Intel Core i7 11700B vs Intel Core i9 10900K: The Ultimate CPU Face-off for Gamers and Professionals

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison between two formidable processors: the Intel Core i7 11700B and the Intel Core i9 10900K. Both CPUs boast impressive performance, but which one comes out on top? Let’s find out.

Architecture and Core Count: A Look Under the Hood

The Intel Core i7 11700B is a member of Intel’s 11th generation Rocket Lake-S series, while the Intel Core i9 10900K belongs to the 10th generation Comet Lake-S series. This difference in generation brings about significant architectural changes.
The 11700B utilizes Intel‘s Cypress Cove architecture, which offers improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock) compared to its predecessor, the Comet Lake. This means it can execute more instructions per clock cycle, potentially leading to faster performance in tasks that heavily rely on single-threaded performance. It packs 8 cores and 16 threads.
On the other hand, the 10900K features the older Skylake architecture, but it compensates with a higher core count, boasting 10 cores and 20 threads. This translates to better multi-threaded performance, enabling it to handle demanding tasks like video editing and rendering more efficiently.

Clock Speeds and Turbo Boost: Reaching Peak Performance

Both CPUs offer impressive clock speeds, but their turbo boost capabilities are where things get interesting. The 11700B has a base clock speed of 2.9 GHz and a turbo boost up to 4.8 GHz. The 10900K, however, boasts a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a turbo boost of up to 5.3 GHz.
This higher base clock speed and turbo boost potential give the 10900K a slight edge in terms of raw performance, especially when it comes to single-threaded applications. The 11700B might lag behind in this aspect, but its improved IPC can compensate in certain scenarios.

Cache: The Memory Buffer

Cache memory plays a crucial role in CPU performance by storing frequently accessed data for quicker retrieval. The 11700B offers 16 MB of L3 cache, while the 10900K comes with a larger 20 MB of L3 cache.
While the 10900K’s larger cache size can potentially lead to faster data access, the 11700B’s Cypress Cove architecture might make up for the difference with its improved cache efficiency.

Integrated Graphics: A Secondary Consideration

Both CPUs feature integrated graphics, though their capabilities are not meant for high-end gaming. The 11700B comes with Intel UHD Graphics 730, while the 10900K is equipped with Intel UHD Graphics 630. The 11700B’s integrated graphics offers slightly better performance due to its newer architecture.

Power Consumption and Thermal Design Power (TDP): Keeping Things Cool

The 11700B has a TDP of 65W, while the 10900K has a TDP of 125W. This indicates that the 10900K consumes more power and generates more heat. Consequently, you might need a more powerful cooling solution for the 10900K to maintain optimal performance and prevent thermal throttling.

Benchmarking: Putting Them to the Test

Real-world benchmarks paint a clearer picture of the performance differences between the two CPUs. In single-threaded benchmarks, the 10900K generally outperforms the 11700B due to its higher clock speeds. However, the 11700B’s improved IPC can lead to better performance in certain benchmarks, especially those that favor single-core performance.
In multi-threaded benchmarks, the 10900K’s higher core count gives it a significant advantage. This is particularly evident in tasks like video editing, rendering, and other multi-threaded workloads.

Price and Availability: Finding the Sweet Spot

The Intel Core i7 11700B is generally more affordable than the Intel Core i9 10900K. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users who still want a powerful processor. However, the 10900K’s higher performance often justifies its higher price tag, especially for users who prioritize raw processing power.

Choosing the Right CPU: Your Needs Matter

Ultimately, the best CPU for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize single-threaded performance and have a limited budget, the Intel Core i7 11700B might be the better choice. However, if you need the ultimate processing power for multi-threaded tasks and are willing to pay a premium, the Intel Core i9 10900K is the clear winner.

The Verdict: A Close Contest

Both the Intel Core i7 11700B and the Intel Core i9 10900K are powerful CPUs capable of handling demanding tasks. The 11700B offers a compelling balance of performance and affordability, while the 10900K delivers unmatched raw processing power. The decision comes down to your priorities and budget.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Is the Intel Core i7 11700B good for gaming?
A: Yes, the 11700B is a capable gaming processor. Its improved IPC and 8 cores can handle modern games well, especially when paired with a powerful graphics card.
Q: What is the difference between the Intel Core i7 11700B and the Intel Core i9 10900K for video editing?
A: The 10900K’s higher core count makes it a better choice for video editing, as it can handle the demanding multi-threaded workloads more efficiently. However, the 11700B can still provide decent performance for video editing, especially if you’re working with smaller projects.
Q: Which CPU is better for streaming?
A: Both CPUs are capable of handling streaming, but the 10900K’s higher core count gives it an edge. It can handle both the game and the streaming software simultaneously with less strain.
Q: Can I overclock the Intel Core i7 11700B?
A: The 11700B is not officially unlocked for overclocking. However, some users have reported success with overclocking it using specific motherboards and BIOS settings.
Q: Should I buy the Intel Core i7 11700B or the Intel Core i9 10900K?
A: The best choice depends on your needs and budget. If you prioritize affordability and single-threaded performance, the 11700B is a good option. However, if you need maximum processing power for multi-threaded tasks and are willing to pay more, the 10900K is the better pick.