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 i7-13790F 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 i7-13790F: 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

✅Costs $7 less on MSRP ($385 MSRP vs $392 MSRP).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i7-13790F needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-13790F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 43,549).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 33 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 37.4 vs 111.1 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $392 MSRP).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Core i7-13790F

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +7.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+175% larger total L3 cache (33 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Delivers 197.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 111.1 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($392 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌
1.8% HIGHER MSRP
$392 MSRPvs$385 MSRP
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-13790F better than Core i7-9700K?

Yes. Core i7-13790F is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 202.5% 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 i7-13790F is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.9% 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 i7-13790F is the stronger fit. You are getting 202.5% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 24 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 175% larger total L3 cache (33 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i7-13790F is the better buy right now. Core i7-13790F comes in 1.8% more expensive on MSRP at $392 MSRP versus $385 MSRP, and it still gives you a 7.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 197.1% better value on MSRP (111.1 vs 37.4 PassMark/$), 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 i7-13790F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2018), a healthier platform with LGA1700 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, 175% larger total L3 cache (33 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 16 cores / 24 threads instead of 8/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-9700K vs Core i7-13790F 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 i7-13790F

The Core i7-13790F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 February 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 16 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 33 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 43,549 points. Launch price was $441.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-13790F offers 16 cores / 24 threads — the Core i7-13790F has 8 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 5.2 GHz on the Core i7-13790F — a 5.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-13790F (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-13790F uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Core i7-13790F's 43,549 — a 100.6% lead for the Core i7-13790F. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 33 MB (total) on the Core i7-13790F.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i7-13790F
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	16 / 24+100%
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz	5.2 GHz+6%
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+71%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	33 MB (total)+175%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	10 nm-29%
Architecture	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)	Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024)
PassMark	14,397	43,549+202%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	26,247
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,815
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	13,673

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-13790F uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K versus DDR5-5600 on the Core i7-13790F — the Core i7-13790F supports 110.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-13790F supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB — 50% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K) and Z790,B760 (Core i7-13790F).

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i7-13790F
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1700
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR5-5600+110%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	192 GB+50%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i7-13790F supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-13790F requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i7-13790F
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the Core i7-13790F came in at $392. On launch pricing ($385 vs $392), Core i7-9700K was $7 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 111.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-13790F — making the Core i7-13790F the 99.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i7-13790F
MSRP	$385-2%	$392
Performance per Dollar	37.4	111.1+197%
Release Date	2018	2023

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