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 i7-4500U 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 i7-4500U 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 i7-4500U

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,490 vs 14,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.3 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($398 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
❌438.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 95W.

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +301.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Costs $13 less on MSRP ($385 MSRP vs $398 MSRP).
✅Delivers 497.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 6.3 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $398 MSRP).
✅Draws 95W instead of 512W, a 417W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Core i7-4500U?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 301.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 478.2% 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 301.3% 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 478.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 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 $13 cheaper on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $398 MSRP, and it still gives you a 301.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 497.7% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 6.3 PassMark/$), 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 2013), 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 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 i7-4500U vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4500U

The Core i7-4500U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,490 points. Launch price was $69.

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 i7-4500U 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 3 GHz on the Core i7-4500U versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 48.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 1.8 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-4500U uses the Haswell-ULT (2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4500U scores 2,490 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 141% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-4500U vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

Feature	Core i7-4500U	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	8 / 8+300%
Boost Clock	3 GHz	4.9 GHz+63%
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	3.6 GHz+100%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+200%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell-ULT (2013)	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark	2,490	14,397+478%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4500U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-4500U 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 16 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i7-4500U) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i7-9700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Haswell-U (Core i7-4500U) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

Feature	Core i7-4500U	Core i7-9700K
Socket	FCBGA1168	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	DDR4-2666+67%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	128 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i7-4500U) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4400 (Core i7-4500U) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4500U targets Mobile, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i7-4500U	Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4400	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Mobile	Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4500U was priced at $398, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($398 vs $385), Core i7-9700K was $13 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4500U delivers 6.3 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 142.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4500U	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$398	$385-3%
Performance per Dollar	6.3	37.4+494%
Release Date	2013	2018

Search Core i7-4500U 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.