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 m3-7Y30 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 m3-7Y30: 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

✅Better for gaming: +322.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Delivers 334.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 8.6 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅60% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 10) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌
37% HIGHER MSRP
$385 MSRPvs$281 MSRP
❌2011.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 4.5W.

Core m3-7Y30

2016

Why buy it

✅Costs $104 less on MSRP ($281 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Draws 5W instead of 95W, a 91W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,418 vs 14,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.6 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Core m3-7Y30?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 322.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 495.4% 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 i7-9700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 322.1% 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 i7-9700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 495.4% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i7-9700K is the better buy right now. Core i7-9700K comes in 37.0% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 322.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 334.6% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 8.6 PassMark/$), 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 i7-9700K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2016), 200% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 4 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-9700K vs Core m3-7Y30 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 m3-7Y30

The Core m3-7Y30 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,418 points. Launch price was $281.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Core m3-7Y30 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 2.6 GHz on the Core m3-7Y30 — a 61.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 1 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core m3-7Y30 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Core m3-7Y30's 2,418 — a 142.5% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 4 MB on the Core m3-7Y30.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core m3-7Y30
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+300%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz+88%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+260%	1 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+200%	4 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	14,397+495%	2,418
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	645
Geekbench 6 Single	—	768
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,481

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core m3-7Y30 uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K versus LPDDR3-1866 / DDR3L-1600 on the Core m3-7Y30 — the Core i7-9700K supports 42.9% 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 16 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9700K) vs 10 (Core m3-7Y30) — the Core i7-9700K offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K) and Kaby Lake-Y SoC (Core m3-7Y30).

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core m3-7Y30
Socket	LGA1151	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+43%	LPDDR3-1866 / DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+700%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+60%	10

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K) vs VT-x / VT-d / EPT (Core m3-7Y30). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) and Intel HD Graphics 615 (Core m3-7Y30) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop, Core m3-7Y30 targets Ultra-portable.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core m3-7Y30
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	Intel HD Graphics 615
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x / VT-d / EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Ultra-portable

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the Core m3-7Y30 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($385 vs $281), Core m3-7Y30 was $104 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 8.6 pts/$ for the Core m3-7Y30 — making the Core i7-9700K the 125.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Core m3-7Y30
MSRP	$385	$281-27%
Performance per Dollar	37.4+335%	8.6
Release Date	2018	2016

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