Intel Core i7-9700K vs Intel Core i7-8700K
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Intel announced its range of 9th Generation Core processors at its Desktop Launch Event 2018, including the new eight-core Intel Core i7-9700K.
This will be the processor that high-end PC builders will want to buy, but how does it compare to its 8th generation predecessor, the Intel Core i7-8700K?
In this article we’ll compare how the two processors stack up against each other, and see if there’s a compelling reason to buy the new i7-9700K over the older, yet still very powerful i7-8700K.
Intel Core i7-9700K vs Intel Core i7-8700K price
The Intel Core i7-8700K launched last year for $359 (about £270, AU$460), which put it directly against AMD’s best Ryzen 7 processors including the $329 (£299, AU$469) AMD Ryzen 7 2700X.
Meanwhile, the Intel Core i7-9700K will cost $374 (around AU$530). In the UK, retailers have pitched it at a higher £500 price tag. The price after tax will be more like $399, if you’ll want the newer, and more powerful, i7-9700K. Of course, those looking to build a high-end gaming PC may already be ready to splurge on the best CPU.
Intel Core i7-9700K vs Intel Core i7-8700K: specifications
This is where things get a little confusing, as the Intel Core i7-9700K comes with two extra cores but a lower thread count than the Intel Core i7-8700K.
So, the Intel Core i7-9700K comes with eight-cores and eight-threads, 12MB cache and a TDP of 95W.
Meanwhile, the Intel Core i7-8700K features six-cores and 12 threads, 12MB cache and a 95W TDP.
The Intel Core i7-9700K is also rated with a base clock of 3.6GHz and can boost one its processor cores all the way to 4.9GHz. Comparatively, the Intel Core i7-8700K starts at a tick higher 3.7GHz base frequency, but can’t go nearly as fast with its maximum 4.7GHz boost clock.
However, it could be in overclocking where the Intel Core i7-9700K will really gain a lead over its predecessor. Thanks to its soldered integrated heat spreader (IHS), the Intel Core i7-9700K should be better at keeping the chip cool, allowing for better overclocks.
In theory, this purported gold-plated solder replacing the thermal paste Intel has used in the past will be a much more efficient heat transfer medium.
Intel Core i7-9700K vs Intel Core i7-8700K: should you upgrade?
So, should you upgrade from a Intel Core i7-8700K to a Intel Core i7-9700K? We won’t be able to give you a definitive answer until we’ve properly reviewed the new chip and spent time with it, but on paper at least it looks like the Intel Core i7-9700K is a decent upgrade for a reasonably higher price.
It doesn’t look like it does anything that will make the Intel Core i7-8700K obsolete any time soon, though. That may be good news for Intel Core i7-8700K owners, but disappointing for others.
- Here’s our pick of the best processors money can buy
Sign up to receive daily breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis, deals and more from the world of tech.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
Matt is TechRadar’s Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there’s no aspect of technology that Matt isn’t passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. Ever since he got an Amiga A500+ for Christmas in 1991, he’s loved using (and playing on) computers, and will talk endlessly about how The Secret of Monkey Island is the best game ever made.
8700K vs 9700K | WePC
Below, we’re going to be outlining the most common features that you should look out for when considering which Intel Core i7 processor is right for you:
Number of Cores and threads
The first feature that we’re going to be looking at is the number of cores each CPU has. The core is essentially a single processor that is located inside a CPU.
Nowadays, most of the computers that are manufactured today come with multiple cores, which means that the CPU has more than one core.
Core vs. thread; cores are hardware components, while threads are virtual components that manage the CPU’s tasks.
In contrast, a thread is the ‘virtual’ version of a CPU core, and the presence of threads (and the number of them) helps increase performance.
So, with many threads, a CPU will be able to handle several tasks at the same time without issues. Both the 8700K and 9700K have active threads alongside their cores, which we’re going to be outlining below:
As the Intel Core i7 9700K is the upgraded model to the Intel Core i7 8700, Intel has given it an additional two cores alongside the 8 threads, bringing the total core amount to 8.
On the other hand, though the Intel Core i7 8700 has just six cores, it has more threads than the upgraded i7 9700K. The i7 8700 has 12 threads, a 12MB cache, and a 95W TDP, so its workload capabilities are near enough on par with the Intel Core i7 9700K.
Though multiple processor cores are among the biggest indicators of performance efficiency, multiple threads are just as important to consider.
If you choose a CPU with a higher thread count, your computer will be better at multitasking, as the threads will help to organize the workload to the CPU in a more efficient manner.
