9700F is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-9700F is the better buy right now. Core i7-9700F comes in at an unclear MSRP at $323 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (40.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-1255U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2019) and a healthier platform with FCBGA1744 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-1255U vs Core i7-9700F Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-1255U

The Core i7-1255U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 13,128 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-9700F

The Core i7-9700F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 13,165 points. Launch price was $323.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-1255U packs 10 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-9700F offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-1255U has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-1255U versus 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-9700F — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.7 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-1255U uses the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-9700F uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-1255U scores 13,128 against the Core i7-9700F's 13,165 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-9700F. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-1255U	Core i7-9700F
Cores / Threads	10 / 12+25%	8 / 8
Boost Clock	4.7 GHz	4.7 GHz
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	3 GHz+76%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-U (2022)	Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
PassMark	13,128	13,165
Geekbench 6 Single	1,809	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-1255U uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-9700F uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-1255U	Core i7-9700F
Socket	FCBGA1744	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-1255U) / not specified (Core i7-9700F). The Core i7-1255U includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Core i7-9700F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-1255U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-1255U rivals Ryzen 7 6800U.