Intel Core i7-8700K vs Intel Core i7-9700

The Intel Core i7-8700K (Coffee Lake S, 8th Generation) and the Intel Core i7-9700 (Coffee Lake S Refresh, 9th Generation) are desktop processors, both manufactured using the 14 nm process and equipped with Intel UHD Graphics 630 as well as PCIe 3.0.

The Intel Core i7-8700K offers 6 cores and 12 threads (Hyper-Threading) with an unlocked multiplier, ideal for overclockers and demanding gamers. The Intel Core i7-9700, on the other hand, features 8 cores and 8 threads without Hyper-Threading and is locked, making it predestined for stable mainstream systems without manual performance optimization.

Both CPUs have 12 MB of L3 cache and a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s. In single-core and multi-core benchmarks, they show very similar performance, with no differences exceeding 10 percent. They also perform at a comparable level in gaming scenarios, with the Intel Core i7-8700K potentially gaining an advantage through overclocking.

Regarding power consumption, the Intel Core i7-8700K has a higher TDP of 95 Watts, which increases with overclocking and requires stronger cooling. The Intel Core i7-9700 is more energy-efficient with a 65 Watt TDP. In the used market, the overclockable Intel Core i7-8700K might fetch a slightly higher price for enthusiasts, while the Intel Core i7-9700 is often found at a lower price and offers a good price-performance ratio for users without overclocking ambitions.