Intel Core i7-9700 vs Intel Core i7-9700F

The Intel Core i7-9700 and Intel Core i7-9700F are 9th generation desktop processors from Intel, introduced in the second quarter of 2019.

They are aimed at mainstream users who need solid computing power for gaming, productivity, and content creation. Both CPUs are based on the Coffee Lake S Refresh architecture and are manufactured using a 14nm process. They feature 8 cores and 8 threads, offer 12 MB of Level 3 cache, and support PCIe Version 3.0 with a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s.

In terms of pure computing performance, the Intel Core i7-9700 and Intel Core i7-9700F are identical. There are no significant differences in single-core or multi-core performance exceeding ten percent. For gaming scenarios where a dedicated graphics card is used, both processors offer the same performance.

The Intel Core i7-9700 integrates Intel UHD Graphics 630, which is useful for basic tasks or display output without a dedicated GPU. The Intel Core i7-9700F absolutely requires a dedicated graphics card. The Thermal Design Power (TDP) and energy consumption of both processors are practically identical due to their identical core configuration and clock speeds.

The Intel Core i7-9700F generally offers slightly better value for money, as it is cheaper if a dedicated graphics card is already available and the integrated graphics unit is not needed. The Intel Core i7-9700 offers flexibility through its integrated graphics unit. The Intel Core i7-9700F is the more cost-effective choice for users who always use a dedicated graphics card.