EPYC 7742 vs Core i7-9700K
EPYC 7742
Core i7-9700K
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar EPYC 7742
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | EPYC 7742 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Zen 2 (2017−2020) / 7 nm, 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | EPYC 7742 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+21%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($800) | ✅ More affordable ($200) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of EPYC 7742 and Core i7-9700K
EPYC 7742
The EPYC 7742 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture. It features 64 cores and 128 threads. Base frequency is 2.25 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 256 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 14 nm process technology. Socket: TR4. Thermal design power (TDP): 225 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Eight-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 69,448 points. Launch price was $6,950.
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.
Processing Power
The EPYC 7742 packs 64 cores / 128 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the EPYC 7742 has 56 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the EPYC 7742 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 36.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 2.25 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The EPYC 7742 uses the Zen 2 (2017−2020) architecture (7 nm, 14 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the EPYC 7742 scores 69,448 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 131.3% lead for the EPYC 7742. L3 cache: 256 MB (total) on the EPYC 7742 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | EPYC 7742 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 64 / 128+700% | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 4.9 GHz+44% |
| Base Clock | 2.25 GHz | 3.6 GHz+60% |
| L3 Cache | 256 MB (total)+2033% | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 512K (per core)+100% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm, 14 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Zen 2 (2017−2020) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 69,448+382% | 14,397 |
Memory & Platform
The EPYC 7742 uses the TR4 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 3200 on the EPYC 7742 versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-9700K — the EPYC 7742 supports 199.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The EPYC 7742 supports up to 4096 of RAM compared to 128 GB — 187.9% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 8 (EPYC 7742) vs 2 (Core i7-9700K). PCIe lanes: 128 (EPYC 7742) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the EPYC 7742 offers 112 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SP3 (EPYC 7742) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).
| Feature | EPYC 7742 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | TR4 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 3200+79900% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4096 | 128 GB+3276700% |
| RAM Channels | 8+300% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 128+700% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the EPYC 7742 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: EPYC 7742 rivals Xeon Platinum 8280.
| Feature | EPYC 7742 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The EPYC 7742 launched at $6950 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700K debuted at $385. At current prices ($800 vs $200), the Core i7-9700K is $600 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the EPYC 7742 delivers 86.8 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the EPYC 7742 the 18.7% better value option.
| Feature | EPYC 7742 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $6950 | $385-94% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $800 | $200-75% |
| Performance per Dollar | 86.8+21% | 72.0 |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2018 |
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