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 III 1400S 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 III 1400S: 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: +3641.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Delivers 4000.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 0.9 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Pentium III 1400S needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌
54% HIGHER MSRP
$385 MSRPvs$250 MSRP
❌196.9% higher power demand at 95W vs 32W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Pentium III 1400S.

Pentium III 1400S

2002

Why buy it

✅Costs $135 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
✅Draws 32W instead of 95W, a 63W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-9700K.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (228 vs 14,397).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 0.9 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
❌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 Pentium III 1400S?

Yes. Core i7-9700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3641.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 6214.5% 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 3641.0% 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 6214.5% 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 54.0% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3641.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 4000.3% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 0.9 PassMark/$), 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 2002) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 8 threads instead of 1/1. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-9700K vs Pentium III 1400S 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 III 1400S

The Pentium III 1400S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Tualatin (2000−2002) architecture. It features 1 cores and 1 threads. Max frequency: 1.4 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 130 nm process technology. Socket: PGA370. Thermal design power (TDP): 32 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 228 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Pentium III 1400S offers 1 cores / 1 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 7 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K versus 1.4 GHz on the Pentium III 1400S — a 111.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K. The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Pentium III 1400S uses Tualatin (2000−2002) (130 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Pentium III 1400S's 228 — a 193.8% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 0 kB on the Pentium III 1400S.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Pentium III 1400S
Cores / Threads	8 / 8+700%	1 / 1
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz+250%	1.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz	—
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	0 kB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	14 nm-89%	130 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)	Tualatin (2000−2002)
PassMark	14,397+6214%	228

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium III 1400S uses PGA370 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K versus PC133 on the Pentium III 1400S — the Core i7-9700K supports 1904.5% 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 4 GB — 3100% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-9700K) vs 1 (Pentium III 1400S). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9700K) vs 0 (Pentium III 1400S) — the Core i7-9700K offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K) and Intel 815,VIA Apollo Pro 133T (Pentium III 1400S).

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Pentium III 1400S
Socket	LGA1151	PGA370
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+173%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666+1905%	PC133
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB+3100%	4 GB
RAM Channels	2+100%	1
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	0

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K) vs No (Pentium III 1400S). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Pentium III 1400S requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Pentium III 1400S
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	No
Target Use	Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the Pentium III 1400S came in at $250. On launch pricing ($385 vs $250), Pentium III 1400S was $135 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 0.9 pts/$ for the Pentium III 1400S — making the Core i7-9700K the 190.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-9700K	Pentium III 1400S
MSRP	$385	$250-35%
Performance per Dollar	37.4+4056%	0.9
Release Date	2018	2002

Search Core i7-9700K on Amazon

Search Pentium III 1400S 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.