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 i9-13905H 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 i9-13905H: 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

✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 29,807).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 24 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $385 MSRP, while Core i9-13905H mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Core i9-13905H moves to FCBGA1792 and DDR5.

Core i9-13905H

2023

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 12 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1792 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-13905H better than Core i7-9700K?

Yes. Core i9-13905H is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 107% 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 i9-13905H is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% 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 i9-13905H is the stronger fit. You are getting 107% better PassMark, backed by 14 cores and 20 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 12 MB).

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

Core i9-13905H is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i9-13905H comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $385 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-9700K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2018 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (37.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i9-13905H makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2018), a healthier platform with FCBGA1792 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, 100% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 14 cores / 20 threads instead of 8/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-9700K vs Core i9-13905H 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 i9-13905H

The Core i9-13905H is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) architecture. It features 14 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 5.4 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1792. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR5-5200, DDR4-3200, LPDDR4x-4267. Passmark benchmark score: 29,807 points. Launch price was $697.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i9-13905H offers 14 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-13905H has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 5.4 GHz on the Core i9-13905H — a 9.7% clock advantage for the Core i9-13905H (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-13905H uses Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024) (Intel 7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Core i9-13905H's 29,807 — a 69.7% lead for the Core i9-13905H. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 24 MB (total) on the Core i9-13905H.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i9-13905H
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	14 / 20+75%
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz	5.4 GHz+10%
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+38%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	24 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+12700%	2 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	Intel 7 nm-50%
Architecture	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)	Raptor Lake-H (2023−2024)
PassMark	14,397	29,807+107%
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	19,384
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,300
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	14,000

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i9-13905H uses FCBGA1792 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K versus DDR5-5200 on the Core i9-13905H — the Core i9-13905H supports 95% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-9700K supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9700K) vs 12 (Core i9-13905H) — the Core i7-9700K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K) and WM790,HM770 (Core i9-13905H).

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i9-13905H
Socket	LGA1151	FCBGA1792
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	DDR5-5200+95%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+100%	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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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. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) and Iris Xe 96EU (Core i9-13905H) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop, Core i9-13905H targets Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i9-13905H rivals Ryzen 9 7940HS.