Maximum Clock Rate
Another measure of a processor’s efficiency is what is known as clock speeds or the clock rate. To simplify, this is the speed at which a processor can carry out instructions.
To follow instructions correctly and on time, the CPU will need a fixed clock cycle. Just think of it this way: the faster the clock speeds, the more instructions the CPU will be able to handle every second.
Usually, the clock rate is displayed in either GHz or MHz. The Intel Core i7 9700K comes with a clock speed of 3.36GHz, with one of the processing cores reaching up to 4.9GHz.
In contrast, the Intel Core i7 8700 has a 3. 7GHz base frequency, although it can reach a maximum of 4.7 GHz if you were to overclock it.
However, out of the two, it is the Intel Core i7 9700K that takes first place. As it has a seamless heat spreader, the 9700K will be able to keep the CPU cool and functioning correctly if you wish to overclock it to speed things up. In contrast, the 8700K may overheat and struggle to maintain performance efficiency.
Heat Management
Heat management ties in closely to the point above. Having efficient CPU thermal management is essential in both enhancing the life of your processor, as well as allowing for a much faster overall computer performance.
Oftentimes, the most common way that heat is regulated is by incorporating fans that can move warm air from the CPU and expel it to the outside of the case. In addition to this, cooler air can sometimes be blown into the CPU to keep it at a cooler temperature.
For the Intel Core i7 9700K, as its clock speeds are faster, this means that it needs a more efficient cooling system than less powerful CPUs.
Like we mentioned earlier, it has been equipped with a soldered integrated heat spreader that will be able to keep the CPU cool while in operation. The 8700K doesn’t have this, and many report that it can experience heat spikes while overclocking.
Besides this, both CPUs feature a purported gold-plated solder that replaces the older, traditional thermal paste that Intel has been known for using in the past. This upgraded solder can transfer heat more efficiently, which helps to prevent further overheating.
Intel Core i7 9700K vs i7 8700K:
performance comparison
VS
Intel Core i7 9700K
Intel Core i7 8700K
Which is better: 8-core Intel Core i7 9700K at 3.6 GHz or i7 8700K with 6 cores at 3.7 GHz? To find out, read our comparison test of these 14nm desktop processors in popular benchmarks, games and heavy applications.
- Overview
- Differences
- Performance
- Features
- Comments
Overview
Overview and comparison of the main metrics from NanoReview
Single-threaded performance
Rating in tests using a single core
Core i7 9700K
60
Core i7 8700K
57
Multi-threaded performance
All-core benchmarks
Core i7 9700K
33
Core i7 8700K
29
Power Efficiency
Chip Power Efficiency
Core i7 9700K
45
Core i7 8700K
44
NanoReview rating
Final CPU score
Core i7 9700K
46
Core i7 8700K
43
Key differences
What are the main differences between 8700K and 9700K
Reasons to choose Intel Core i7 9700K
- Has 2 more physical cores
- Introduced 1 year later than rival
- 4% higher Turbo Boost frequency (4.
9 GHz vs 4.7 GHz)
Benchmark tests
Compare the results of processor tests in benchmarks
Cinebench R23 (single core)
Core i7 9700K
+6%
1291
Core i7 8700K
1222
Cinebench R23 (multi-core)
Core i7 9700K
+6%
9463
Core i7 8700K
8899
Passmark CPU (single core)
Core i7 9700K
