Core i7-9700K vs Xeon L5335

Intel

Core i7-9700K

8 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 4.9 GHz2018
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon L5335

4 Cores4 Thrd50 WWMax: 2 GHz2007
Similar parts
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Core i7-9700K vs Xeon L5335 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 Xeon L5335 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 Xeon L5335: 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: +453.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Delivers 718.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 37.4 vs 4.6 PassMark/$ ($385 MSRP vs $380 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Xeon L5335 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • 1.3% HIGHER MSRP
    $385 MSRPvs$380 MSRP
  • 90% higher power demand at 95W vs 50W.

Xeon L5335

2007

Why buy it

  • Costs $5 less on MSRP ($380 MSRP vs $385 MSRP).
  • Draws 50W instead of 95W, a 45W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-9700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (1,737 vs 14,397).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.6 vs 37.4 PassMark/$ ($380 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 Xeon L5335?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5335 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 gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-9700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 453.9% 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 728.8% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 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 1.3% more expensive on MSRP at $385 MSRP versus $380 MSRP, and it still gives you a 453.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 718.1% better value on MSRP (37.4 vs 4.6 PassMark/$), 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 2007), 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB), 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 Xeon L5335 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.

Intel

Xeon L5335

The Xeon L5335 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 August 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Clovertown (2006−2007) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: LGA771. Thermal design power (TDP): 50 Watt. Memory support: DDR2, DDR3 Depends on motherboard. Passmark benchmark score: 1,737 points. Launch price was $380.

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700K packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon L5335 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 2 GHz on the Xeon L5335 — a 84.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-9700K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon L5335 uses Clovertown (2006−2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700K scores 14,397 against the Xeon L5335's 1,737 — a 156.9% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K vs 8 MB L2 Cache on the Xeon L5335.

FeatureCore i7-9700KXeon L5335
Cores / Threads
8 / 8+100%
4 / 4
Boost Clock
4.9 GHz+145%
2 GHz
Base Clock
3.6 GHz+80%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)+50%
8 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+6300%
4 MB (total)
Process
14 nm-78%
65 nm
Architecture
Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019)
Clovertown (2006−2007)
PassMark
14,397+729%
1,737
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon L5335 uses LGA771 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-9700KXeon L5335
Socket
LGA1151
LGA771
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K) / not specified (Xeon L5335). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Xeon L5335 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.

FeatureCore i7-9700KXeon L5335
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked
Yes
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700K was priced at $385, while the Xeon L5335 came in at $380. On launch pricing ($385 vs $380), Xeon L5335 was $5 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700K delivers 37.4 pts/$ vs 4.6 pts/$ for the Xeon L5335 — making the Core i7-9700K the 156.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-9700KXeon L5335
MSRP
$385
$380-1%
Performance per Dollar
37.4+713%
4.6
Release Date
2018
2007

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