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 i7-9700K vs Core i7-10700 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 i7-9700K vs Core i7-10700: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-9700K

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 16,067).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 16 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 37.4 vs 44.0 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $365 MSRP).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-10700.

Core i7-10700

2020

Why buy it

✅+11.6% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Costs $20 less on MSRP ($365 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Delivers 17.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.0 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($365 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-10700 better than Core i7-9700K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-9700K is ahead with a 5.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-10700 pulls ahead with 11.6% better PassMark. Core i7-10700 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 12 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-10700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 11.6% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 12 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-10700 is the better buy right now. Core i7-10700 comes in $20 cheaper on MSRP at $365 MSRP versus $385 MSRP, and it still gives you 11.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-9700K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 5.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 17.7% better value on MSRP (44.0 vs 37.4 PassMark/$), 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 i7-10700 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2018), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (16 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 i7-9700K vs Core i7-10700 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-10700

The Core i7-10700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 16,067 points. Launch price was $340.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i7-10700's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i7-10700 — a 2.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-10700 uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Core i7-10700's 16,067 — a 11% lead for the Core i7-10700. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 16 MB (total) on the Core i7-10700.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i7-10700
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	8 / 16
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz+2%	4.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+24%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	16 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)	Comet Lake (2020−2025)
PassMark	14,397	16,067+12%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	12,250
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,597
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	7,926

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-10700 uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K versus DDR4-2933 on the Core i7-10700 — the Core i7-10700 supports 10% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K) and B460,H470,Z490,B560,Z590 (Core i7-10700).

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i7-10700
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2933+10%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) and UHD 630 (Core i7-10700) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop, Core i7-10700 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-10700 rivals Ryzen 7 3700X.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i7-10700
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	UHD 630
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	Gaming

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the Core i7-10700 came in at $365. On launch pricing ($385 vs $365), Core i7-10700 was $20 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 44.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-10700 — making the Core i7-10700 the 16.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i7-10700
MSRP	$385	$365-5%
Performance per Dollar	37.4	44.0+18%
Release Date	2018	2020

Search Core i7-9700K on Amazon

Search Core i7-10700 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.