Core i7-9700K vs FX-770K

Intel

Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018
Similar parts
·······
VS
AMD

FX-770K

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2014
Similar parts
·······

Core i7-9700K vs FX-770K 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 FX-770K 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 FX-770K: 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: +213.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while FX-770K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $385 MSRP, while FX-770K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

FX-770K

2014

Why buy it

  • Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,172 vs 14,397).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than FX-770K?
Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 213.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 353.9% 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 213.1% 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 353.9% 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 at an unclear MSRP at $385 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 213.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-9700K vs FX-770K 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

FX-770K

The FX-770K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in Dezembro 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Kaveri (2014−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,172 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-770K offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 3.9 GHz on the FX-770K — a 22.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-770K uses Kaveri (2014−2015) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the FX-770K's 3,172 — a 127.8% lead for the Core i7-9700K.

FeatureCore i7-9700KFX-770K
Cores / Threads
8 / 8+100%
4 / 4
Boost Clock
4.9 GHz+26%
3.9 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+3%
3.5 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+6300%
4 MB
Process
14 nm-50%
28 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
Kaveri (2014−2015)
PassMark
14,397+354%
3,172
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-770K uses FM2+ (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-9700KFX-770K
Socket
LGA1151
FM2+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K) / not specified (FX-770K). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the FX-770K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

FeatureCore i7-9700KFX-770K
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the FX-770K came in at $0. On launch pricing ($385 vs $0), FX-770K was $385 cheaper.

FeatureCore i7-9700KFX-770K
MSRP
$385
$0-100%
Performance per Dollar
37.4
Release Date
2018
2014

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.