Core i7-9700K vs E-300

Intel

Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

E-300

2 Cores2 Thrd18 WWMax: 1.3 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core i7-9700K vs E-300 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i7-9700K vs E-300 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 E-300: 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: +688.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Delivers 90.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 19.6 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $60 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 541.7% HIGHER MSRP
    $385 MSRPvs$60 MSRP
  • 427.8% higher power demand at 95W vs 18W.

E-300

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $325 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
  • Draws 18W instead of 95W, a 77W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (1,176 vs 14,397).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.6 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($60 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than E-300?
Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 688.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1124.2% 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 688.7% 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 1124.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.
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 541.7% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $60 MSRP, and it still gives you a 688.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 90.8% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 19.6 PassMark/$), 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 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-9700K vs E-300 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

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.

AMD

E-300

The E-300 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 22 August 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zacate (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 1.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 40 nm process technology. Socket: FT1. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,176 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the E-300 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 1.3 GHz on the E-300 — a 116.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K. The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the E-300 uses Zacate (2011−2013) (40 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the E-300's 1,176 — a 169.8% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 0 kB on the E-300.

FeatureCore i7-9700KE-300
Cores / Threads
8 / 8+300%
2 / 2
Boost Clock
4.9 GHz+277%
1.3 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
0 kB
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512K (per core)+100%
Process
14 nm-65%
40 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
Zacate (2011−2013)
PassMark
14,397+1124%
1,176
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the E-300 uses FT1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K versus DDR3-1066 on the E-300 — the Core i7-9700K supports 150.1% 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 8 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-9700K) vs 1 (E-300). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9700K) vs 0 (E-300) — the Core i7-9700K offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore i7-9700KE-300
Socket
LGA1151
FT1
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666+150%
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB+1500%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2+100%
1
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
0
🔧

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 AMD-V (E-300). Both include integrated graphics UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) and Radeon HD 6310 (E-300) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop, E-300 targets Budget Mobile.

FeatureCore i7-9700KE-300
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 630
Radeon HD 6310
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V
Target Use
Desktop
Budget Mobile
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the E-300 came in at $60. On launch pricing ($385 vs $60), E-300 was $325 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 19.6 pts/$ for the E-300 — making the Core i7-9700K the 62.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-9700KE-300
MSRP
$385
$60-84%
Performance per Dollar
37.4+91%
19.6
Release Date
2018
2011

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