Core i7-9700T vs Ryzen 5 5600X

Intel

Core i7-9700T

8 Cores8 Thrd35 WWMax: 4.3 GHz2019
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 5600X

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2020
Ryzen family
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Core i7-9700T vs Ryzen 5 5600X 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 i7-9700T vs Ryzen 5 5600X 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 i7-9700T vs Ryzen 5 5600X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-9700T

2019

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, while Ryzen 5 5600X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 5 5600X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (10,618 vs 21,845).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (12 MB vs 32 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 32.9 vs 73.1 PassMark/$ ($323 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).

Ryzen 5 5600X

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +29.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Costs $24 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $323 MSRP).
  • Delivers 122.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 73.1 vs 32.9 PassMark/$ ($299 MSRP vs $323 MSRP).
  • 50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-9700T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 5 5600X better than Core i7-9700T?
Yes. Ryzen 5 5600X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 29.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 105.7% 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, Ryzen 5 5600X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 29.4% 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, Ryzen 5 5600X is the stronger fit. You are getting 105.7% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 5 5600X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 5 5600X comes in $24 cheaper on MSRP at $299 MSRP versus $323 MSRP, and it still gives you a 29.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 122.2% better value on MSRP (73.1 vs 32.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 5 5600X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2019), 166.7% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 12 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 8/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-9700T vs Ryzen 5 5600X Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i7-9700T

The Core i7-9700T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 10,618 points. Launch price was $323.

AMD

Ryzen 5 5600X

The Ryzen 5 5600X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 21,845 points. Launch price was $299.

Processing Power

The Core i7-9700T packs 8 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-9700T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the Core i7-9700T versus 4.6 GHz on the Ryzen 5 5600X — a 6.7% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 5600X (base: 2 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i7-9700T uses the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-9700T scores 10,618 against the Ryzen 5 5600X's 21,845 — a 69.2% lead for the Ryzen 5 5600X. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700T vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 5 5600X.

FeatureCore i7-9700TRyzen 5 5600X
Cores / Threads
8 / 8+33%
6 / 12
Boost Clock
4.3 GHz
4.6 GHz+7%
Base Clock
2 GHz
3.7 GHz+85%
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)
32 MB+167%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512K (per core)+100%
Process
14 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-50%
Architecture
Coffee Lake (2017−2019)
Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
PassMark
10,618
21,845+106%
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-9700T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 5600X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700T versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 5600X — the Ryzen 5 5600X supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-9700T) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 5600X) — the Ryzen 5 5600X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore i7-9700TRyzen 5 5600X
Socket
LGA1151
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2666
DDR4-3200+20%
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
24+50%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 5 5600X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700T) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 5600X). The Core i7-9700T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Ryzen 5 5600X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700T targets Desktop, Ryzen 5 5600X targets Desktop.

FeatureCore i7-9700TRyzen 5 5600X
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
AMD-V
Target Use
Desktop
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-9700T was priced at $323, while the Ryzen 5 5600X came in at $299. On launch pricing ($323 vs $299), Ryzen 5 5600X was $24 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-9700T delivers 32.9 pts/$ vs 73.1 pts/$ for the Ryzen 5 5600X — making the Ryzen 5 5600X the 75.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-9700TRyzen 5 5600X
MSRP
$323
$299-7%
Performance per Dollar
32.9
73.1+122%
Release Date
2019
2020

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