+6%
2914
Core i7 8700K
2753
Passmark CPU (multi-core)
Core i7 9700K
+5%
14596
Core i7 8700K
13877
Geekbench 5 (single core)
Core i7 9700K
+4%
1293
Core i7 8700K
1243
Geekbench 5 (multi-core)
Core i7 9700K
+13%
7503
Core i7 8700K
6659
Add your Cinebench R23 results
Specifications
List of full specifications of Intel Core i7 9700K and i7 8700K
General information
Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
Release date | October 8, 2018 | October 5, 2017 |
Type | Desktop | Desktop |
Instruction set architecture | x86-64 | x86-64 |
Codename | Coffee Lake | Coffee Lake |
Model number | i7-9700K | i7-8700K |
Integrated graphics | UHD Graphics 630 | UHD Graphics 630 |
Processor
Cores | 8 | 6 |
threads | 8 | 12 |
Frequency | 3.![]() |
3.7 GHz |
Max. frequency in Turbo Boost | 4.9 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
Number of cores | 8 | 6 |
Number of threads | 8 | 12 |
Bus frequency | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
Multiplier | 36x | 37x |
Tire speed | 8 GT/s | 8 GT/s |
Level 1 cache | 64KB (per core) | 64KB (per core) |
Level 2 cache | 256KB (per core) | 256KB (per core) |
Level 3 cache | 12MB (shared) | 12MB (shared) |
Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
Process | 14 nanometers | 14 nanometers |
Power consumption (TDP) | 95 W | 95W |
Socket | LGA-1151 | LGA-1151 |
Critical temperature | 100°C | 100°C |
Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
GPU frequency | 350 MHz | 350 MHz |
Boost GPU frequency | 1200 MHz | 1200 MHz |
Shader blocks | 192 | 192 |
TMUs | 24 | 24 |
ROPs | 3 | 3 |
Computer units | 24 | 24 |
TGP | 15W | 15W |
Max.![]() |
4096×2304 — 60Hz | 4096×2304 — 60Hz |
iGPU FLOPS
Core i7 9700K
0.38 teraflops
Core i7 8700K
0.38 teraflops
9 0002
Memory support
Memory type | — DDR4-2666 | — DDR4-2666 |
Max. size | 128 GB | 128 GB |
Number of channels | 2 | 2 |
Max. bandwidth | 41.6 GB/s | 41.6 GB/s |
ECC support | No | No |
Other
Official site | Site Intel Core i7 9700K | Site Intel Core i7 8700K |
PCI Express Version | 3.0 | 3.0 |
Max. PCI Express lanes | 16 | 16 |
Extended instructions | SSE4.![]() |
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX-2 |
Poll
What processor do you think is the best?
Core i7 9700K
43 (44.3%)
Core i7 8700K
54 (55.7%)
Total votes: 97 900 03
Competitors
1.
Intel Core i7 9700K and Apple M2
2.
Intel Core i7 9700K and AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
3.
Intel Core i7 9700K and AMD Ryzen 7 5700X
4.
Intel Core i7 9700K and i5 12600K
5.
Intel Core i7 9700K and i5 12400F
6.
Intel Core i7 8700K and i5 12600K
7.
Intel Core i7 8700K and AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
8.
Intel Core i7 8700K and i7 13700K
9.
Intel Core i7 8700K and i5 12400F
Compare other CPUs (540+)
Intel Core i7-8700K vs Intel Core i7-9700K: What is the difference?
52points
Intel Core i7-8700K
58points
Intel Core i7-9700K
003 € 395
€ 335
Comparison winner
€ 395
vs
61 facts in comparison
Intel Core i7-8700K
Intel Core i7-9700K
Why is Intel Core i7-8700K better than Intel Core i7-9700K?
- 4 more CPU threads?
12 vs 8 - Uses multithreading?
- 0.
5MB/core more L3 cache per core?
2MB/core vs 1.5MB/core
- 29.73% higher CPU speed?
8 x 3.6GHz vs 6 x 3.7GHz - 0.5MB more L2 cache?
2MB vs 1.5MB - 5.75% higher PassMark score?
14548 vs 13757 - 128KB more L1 cache?
512KB vs 384KB - 64GB more max memory?
128GB vs 64GB - 5.82% higher PassMark score (overclocked)?
