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 i9-13900TE 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 i9-13900TE: 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 $169 less on MSRP ($385 MSRP vs $554 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-13900TE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 20,602).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 36 MB).
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Core i9-13900TE moves to LGA1700 and DDR5.

Core i9-13900TE

2023

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅Newer platform on LGA1700 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
43.9% HIGHER MSRP
$554 MSRPvs$385 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13900TE better than Core i7-9700K?

Yes. Core i9-13900TE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 43.1% 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 i9-13900TE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.3% 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, Core i9-13900TE is the stronger fit. You are getting 43.1% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 32 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i9-13900TE is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i9-13900TE comes in 43.9% more expensive on MSRP at $554 MSRP versus $385 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-9700K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 0.6% better value on paper (37.4 vs 37.2 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i9-13900TE 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, 200% larger total L3 cache (36 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 32 threads instead of 8/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-9700K vs Core i9-13900TE 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 i9-13900TE

The Core i9-13900TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 1 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 36 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 20,602 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i9-13900TE offers 24 cores / 32 threads — the Core i9-13900TE has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-13900TE — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i9-13900TE (base: 3.6 GHz vs 1 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-13900TE uses Raptor Lake-S (2023−2024) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Core i9-13900TE's 20,602 — a 35.5% lead for the Core i9-13900TE. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 36 MB (total) on the Core i9-13900TE.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i9-13900TE
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	24 / 32+200%
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz	5 GHz+2%
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+260%	1 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	36 MB (total)+200%
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	20,602+43%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-13900TE 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 i9-13900TE — the Core i9-13900TE supports 110.1% 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9700K) vs 20 (Core i9-13900TE) — the Core i9-13900TE offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K) and LGA1700 (Core i9-13900TE).

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i9-13900TE
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	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	20+25%

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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 i9-13900TE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) and UHD Graphics 770 (Core i9-13900TE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i9-13900TE
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	UHD Graphics 770
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 i9-13900TE came in at $554. On launch pricing ($385 vs $554), Core i7-9700K was $169 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 37.2 pts/$ for the Core i9-13900TE — making the Core i7-9700K the 0.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i9-13900TE
MSRP	$385-31%	$554
Performance per Dollar	37.4	37.2
Release Date	2018	2023

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