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 i7-5820K 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 i7-5820K 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 i7-5820K

2014

Why buy it

✅+25% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 12 MB).
✅75% more PCIe lanes (28 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 (9,826 vs 14,397).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 25.3 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($389 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
❌47.4% higher power demand at 140W 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: +55.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $4 less on MSRP ($385 MSRP vs $389 MSRP).
✅Delivers 48.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 25.3 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $389 MSRP).
✅Draws 95W instead of 140W, a 45W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i7-5820K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 15 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Core i7-5820K?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 55.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 46.5% 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 55.6% 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 46.5% 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 $4 cheaper on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $389 MSRP, and it still gives you a 55.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 48.0% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 25.3 PassMark/$), 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 2014) 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 i7-5820K vs Core i7-9700K Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-5820K

The Core i7-5820K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 9,826 points. Launch price was $410.

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 i7-5820K 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 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-5820K versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 30.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-5820K uses the Haswell-E (2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-5820K scores 9,826 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 37.7% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5820K vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.

Feature	Core i7-5820K	Core i7-9700K
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	8 / 8+33%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	4.9 GHz+36%
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	3.6 GHz+9%
L3 Cache	15 MB (total)+25%	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Haswell-E (2014)	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark	9,826	14,397+47%
Cinebench R23 Multi	5,700	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,134	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	5,383	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-5820K uses the LGA2011 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 DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-5820K versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the Core i7-9700K supports 25% 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 i7-5820K) vs 2 (Core i7-9700K). PCIe lanes: 28 (Core i7-5820K) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i7-5820K offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel X99 (Core i7-5820K) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).

Feature	Core i7-5820K	Core i7-9700K
Socket	LGA2011	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	DDR4-2666+25%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	128 GB+100%
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	28+75%	16

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i7-5820K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-5820K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-5820K targets Enthusiast Workstation, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-5820K rivals Ryzen 5 1600.

Feature	Core i7-5820K	Core i7-9700K
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Enthusiast Workstation	Desktop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-5820K was priced at $389, while the Core i7-9700K came in at $385. On launch pricing ($389 vs $385), Core i7-9700K was $4 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-5820K delivers 25.3 pts/$ vs 37.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 38.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-5820K	Core i7-9700K
MSRP	$389	$385-1%
Performance per Dollar	25.3	37.4+48%
Release Date	2014	2018

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