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 i7-3930K 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 i7-3930K 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 i7-3930K

2011

Why buy it

✅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 (8,204 vs 14,397).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.1 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($583 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
❌36.8% higher power demand at 130W vs 95W.
❌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: +69.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $198 less on MSRP ($385 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Delivers 165.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 14.1 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $583 MSRP).
✅Draws 95W instead of 130W, a 35W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i7-3930K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Core i7-3930K?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 69.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 75.5% 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 69.5% 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 75.5% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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 $198 cheaper on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $583 MSRP, and it still gives you a 69.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 165.7% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 14.1 PassMark/$), 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) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3930K vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3930K

The Core i7-3930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (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: 8,204 points. Launch price was $611.

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 i7-3930K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3930K versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 25.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-3930K 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 i7-3930K scores 8,204 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 54.8% lead for the Core i7-9700K. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-3930K	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 8+33%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	4.9 GHz+29%
Base Clock	3.2 GHz	3.6 GHz+12%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB (total)
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	8,204	14,397+75%
Geekbench 6 Single	731	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3930K 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 i7-3930K 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 i7-3930K) vs 2 (Core i7-9700K). PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-3930K) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i7-3930K offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X79 (Core i7-3930K) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

Feature	Core i7-3930K	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 i7-3930K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-3930K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3930K targets HEDT Desktop, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3930K rivals FX-8350.

Feature	Core i7-3930K	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 i7-3930K was priced at $583, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($583 vs $385), Core i7-9700K was $198 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3930K delivers 14.1 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 90.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3930K	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$583	$385-34%
Performance per Dollar	14.1	37.4+165%
Release Date	2011	2018

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