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 Pentium B950 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 Pentium B950: 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: +792.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+500% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Delivers 390.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 7.6 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $134 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌
187.3% HIGHER MSRP
$385 MSRPvs$134 MSRP
❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.

Pentium B950

2011

Why buy it

✅Costs $251 less on MSRP ($134 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,022 vs 14,397).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.6 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($134 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-9700K better than Pentium B950?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 792.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1308.7% 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 792.1% 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 1308.7% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 500% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 2 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 187.3% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $134 MSRP, and it still gives you a 792.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 390.3% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 7.6 PassMark/$), 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), 500% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 2 MB), 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 Pentium B950 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.

Pentium B950

The Pentium B950 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,022 points. Launch price was $134.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Pentium B950 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 2.1 GHz on the Pentium B950 — a 80% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Pentium B950 uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Pentium B950's 1,022 — a 173.5% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 2 MB (total) on the Pentium B950.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Pentium B950
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+300%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz+133%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+71%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+500%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	14,397+1309%	1,022
Geekbench 6 Single	—	379
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	671

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium B950 uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K versus DDR3-1333 on the Pentium B950 — the Core i7-9700K supports 100% 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K) and HM65,HM67 (Pentium B950).

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Pentium B950
Socket	LGA1151	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+100%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+700%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

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 (Pentium B950). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) and Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Pentium B950) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop, Pentium B950 targets Budget.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Pentium B950
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x
Target Use	Desktop	Budget

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the Pentium B950 came in at $134. On launch pricing ($385 vs $134), Pentium B950 was $251 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 7.6 pts/$ for the Pentium B950 — making the Core i7-9700K the 132.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Pentium B950
MSRP	$385	$134-65%
Performance per Dollar	37.4+392%	7.6
Release Date	2018	2011

Search Core i7-9700K on Amazon

Search Pentium B950 on Amazon

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.