How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-3220 scores 20.2/100 overall; Intel Core i7-9700K scores 37.6/100. Intel Core i3-3220 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-9700K wins 17.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-3220 and the Intel Core i7-9700K?

Intel Core i3-3220 advantages: 42% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 95 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $117 vs $374. Intel Core i7-9700K advantages: Stronger single-core score: 39 vs 20; Stronger multi-core score: 36 vs 20; 430% higher PassMark: 14,300 vs 2,700; 411% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 9,700 vs 1,900; 307% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 7,000 vs 1,720.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-3220 or Intel Core i7-9700K?

Intel Core i3-3220 launched cheaper at $117, versus $374 for the Intel Core i7-9700K.

Intel Core i3-3220 vs Intel Core i7-9700K

Intel

Intel Core i3-3220

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i7-9700K

$374

20Single-core39

20.4Multi-core35.5

20Gamingspec-based39.8

2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-322017 spec wins — Intel Core i7-9700K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i7-9700K wins this desktop processor face-off, 37.6 to 20.2, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+19) and multi-core (+15). Intel Core i3-3220 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-3220

42% lower Base TDP: 55 W vs 95 W
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $117 vs $374

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-9700K

Stronger single-core score: 39 vs 20
Stronger multi-core score: 36 vs 20
430% higher PassMark: 14,300 vs 2,700
411% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 9,700 vs 1,900
307% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 7,000 vs 1,720

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-9700K
Announced	2012	2018
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1151-v2
Process	22 nm	14 nm+36%
Base TDP	55 W+42%	95 W
Max turbo power	—	119 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-9700K
Cores	2	8+300%
Performance cores	2	8+300%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	8+100%
Base clock	3.3 GHz	3.6 GHz+9%
Boost clock	3.3 GHz	4.9 GHz+48%
L2 cache	1 MB	2 MB+300%
L3 cache	3 MB	12 MB+300%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-9700K
iGPU	Intel HD Graphics 2500	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,050 MHz	1,200 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-9700K
Memory support	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2666
Max memory	32 GB	128 GB+300%
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-9700K
PCIe version	2	3+50%
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-3220 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-3220	Intel Core i7-9700K
Geekbench 6 (single)	790Bottom 2%	1,680+113%Bottom 39%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	1,720Bottom 2%	7,000+307%Bottom 37%
Cinebench R23 (single)	765Bottom 1%	1,250+63%Bottom 27%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	1,900Bottom 1%	9,700+411%Bottom 34%
PassMark	2,700Bottom 2%	14,300+430%Bottom 25%

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