Core i7-8809G vs Core i7-3970X

Core i7-8809G

4 Cores8 Thrd100 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2018

Core i7-3970X

6 Cores12 Thrd150 WWMax: 4 GHz2012

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Core i7-8809G

4 / 8

8,448

0.0%

8,554

+1.3%

About PassMark

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-8809G is positioned at rank 904 and the Core i7-3970X is on rank 1020, so the Core i7-8809G offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-8809G

#892

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1563%

#893

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1540%

#894

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1414%

#895

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1408%

#896

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1395%

#898

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1347%

#899

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1291%

#900

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1289%

#901

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1255%

#904

Core i7-8809G

MSRP: $450|Avg: $450

100%

#911

Core i7-6820HK

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

99%

#912

Athlon II Neo K325

MSRP: $60|Avg: $25

99%

#919

Core i5-8365UE

MSRP: $297|Avg: $297

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3970X

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

36078%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

34090%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

24752%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

7457%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

5907%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

5167%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

2959%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

2921%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

2659%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

2659%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

2630%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

2559%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

2523%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

2513%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

2490%

#396

Ryzen Embedded R2314

MSRP: $300|Avg: $762

89%

#1020

Core i7-3970X

MSRP: $990|Avg: $60

100%

#1021

Core 2 Duo E8700

MSRP: $256|Avg: $30

100%

#1022

Core 2 Duo E6550

MSRP: $163|Avg: $20

99%

#1023

Phenom X3 8450

MSRP: $145|Avg: $147

97%

#1024

Core i7-3960X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $60

97%

#1025

Celeron 2.70

MSRP: $49|Avg: $49

96%

#1027

A10 PRO-7850B

MSRP: $426|Avg: $140

94%

#1028

Core 2 Quad Q8200

MSRP: $224|Avg: $36

93%

#1029

A12-9800E

MSRP: $426|Avg: $150

93%

#1030

Phenom II X6 1065T

MSRP: $426|Avg: $170

93%

#1031

Celeron 440

MSRP: $59|Avg: $10

93%

#1032

A8-3820

MSRP: $280|Avg: $200

90%

#1033

Core i7-860S

MSRP: $299|Avg: $96

90%

#1035

Core 2 Duo E4700

MSRP: $133|Avg: $10

88%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Core i7-8809G (2018) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR4-2400, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Core i7-8809G	Core i7-3970X
Gaming	✅ Superior gaming performance	❌ Lower gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	⚠️ Higher cost ($450)	✅ More affordable ($60)
Longevity	✨ Modern (Kaby Lake G (2018) / 14 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) / 32 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i7-3970X (2012) relies on 32 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Core i7-8809G	Core i7-3970X
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	✅ Better overall value (+659%)
Upfront Cost	⚠️ Higher cost ($450)	✅ More affordable ($60)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Core i7-8809G Benchmark Check

Core i7-3970X Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-8809G and Core i7-3970X

Core i7-8809G

The Core i7-8809G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2270. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 8,448 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-3970X

The Core i7-3970X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 November 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,554 points. Launch price was $593.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-8809G packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-3970X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-3970X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i7-8809G versus 4 GHz on the Core i7-3970X — a 4.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-8809G (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-8809G uses the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3970X uses Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8809G scores 8,448 against the Core i7-3970X's 8,554 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-3970X. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8809G vs 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-3970X.

Feature	Core i7-8809G	Core i7-3970X
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+5%	4 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	3.5 GHz+13%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	15 MB (total)+88%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake G (2018)	Sandy Bridge-E (2011−2013)
PassMark	8,448	8,554+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	742

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8809G uses the FCBGA2270 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3970X uses LGA2011 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-8809G	Core i7-3970X
Socket	FCBGA2270	LGA2011
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	64 GB
RAM Channels	—	4
ECC Support	—	❌
PCIe Lanes	—	40

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-8809G) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3970X). Primary use case: Core i7-3970X targets HEDT Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3970X rivals FX-9590.

Feature	Core i7-8809G	Core i7-3970X
Integrated GPU	—	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	HEDT Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

The Core i7-8809G launched at $450 MSRP, while the Core i7-3970X debuted at $990. At current prices ($450 vs $60), the Core i7-3970X is $390 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-8809G delivers 18.8 pts/$ vs 142.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-3970X — making the Core i7-3970X the 153.5% better value option.