Core i7-9700F vs Ryzen 7 3700X

Intel

Core i7-9700F

8 Cores8 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2019
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2019
Ryzen family
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Core i7-9700F vs Ryzen 7 3700X Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i7-9700F vs Ryzen 7 3700X 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 i7-9700F vs Ryzen 7 3700X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-9700F

2019

Why buy it

  • Costs $6 less on MSRP ($323 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 3700X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (13,165 vs 22,430).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 40.8 vs 68.2 PassMark/$ ($323 MSRP vs $329 MSRP).

Ryzen 7 3700X

2019

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +28.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Delivers 67.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 68.2 vs 40.8 PassMark/$ ($329 MSRP vs $323 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 1.9% HIGHER MSRP
    $329 MSRPvs$323 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 3700X better than Core i7-9700F?
Yes. Ryzen 7 3700X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 28.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 70.4% 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, Ryzen 7 3700X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 28.3% 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, Ryzen 7 3700X is the stronger fit. You are getting 70.4% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 7 3700X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 3700X comes in 1.9% more expensive on MSRP at $329 MSRP versus $323 MSRP, and it still gives you a 28.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 67.3% better value on MSRP (68.2 vs 40.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 7 3700X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 8/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-9700F vs Ryzen 7 3700X Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-9700F

The Core i7-9700F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 13,165 points. Launch price was $323.

AMD

Ryzen 7 3700X

The Ryzen 7 3700X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 22,430 points. Launch price was $329.

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700F packs 8 cores / 8 threads, matching the Ryzen 7 3700X's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-9700F versus 4.4 GHz on the Ryzen 7 3700X — a 6.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700F (base: 3 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-9700F uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700F scores 13,165 against the Ryzen 7 3700X's 22,430 — a 52.1% lead for the Ryzen 7 3700X. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700F vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 3700X.

FeatureCore i7-9700FRyzen 7 3700X
Cores / Threads
8 / 8
8 / 16
Boost Clock
4.7 GHz+7%
4.4 GHz
Base Clock
3 GHz
3.6 GHz+20%
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
32 MB+167%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512K (per core)+100%
Process
14 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-50%
Architecture
Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
Matisse (Zen 2) (2019−2020)
PassMark
13,165
22,430+70%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700F uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 7 3700X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-9700FRyzen 7 3700X
Socket
LGA1151
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
Yes
PCIe Lanes
24
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700F was priced at $323, while the Ryzen 7 3700X came in at $329. On launch pricing ($323 vs $329), Core i7-9700F was $6 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700F delivers 40.8 pts/$ vs 68.2 pts/$ for the Ryzen 7 3700X — making the Ryzen 7 3700X the 50.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-9700FRyzen 7 3700X
MSRP
$323-2%
$329
Performance per Dollar
40.8
68.2+67%
Release Date
2019
2019

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