Microsoft SQ1 vs Core i7-9700K
Microsoft SQ1
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. The Microsoft SQ1 is positioned at rank #877 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 Microsoft SQ1
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($180) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) / 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+115%) |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($180) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($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 Microsoft SQ1 and Core i7-9700K
Microsoft SQ1
The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.
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
Both the Microsoft SQ1 and Core i7-9700K share an identical 8-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 48.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K. The Microsoft SQ1 uses the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture (7 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Microsoft SQ1 scores 6,039 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 81.8% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 8 | 8 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 4.9 GHz+63% |
| Base Clock | — | 3.6 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB | 12 MB (total)+500% |
| L2 Cache | — | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 7 nm-50% | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 6,039 | 14,397+138% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Microsoft SQ1) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-9700K). The Core i7-9700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Microsoft SQ1 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | — | Yes |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Microsoft SQ1 launched at $300 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700K debuted at $385. At current prices ($180 vs $200), the Microsoft SQ1 is $20 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Microsoft SQ1 delivers 33.5 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-9700K the 72.8% better value option.
| Feature | Microsoft SQ1 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $300-22% | $385 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $180-10% | $200 |
| Performance per Dollar | 33.5 | 72.0+115% |
| Release Date | 2019 | 2018 |
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