Core i7-9700K vs EPYC 8224P

Intel

Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

EPYC 8224P

24 Cores48 Thrd160 WWMax: 3 GHz2023
EPYC family
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Core i7-9700K vs EPYC 8224P 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 EPYC 8224P 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 EPYC 8224P: 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: +4.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Costs $470 less on MSRP ($385 MSRP vs $855 MSRP).
  • Draws 95W instead of 160W, a 65W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while EPYC 8224P needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (14,397 vs 45,421).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 64 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than EPYC 8224P, which brings 24 cores / 48 threads and 96 PCIe lanes.
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 37.4 vs 53.1 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $855 MSRP).
  • Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while EPYC 8224P moves to SP6 and DDR5.

EPYC 8224P

2023

Why buy it

  • +215.5% higher PassMark.
  • +433.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 24 cores / 48 threads, plus 96 PCIe lanes vs 16.
  • Delivers 42.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 53.1 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($855 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
  • Newer platform on SP6 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 122.1% HIGHER MSRP
    $855 MSRPvs$385 MSRP
  • 68.4% higher power demand at 160W vs 95W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is EPYC 8224P better than Core i7-9700K?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. EPYC 8224P makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-9700K is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, EPYC 8224P is the stronger fit. You are getting 215.5% better PassMark, backed by 24 cores and 48 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 433.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
EPYC 8224P is the better buy right now. EPYC 8224P comes in 122.1% more expensive on MSRP at $855 MSRP versus $385 MSRP, and it still gives you 215.5% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-9700K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 42.1% better value on MSRP (53.1 vs 37.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
EPYC 8224P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2018), a healthier platform with SP6 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, 433.3% larger total L3 cache (64 MB vs 12 MB), more multi-core headroom with 24 cores / 48 threads instead of 8/8, and AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-9700K vs EPYC 8224P 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

EPYC 8224P

The EPYC 8224P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 18 September 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Siena (2023−2024) architecture. It features 24 cores and 48 threads. Base frequency is 2.55 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: SP6. Thermal design power (TDP): 160 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 45,421 points. Launch price was $855.

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the EPYC 8224P offers 24 cores / 48 threads — the EPYC 8224P has 16 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 3 GHz on the EPYC 8224P — a 48.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.55 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the EPYC 8224P uses Siena (2023−2024) (5 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the EPYC 8224P's 45,421 — a 103.7% lead for the EPYC 8224P. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 64 MB (total) on the EPYC 8224P.

FeatureCore i7-9700KEPYC 8224P
Cores / Threads
8 / 8
24 / 48+200%
Boost Clock
4.9 GHz+63%
3 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+41%
2.55 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
64 MB (total)+433%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+25500%
1 MB (per core)
Process
14 nm
5 nm-64%
Architecture
Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
Siena (2023−2024)
PassMark
14,397
45,421+215%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the EPYC 8224P uses SP6 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K versus 4800 on the EPYC 8224P — the EPYC 8224P supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 8224P supports up to 1152 GB of RAM compared to 128 GB 800% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-9700K) vs 6 (EPYC 8224P). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9700K) vs 96 (EPYC 8224P) — the EPYC 8224P offers 80 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K) and SP6 (EPYC 8224P).

FeatureCore i7-9700KEPYC 8224P
Socket
LGA1151
SP6
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
4800+80%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
1152 GB+800%
RAM Channels
2
6+200%
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
96+500%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the EPYC 8224P supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (EPYC 8224P). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the EPYC 8224P requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: EPYC 8224P rivals Xeon Platinum 8452Y.

FeatureCore i7-9700KEPYC 8224P
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 630
None
Unlocked
Yes
No
AVX-512
No
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V
Target Use
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the EPYC 8224P came in at $855. On launch pricing ($385 vs $855), Core i7-9700K was $470 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 53.1 pts/$ for the EPYC 8224P — making the EPYC 8224P the 34.8% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-9700KEPYC 8224P
MSRP
$385-55%
$855
Performance per Dollar
37.4
53.1+42%
Release Date
2018
2023

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