Intel Core I9-9900k Vs I7 8700: Which Cpu Is The Ultimate Gaming Beast?
What To Know
- At the time of writing, the Intel Core i9-9900K retails for around $450, while the Intel Core i7-8700 can be purchased for approximately $300.
- However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the extra performance, the Intel Core i7-8700 is still a capable option.
- While the Intel Core i7-8700 is a solid mid-range option, the i9-9900K is the true champion for those who demand the best.
In the realm of PC gaming, the processor is an essential component that serves as the brain of the system. When it comes to high-end gaming, two processors that often come to mind are the Intel Core i9-9900K and the Intel Core i7-8700. Both processors offer impressive performance, but they differ in several key aspects. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, features, and benchmarks of these two CPUs to determine which one emerges as the ultimate gaming champion.
| Feature | Intel Core i9-9900K | Intel Core i7-8700 |
| — | — | — |
| Cores/Threads | 8/16 | 6/12 |
| Base Clock Speed | 3.6 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
| Turbo Boost Max Speed | 5.0 GHz | 4.6 GHz |
| Cache | 16 MB L3 | 12 MB L3 |
| TDP | 95W | 65W |
| Socket | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 |
| Release Date | October 2018 | October 2017 |
Performance: Benchmark Showdown
To evaluate the real-world performance of the Intel Core i9-9900K and the Intel Core i7-8700, we will examine benchmarks from various sources. These benchmarks will provide insights into the gaming prowess of both processors.
Gaming Benchmarks
| Game | Intel Core i9-9900K | Intel Core i7-8700 |
| — | — | — |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p, Ultra) | 144 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (1080p, Very High) | 108 FPS | 85 FPS |
| Far Cry 5 (1080p, Ultra) | 120 FPS | 100 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 (1080p, High) | 75 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Control (1080p, High) | 80 FPS | 65 FPS |
As evident from the benchmarks, the Intel Core i9-9900K consistently delivers higher frame rates compared to the Intel Core i7-8700. This is particularly noticeable in demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Control, where the i9-9900K provides a significant performance advantage.
Productivity Benchmarks
| Application | Intel Core i9-9900K | Intel Core i7-8700 |
| — | — | — |
| Cinebench R20 (Multi-Threaded) | 7,500 points | 5,500 points |
| Blender (BMW Render) | 120 seconds | 150 seconds |
| Adobe Photoshop (Image Editing) | 100 seconds | 120 seconds |
| Adobe Premiere Pro (Video Editing) | 150 seconds | 180 seconds |
In productivity tasks, the Intel Core i9-9900K once again demonstrates its superiority. Its higher core count and clock speeds result in faster rendering times, image editing, and video editing.
Overclocking Potential
Both the Intel Core i9-9900K and the Intel Core i7-8700 are unlocked processors, meaning they can be overclocked to achieve higher clock speeds. However, the i9-9900K has a slight edge in overclocking potential due to its higher base clock speed and better thermal performance.
Power Consumption and Thermals
The Intel Core i9-9900K has a higher TDP (95W) compared to the Intel Core i7-8700 (65W), indicating that it consumes more power. This is due to the increased number of cores and higher clock speeds of the i9-9900K. As a result, the i9-9900K also generates more heat, requiring a more robust cooling solution.
Price Comparison
At the time of writing, the Intel Core i9-9900K retails for around $450, while the Intel Core i7-8700 can be purchased for approximately $300. The price difference reflects the higher performance and features offered by the i9-9900K.
Which CPU is Right for You?
The choice between the Intel Core i9-9900K and the Intel Core i7-8700 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re a serious gamer or content creator who demands the best possible performance, the Intel Core i9-9900K is the clear choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the extra performance, the Intel Core i7-8700 is still a capable option.
Ultimate Gaming Dominance: Intel Core i9-9900K
Based on our comprehensive comparison, the Intel Core i9-9900K emerges as the ultimate gaming CPU. Its superior core count, higher clock speeds, and impressive overclocking potential make it the ideal choice for gamers seeking the highest possible frame rates and smoothest gaming experience. While the Intel Core i7-8700 is a solid mid-range option, the i9-9900K is the true champion for those who demand the best.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which processor is better for streaming?
A: For streaming, the Intel Core i9-9900K is the better choice due to its higher core count and clock speeds. This allows it to handle both gaming and streaming simultaneously without compromising performance.
Q: Can I use the same motherboard for both processors?
A: Yes, both the Intel Core i9-9900K and the Intel Core i7-8700 use the LGA 1151 socket. However, you may need to update your motherboard’s BIOS to support the i9-9900K.
Q: Is the Intel Core i9-9900K worth the extra cost?
A: If you’re a serious gamer or content creator who demands the best possible performance, then the Intel Core i9-9900K is worth the extra cost. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the extra performance, the Intel Core i7-8700 is still a good option.
