Core i7-9700K vs Core i9-9900KS

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 i9-9900KS 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 i9-9900KS: 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 $128 less on MSRP ($385 MSRP vs $513 MSRP).
✅Draws 95W instead of 127W, a 32W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Core i9-9900KS needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 19,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 16 MB).

Core i9-9900KS

2019

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 12 MB).

Trade-offs

❌
33.2% HIGHER MSRP
$513 MSRPvs$385 MSRP
❌33.7% higher power demand at 127W vs 95W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-9900KS better than Core i7-9700K?

Yes. Core i9-9900KS is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 34.7% 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 i9-9900KS is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% 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 i9-9900KS is the stronger fit. You are getting 34.7% 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 i9-9900KS is the better buy right now. Core i9-9900KS comes in 33.2% more expensive on MSRP at $513 MSRP versus $385 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 1.1% better value on MSRP (37.8 vs 37.4 PassMark/$), 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 i9-9900KS makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 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 i9-9900KS 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 i9-9900KS

The Core i9-9900KS is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 28 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 127 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 19,397 points. Launch price was $513.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i9-9900KS's 8 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 5 GHz on the Core i9-9900KS — a 2% clock advantage for the Core i9-9900KS (base: 3.6 GHz vs 4 GHz). Both are built on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Core i9-9900KS's 19,397 — a 29.6% lead for the Core i9-9900KS. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 16 MB (total) on the Core i9-9900KS.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i9-9900KS
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	8 / 16
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz	5 GHz+2%
Base Clock	3.6 GHz	4 GHz+11%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	16 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
PassMark	14,397	19,397+35%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i9-9900KS
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K) / not specified (Core i9-9900KS). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i9-9900KS requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i9-9900KS
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	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 i9-9900KS came in at $513. On launch pricing ($385 vs $513), Core i7-9700K was $128 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 37.8 pts/$ for the Core i9-9900KS — making the Core i9-9900KS the 1.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core i9-9900KS
MSRP	$385-25%	$513
Performance per Dollar	37.4	37.8+1%
Release Date	2018	2019

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