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 i7-3820 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 i7-3820 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 i7-3820

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $99 less on MSRP ($286 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅150% more PCIe lanes (40 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,787 vs 14,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (10 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.2 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($286 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
❌36.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 95W.

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +105.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+20% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 10 MB).
✅Delivers 84.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 20.2 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $286 MSRP).
✅Draws 95W instead of 130W, a 35W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i7-3820 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌
34.6% HIGHER MSRP
$385 MSRPvs$286 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Core i7-3820?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 105.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 148.8% 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 105.3% 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 148.8% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 10 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 34.6% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $286 MSRP, and it still gives you a 105.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 84.8% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 20.2 PassMark/$), 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), 20% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 10 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3820 vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3820

The Core i7-3820 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Fevereiro 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,787 points. Launch price was $400.

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 i7-3820 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3820 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 25.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-3820 uses the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3820 scores 5,787 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 85.3% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 10240 kB (total) on the Core i7-3820 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

Feature	Core i7-3820	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	4.9 GHz+29%
Base Clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
L3 Cache	10240 kB (total)	12 MB (total)+20%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark	5,787	14,397+149%
Geekbench 6 Single	624	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3820 uses the LGA2011 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 DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3820 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i7-9700K supports 66.6% 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 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-3820) vs 2 (Core i7-9700K). PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-3820) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i7-3820 offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X79 (Core i7-3820) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

Feature	Core i7-3820	Core i7-9700K
Socket	LGA2011	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2666+67%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	128 GB+100%
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	40+150%	16

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3820) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-3820 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3820 targets HEDT Desktop, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3820 rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i7-3820	Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	None	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	HEDT Desktop	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3820 was priced at $286, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($286 vs $385), Core i7-3820 was $99 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3820 delivers 20.2 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 59.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3820	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$286-26%	$385
Performance per Dollar	20.2	37.4+85%
Release Date	2012	2018

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