Core i7-9700K vs Core i7-9700KF
Core i7-9700K
Core i7-9700KF
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700KF
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-9700K | Core i7-9700KF |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($333) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-9700K | Core i7-9700KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+68%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($200) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($333) |
Performance Check
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.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-9700K and Core i7-9700KF
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 i7-9700KF
The Core i7-9700KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 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: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 14,250 points. Launch price was $374.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-9700K and Core i7-9700KF share an identical 8-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700KF — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-9700KF uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Core i7-9700KF's 14,250 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-9700K. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-9700K | Core i7-9700KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 14,397+1% | 14,250 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,659 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 7,072 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. 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 LGA1151 (Core i7-9700KF).
| Feature | Core i7-9700K | Core i7-9700KF |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-9700KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i7-9700K | Core i7-9700KF |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-9700K launched at $385 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700KF debuted at $374. At current prices ($200 vs $333), the Core i7-9700K is $133 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 72.0 pts/$ vs 42.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700KF — making the Core i7-9700K the 50.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-9700K | Core i7-9700KF |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $385 | $374-3% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $200-40% | $333 |
| Performance per Dollar | 72.0+68% | 42.8 |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2019 |
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