Core i7-9700K vs M1

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 M1 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 M1: 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: +58.8% 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 M1 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 16 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $385 MSRP, while M1 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

M1

2020

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,207 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 M1?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 58.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 75.4% better PassMark, 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 58.8% 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 75.4% 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 $385 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 58.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

M1 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2018) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 12 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-9700K vs M1 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.

M1

The M1 is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 10 November 2020 (5 years ago). It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.064 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Passmark benchmark score: 8,207 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-9700K and M1 share an identical 8-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 3.2 GHz on the M1 — a 42% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.064 GHz). The Core i7-9700K is built on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the M1's 8,207 — a 54.8% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 16 MB on the M1.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	M1
Cores / Threads	8 / 8	8 / 8
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz+53%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+74%	2.064 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	16 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+1500%	16 MB
Process	14 nm	5 nm-64%
Architecture	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)	—
PassMark	14,397+75%	8,207

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K) / not specified (M1). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the M1 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.