Battle of the CPUs: Intel Core i7 8700 vs Intel Core i9 9900X – Who Will Win?

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when considering the vast array of options available. Today, we’ll delve into a classic showdown: the Intel Core i7 8700 versus the Intel Core i9 9900X. Both processors have left their mark on the tech landscape, but which one emerges as the champion? We’ll analyze their key features, performance, and price to help you make an informed decision.

Core i7 8700: The Workhorse

The Intel Core i7 8700 was a powerhouse in its time, released in 2017 as part of Intel’s 8th generation Coffee Lake lineup. This 6-core, 12-thread processor clocked in at a base frequency of 3.2 GHz and a boost frequency of 4.6 GHz, making it a formidable force for demanding tasks.
Key Features:

• 6 Cores, 12 Threads: This configuration provided excellent multi-threaded performance, enabling smooth operation for demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking.
• Hyper-Threading Technology: Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology allowed each core to handle two threads simultaneously, maximizing processing power.
• Integrated Graphics: The i7 8700 featured Intel UHD Graphics 630, providing basic graphics capabilities for casual gaming or everyday tasks.
• L3 Cache: The processor boasted a substantial 9 MB of L3 cache, enabling faster data access and improved overall performance.

Core i9 9900X: The High-End Beast

Released in 2018, the Intel Core i9 9900X belonged to the 9th generation Coffee Lake Refresh series and represented the pinnacle of Intel’s desktop CPU offerings at the time. This 10-core, 20-thread behemoth boasted a base frequency of 3.5 GHz and a boost frequency of 4.5 GHz, delivering exceptional power for professional workloads and extreme gaming.
Key Features:

• 10 Cores, 20 Threads: The sheer number of cores and threads made the 9900X a true powerhouse, capable of tackling resource-intensive tasks with ease.
• Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0: This feature maximized the performance of the processor by identifying the best-performing core and boosting its clock speed even further.
• Unlocked Multiplier: The 9900X came with an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking enthusiasts to push the processor to its limits.
• High-Speed Memory Support: The processor supported high-speed DDR4 memory up to 2666 MHz, further enhancing its overall performance.

Performance Showdown: A Tale of Two Titans

When it comes to performance, the Core i9 9900X reigns supreme. Its additional cores and threads provide a significant advantage in multi-threaded applications, making it a better choice for professional workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and complex simulations.
However, the Core i7 8700 isn’t a slouch. Its 6 cores and 12 threads are still more than capable of handling everyday tasks, gaming, and light content creation. In single-threaded applications, the 8700 might even outperform the 9900X due to its higher boost clock speed.

Price and Value: Balancing Performance with Budget

The Core i9 9900X was a premium processor, reflecting its high-end performance with a hefty price tag. Conversely, the Core i7 8700 offered a more budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for users seeking strong performance without breaking the bank.
The price difference between the two processors reflected the difference in their core count and overall performance. While the 9900X provided unparalleled power, the 8700 offered a solid balance of performance and affordability.

Choosing the Right Weapon: Your Needs Are the Key

The decision between the Core i7 8700 and the Core i9 9900X ultimately boils down to your specific needs and budget. If you’re a professional working with demanding applications or a hardcore gamer seeking the absolute best performance, the 9900X is the way to go.
However, if you’re a casual gamer, content creator, or simply need a powerful processor for everyday tasks, the 8700 offers an excellent value proposition.

The Legacy Lives On: A Look at Modern Alternatives

While both the Core i7 8700 and the Core i9 9900X are no longer the newest models, they continue to be viable options for many users. However, Intel has since released newer generations of processors with even better performance and features.
For those looking for a modern alternative to the 8700, the Intel Core i7 12700K is a compelling choice. This 12th generation processor offers a significant performance boost with 12 cores, 20 threads, and a higher clock speed.
If you’re seeking a high-end processor akin to the 9900X, the Intel Core i9 13900K is the current champion. This 13th generation processor boasts a massive 24 cores, 32 threads, and incredible performance for demanding workloads.

The Final Verdict: A Matter of Perspective

Choosing between the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 9900X is a personal decision based on your needs and budget. The 9900X offers unmatched power for professional workloads and extreme gaming, but it comes at a premium price. The 8700 provides a solid balance of performance and affordability, making it an excellent choice for everyday tasks and gaming.
Ultimately, the best processor for you is the one that meets your specific requirements and fits within your financial constraints.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which processor is better for gaming?
A: While the Core i9 9900X offers more cores and threads, the Core i7 8700’s higher boost clock speed might give it a slight edge in some games, especially those that are less reliant on multi-core performance. However, the difference in gaming performance between the two processors is likely to be negligible in most cases.
Q: Which processor is better for video editing?
A: The Core i9 9900X is the clear winner for video editing due to its significantly higher core count and multi-threaded performance. This extra processing power enables faster rendering times and smoother editing workflows.
Q: Is the Core i7 8700 still a good option in 2023?
A: While the Core i7 8700 is no longer the newest processor, it still offers solid performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and light content creation. However, it’s worth considering newer processors like the Intel Core i7 12700K, which offer significant performance improvements.
Q: What about power consumption?
A: The Core i9 9900X consumes more power than the Core i7 8700 due to its higher core count and clock speeds. This can impact your energy bill and potentially require a more powerful cooling solution.
Q: Which processor is better for multitasking?
A: The Core i9 9900X excels in multitasking due to its 20 threads, allowing it to handle multiple applications simultaneously without significant performance degradation. The Core i7 8700 can also handle multitasking effectively, but it may struggle with more demanding tasks.