Intel Core i7-9700 vs Intel Core i7-8700K
These two processors score identically for gaming. Core count, power draw and platform cost decide it.
| Specification | Intel Core i7-9700 | Intel Core i7-8700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 61/100 | 61/100 |
| Tier | C | C |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Cores | 8 | 6 |
| Threads | 8 | 12 |
| Base clock | 3 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.7 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 65 W | 95 W |
| Release year | 2019 | 2017 |
Which should you buy?
Gaming performance is a tie between these two, so the decision comes down to the factors below. The Intel Core i7-9700 has more cores (8 vs 6), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The Intel Core i7-9700 runs 30W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.