14725 vs 13915
Intel Core i7-8700K
vs
Intel Core i5-9600K
Intel Core i7-9700K
vs
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Intel Core i7-8700K
vs
AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
Intel Core i7-9700K
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Intel Core i7-9700K
9000 2 vs
Intel Core i7-13700K
Intel Core i7-8700K
vs
Intel Core i5-10400
Intel Core i7-9700K
vs
Intel Core i9-9900K
Intel Core i7-8700K
vs
90 002 AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
Intel Core i7-9700K
vs
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
Intel Core i7-8700K
vs
Intel Core i5-10600K
Intel Core i7-9700K
vs 9000 3
Intel Core i7-9700F
Intel Core i7-8700K
vs
AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Intel Core i7-9700K
vs
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
Intel Core i7-8700K
vs
Intel Core i7-8700 9000 3
Intel Core i7-9700K
vs
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Intel Core i7-8700K
vs
Intel Core i5-12400
Intel Core i7-9700K
vs
Intel Core i5-9600K
9 0646 Price comparison
Intel Core i7-8700K
Buy used:
€115
Product | Store | Price | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intel Core i7-8700K Prozessor (12 MB Cac.![]() |
€335 70GHz) SR3QR CPU|Sockel 1151| Refurbished OVP | €147 | |||
Hardware-Bundle: Z370 AORUS GAMING 3, i7…Hardware-Bundle: Z370 AORUS GAMING 3, i7 8700K, h215i PRO RGB, 700 Watt | |||||
Intel Core i7-8700K 3.70GHz LGA 1151/Soc…Intel Core i7-8700K 3.70GHz LGA 1151/Sockel h5 Prozessor (SR3QR) | €115 | ||||
901 74 | Intel Core i7-8700K 6×3.7GHz Sockel LGA …Intel Core i7-8700K 6×3.7GHz Sockel LGA 1151 Prozessor SR3QR | €199 |
Intel Core i7-9700K
Buy used:
€220
Product | Store | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Intel Core i7-9700K Prozessor 3.6GHz Oct…Intel Core i7-9700K Prozessor 3.6GHz Octa Core LGA1151 CPU | €395 | ||
Prozessor i7-9700 90 174 | €220 | ||
INTEL Prozessor CPU Core i7-9700K Socke.![]() |
|||
Intel Core i7-9700K Octa-Core Prozessor …Intel Core i7-9700K Octa-Core Prozessor — 3.6 GHz, 12MB Cache — LGA 1151 | €220 | ||
Intel Core i7-9700K | €220 | ||
Intel Core i7-9700K, 8C/8T, 3.60-4.90GHz…Intel Core i7-9700K, 8C/8T, 3.60-4.90GHz, boxed ohne Kühler (BX80684I79700K) | €395 90 174 |
User reviews
Overall rating
Intel Core i7-8700K
2 User reviews
Intel Core i7-8700K
10.0 /10
2 User reviews
Intel Core i7-9700K
0 User reviews
Intel Core i7-9700K
0.0 /10
0 User reviews
Features
Value for money
10.0 /10
2 votes
No reviews yet
Games
10. 0 /10
2 votes
No reviews yet
Performance no calls yet
Reliability
9.5 /10
2 votes
No reviews yet
/10
2 votes
No reviews yet
Performance
CPU speed
6 x 3.7GHz
8 x 3.6GHz
CPU speed indicates how many processing cycles per second a processor can perform, considering all its cores (processors). It is calculated by adding the clock speeds of each core or, in the case of multi-core processors, each group of cores.
processor thread
More threads result in better performance and better multitasking.
turbo clock speed
4.7GHz
4.9GHz
When the processor is running below its limits, it can jump to a higher clock speed to increase performance.
Has unlocked multiplier
✔Intel Core i7-8700K
✔Intel Core i7-9700K
Some processors come with an unlocked multiplier and are easier to overclock, allowing for better performance in games and other applications.
L2 Cache
More L2 scratchpad memory results in faster results in CPU and system performance tuning.
L3 cache
More L3 scratchpad memory results in faster results in CPU and system performance tuning.
L1 cache
More L1 cache results in faster results in CPU and system performance tuning.
L2 core
0.25MB/core
0.25MB/core
More data can be stored in L2 scratchpad for access by each processor core.
L3 core
2MB/core
1.5MB/core
More data can be stored in L3 scratchpad for access by each processor core.
Geotagging
PassMark result
This benchmark measures CPU performance using multithreading.
PassMark result (single)
This benchmark measures processor performance using a thread of execution.
Cinebench R20 result (multi-core)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
Cinebench R20 is a benchmark that measures the performance of a multi-core processor by rendering a 3D scene.
Cinebench R20 result (single core)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
Cinebench R20 is a test to evaluate the performance of a single core processor when rendering a 3D scene.
Geekbench 5 result (multi-core)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-9700K)
Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform benchmark that measures multi-core processor performance. (Source: Primate Labs, 2023)
Geekbench 5 result (single core)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-9700K)
Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform test that measures the single-core performance of a processor. (Source: Primate Labs, 2023)
Blender test result (bmw27)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
224.8seconds
The Blender benchmark (bmw27) measures CPU performance by rendering a 3D scene. More powerful processors can render a scene in a shorter time.
Blender (classroom) result
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
709.8seconds
The Blender benchmark (classroom) measures CPU performance by rendering a 3D scene. More powerful processors can render a scene in a shorter time.
performance per watt
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-9700K)
This means that the processor is more efficient, resulting in more performance per watt of power used.
Integrated graphics
GPU clock speed
350MHz
350MHz
The graphics processing unit (GPU) has a higher clock speed.
turbo GPU
1200MHz
1200MHz
When the GPU is running below its limits, it can jump to a higher clock speed to increase performance.
