Unveiling the Powerhouses: Intel Core i7 8700 vs Intel Core i9 9980XE Showdown!

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two processors that often come up in discussions are the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 9980XE. While both belong to the Intel family, they cater to vastly different needs and performance levels. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two CPUs, helping you determine which one is the ideal fit for your specific requirements.

Understanding the Differences: Core i7 vs Core i9

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the fundamental differences between Intel’s Core i7 and Core i9 series.

• Core i7: The Core i7 series is generally targeted towards mainstream users, offering a balance between performance and affordability. These CPUs typically feature 4-8 cores, with hyperthreading capabilities that enable them to handle multiple tasks efficiently.

• Core i9: The Core i9 series represents Intel’s high-end offerings, designed for demanding workloads such as gaming, content creation, and professional applications. These CPUs boast a higher core count, ranging from 8 to 18 cores, and often feature advanced technologies like Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 for peak performance.

Intel Core i7 8700: A Workhorse for Everyday Tasks

The Intel Core i7 8700 is a 6-core, 12-thread CPU released in 2017. It features a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.6 GHz. The 8700 utilizes Intel‘s Coffee Lake architecture and is built on a 14nm process.
Strengths:

• Solid performance: The 8700 delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks like browsing, multitasking, and light gaming.
• Excellent value: Compared to the Core i9 9980XE, the 8700 offers a much more affordable price point.
• Energy efficiency: Due to its lower core count and smaller size, the 8700 consumes less power compared to the 9980XE.

Weaknesses:

• Limited core count: The 8700’s 6-core design may struggle with highly demanding applications or multi-tasking scenarios.
• No overclocking: The 8700 is not unlocked for overclocking, limiting performance potential.

Intel Core i9 9980XE: The Powerhouse for Professionals

The Intel Core i9 9980XE is a behemoth of a CPU, boasting 18 cores and 36 threads. It was launched in 2018 and utilizes Intel’s Skylake-X architecture, built on a 14nm process. The 9980XE has a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.5 GHz.
Strengths:

• Unparalleled multi-core performance: The 9980XE excels in applications that can take advantage of its massive core count, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations.
• High clock speeds: The 9980XE’s high clock speeds ensure that individual cores deliver impressive performance.
• Overclocking capabilities: The 9980XE is unlocked for overclocking, allowing enthusiasts to push its performance to the limit.

Weaknesses:

• Price premium: The 9980XE comes with a hefty price tag, making it a significant investment.
• High power consumption: Due to its massive core count, the 9980XE consumes a considerable amount of power, requiring a robust cooling solution.
• Limited gaming performance: While the 9980XE can handle demanding games, its performance gains over the 8700 may not be significant in gaming scenarios.

Performance Comparison: A Head-to-Head Look

Gaming: For most gamers, the Intel Core i7 8700 provides more than enough performance. Its 6 cores and 12 threads can handle modern games smoothly, even at high settings. The 9980XE, while capable, doesn’t offer a significant performance advantage in gaming, especially considering its hefty price tag.
Content Creation: The 9980XE shines in content creation tasks. Its high core count and clock speeds allow it to breeze through demanding workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design. The 8700 can handle these tasks, but it may struggle with larger projects or time-intensive processes.
Multitasking: The 9980XE’s 36 threads provide unmatched multitasking capabilities. It can handle multiple demanding applications simultaneously without noticeable performance degradation. The 8700 can also handle multiple tasks, but its performance may be affected when dealing with several resource-intensive programs.
Productivity: For everyday productivity tasks, such as browsing, email, and office work, both CPUs offer excellent performance. The 9980XE’s extra cores and threads may not be necessary for these tasks, making the 8700 a more cost-effective choice.

Choosing the Right CPU: The Decision Matrix

The best CPU for you depends on your specific needs and budget.

• If you’re a gamer: The Intel Core i7 8700 provides excellent performance at a reasonable price. It’s a solid choice for most gamers.
• If you’re a content creator: The Intel Core i9 9980XE is the ideal choice for professionals who demand top-tier performance in demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
• If you’re a multitasker: The 9980XE’s 36 threads provide unmatched multitasking capabilities, allowing you to run multiple demanding applications simultaneously.
• If you’re on a budget: The 8700 offers excellent value for money, providing solid performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

The Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 9980XE are both powerful CPUs, but they serve different purposes. The 8700 is a great choice for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The 9980XE is a powerhouse for demanding workloads like content creation and professional applications. Ultimately, the best CPU for you depends on your specific needs and budget.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q1: Is the Intel Core i9 9980XE worth the price?
A: The 9980XE is a powerful CPU, but its high price makes it a significant investment. It’s worth the price if you need top-tier performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations. However, if you’re primarily focused on gaming or everyday tasks, the 8700 is a more cost-effective option.
Q2: Can I upgrade from the Intel Core i7 8700 to the Intel Core i9 9980XE?
A: While you can technically upgrade your motherboard to support the 9980XE, it’s not a practical or cost-effective solution. The two CPUs have different socket types (LGA1151 for the 8700 and LGA2066 for the 9980XE), requiring a new motherboard and potentially new RAM.
Q3: What are the differences in power consumption between the two CPUs?
A: The 9980XE consumes significantly more power than the 8700 due to its higher core count and clock speeds. This can lead to higher electricity bills and require a more robust cooling solution.
Q4: Which CPU is better for streaming?
A: Both CPUs can handle streaming, but the 9980XE offers more headroom for demanding games and encoding tasks simultaneously. However, the 8700 can still provide a smooth streaming experience for most users.
Q5: What is the difference in thermal design power (TDP) between the two CPUs?
A: The 8700 has a TDP of 65W, while the 9980XE has a TDP of 165W. This indicates that the 9980XE generates significantly more heat and requires a more powerful cooling solution.