Intel Core i7-7700 vs Intel Core i7-9700

The Intel Core i7-7700, based on the Kaby Lake S architecture, was introduced in the first quarter of 2017 for mainstream desktop users and gamers.

The Intel Core i7-9700, from the newer Coffee Lake S Refresh generation, was launched in the second quarter of 2019 and targeted users with higher demands for multitasking and content creation.

Both processors are manufactured using the 14 nm fabrication process and support PCIe Version 3.0. The Intel Core i7-7700 features 4 cores and 8 threads (Hyper-Threading), 8 MB Level 3 Cache, and a maximum memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s. Its integrated graphics are the Intel HD Graphics 630.

The Intel Core i7-9700 offers 8 cores and 8 threads (without Hyper-Threading), a larger 12 MB Level 3 Cache, and a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s. The integrated graphics unit is the Intel UHD Graphics 630. In single-core performance, the Intel Core i7-9700 significantly outperforms the Intel Core i7-7700, with over 10 percent higher values in relevant benchmarks.

In multi-core applications, the Intel Core i7-9700 also shows considerably better performance, with a significantly higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score. For gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i7-9700 offers better performance due to its higher single-core performance and increased core count.

Both CPUs have a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 65 W. The Intel Core i7-9700 can briefly draw more power under full load. In the used market, the Intel Core i7-9700 offers a more compelling price-performance ratio due to its better overall performance. For everyday tasks and light gaming, the Intel Core i7-7700 is a reasonable choice.

For more demanding gaming and content creation, the Intel Core i7-9700 is the superior option, as it offers more physical cores and higher per-core performance.