GPU actuators
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-9700K)
A graphics processing unit (GPU) with more execution units can provide better graphics.
monitor support
By using multiple displays, you can increase your workspace, making it easier to work across multiple applications.
DirectX version
DirectX is used in games with a new version that supports better graphics.
OpenGL version
The newer the OpenGL version, the better graphics quality in games.
OpenCL version
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-9700K)
Some applications use OpenCL to use the power of the graphics processing unit (GPU) for non-graphical computing. Newer versions are more functional and better quality.
textured units (TMUs)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-9700K)
TMUs take texture units and map them to the geometric location of the 3D scene. More TMUs generally means texture information is processed faster.
ROPs imaging units
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-9700K)
ROPs are responsible for some of the final steps of the rendering process, such as writing the final pixel data to memory and for performing other tasks such as anti-aliasing to improve the appearance of graphics.
Memory
RAM speed
2666MHz
2666MHz
Can support faster memory which speeds up system performance.
maximum memory bandwidth
42.7GB/s
41.6GB/s
This is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored in memory.
DDR memory version
DDR (Dynamic Dynamic Random Access Memory Double Data Rate) is the most common type of main memory. New versions of DDR memory support higher maximum speeds and are more energy efficient.
memory channels
More memory channels increase the speed of data transfer between memory and processor.
maximum memory
Maximum memory (RAM).
bus baud rate
The bus is responsible for transferring data between various components of a computer or device.
Supports memory troubleshooting code
✖Intel Core i7-8700K
✖Intel Core i7-9700K
Memory troubleshooting code can detect and repair data corruption. It is used when necessary to avoid distortion, such as in scientific computing or when starting a server.
eMMC version
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-9700K)
The newer version of eMMC — built-in flash memory card — speeds up the memory interface, has a positive effect on device performance, for example, when transferring files from a computer to internal memory via USB.
bus frequency
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-9700K)
The bus is responsible for transferring data between various components of a computer or device
Functions
instruction sets
SSE 4. 2, SSE 4.1, AVX, AES, FMA3, F16C, MMX
SSE 4.2, SSE 4.1, AVX, AES, FMA3, F16C, MMX
Instruction sets are sets of codes that the CPU executes for certain functions.
uses multithreading
✔Intel Core i7-8700K
✖Intel Core i7-9700K
Multithreading technology (such as Intel’s Hyperthreading or AMD’s Simultaneous Multithreading) provides better performance by dividing each physical processor core into logical cores, also known as threads. Thus, each core can run two instruction streams at the same time.
bits transmitted at the same time
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-9700K)
NEON provides faster media processing such as MP3 listening.
Has TrustZone
✖Intel Core i7-8700K
✖Intel Core i7-9700K
Technology is integrated into the processor to ensure device security when using features such as mobile payments and streaming video using Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology .
interface width
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-9700K)
The processor can decode more instructions per clock (IPC), which means the processor performs better
Has NX bit
✔Intel Core i7-8700K
✔Intel Core i7-9700K 90 003
NX bit helps protect your computer from virus attacks.
VFP version
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-8700K)
Unknown. Help us offer a price. (Intel Core i7-9700K)
The floating point vector (VFP) is used by the processor to provide enhanced performance in areas such as digital imaging.
Other
Has AES
✔Intel Core i7-8700K
✔Intel Core i7-9700K
AES is used to speed up encryption and decryption.
Price comparison
Intel Core i7-8700K
Buy used:
€115
Product | Shop | ||
---|---|---|---|
Intel Core i7-8700K Prozessor (12 MB Cac .![]() |
€335 | ||
Intel Core i7-8700K (6x 3. 70GHz) SR3QR C… Intel Core i7-8700K (6x 3.70GHz) SR3QR CPU | Sockel 1151 | Refurbished OVP | €147 | ||
Hardware Bundle: Z370 AORUS GAMING 3, i7…Hardware Bundle: Z370 AORUS GAMING 3, i7 8700K, h215i PRO RGB , 700 Watt Netzteil | €288 | ||
Intel Core i7-8700K 3.70GHz LGA 1151/Soc…Intel Core i7-8700K 3.70GHz LGA 1151/Sockel h5 Prozessor (SR3QR) | €115 | ||
Intel Core i7-8700K 6×3.7GHz Sockel LGA …Intel Core i7-8700K 6×3.7GHz Sockel LGA 1151 Prozessor SR3QR | €199 |
Intel Core i7-9700K
Buy used:
€220
Product | Store | Price |
---|---|
Intel Core i7-9700K Prozessor 3.![]() |