CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8670 vs Intel Core i7-9700
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8670 is a mainstream desktop processor designed to deliver balanced performance for both gaming and productivity. As part of the 8th Gen Coffee Lake family, it features six cores and twelve threads, a significant upgrade over the previous generation's quad-core i7 designs. Operating at a base frequency of 3.1 GHz and boosting up to 4.4 GHz, it offers snappy single-threaded performance and solid multi-threaded capabilities. With a standard 65-watt TDP, it strikes an excellent balance between power consumption and heat generation, making it compatible with a wide range of affordable coolers. The inclusion of Intel UHD Graphics 630 allows for basic display functionality without a discrete GPU, though serious gamers and creators will want to pair it with a dedicated graphics card. This processor is tailored for users who demand reliable hexa-core performance for everyday tasks, moderate content creation, and a smooth 60 FPS gaming experience without paying a premium for the highest clock speeds.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
12 threads make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Good for productivity, but limited by 8 threads.
Gaming
Handles modern games easily when paired with a mid-to-high-end GPU.
Strong gaming performance, though slightly behind the 9700K due to lower base clock.
Virtualization
Capable of running multiple VMs smoothly.
8 cores help, but 8 threads limit parallel virtualization.
Efficiency
Good efficiency within the 65W envelope.
65W TDP makes it highly efficient and easy to cool.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Standard CPU inference
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Quick Sync Video available via iGPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Won't bottleneck RTX 3060 or RX 6600 class GPUs
- High turbo boost ensures smooth frame times
- Great for 60Hz and 144Hz gaming
- High boost clocks benefit gaming
- Good for mid-range gaming rigs
- iGPU allows for fallback display
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Easy to cool (65W)
- Good turbo boost speeds
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Limited upgrade path on LGA 1151
- Marginal improvement over i7-8700
Pros
- 8 physical cores
- 65W TDP is highly efficient
- Includes integrated graphics
- Good for budget gaming
Cons
- Lacks Hyper-Threading
- Locked multiplier
- Uses thermal paste instead of solder
- Older 14nm process
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-8670
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8600Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Much faster single-core and newer platform.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Better performance and modern features.
Cheaper 10th gen alternative with similar performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More cores and better efficiency.
Intel Core i7-9700
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9400Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Modern alternative with better IPC and an upgrade path.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Superior gaming performance and efficiency.
- Intel Core i7-10700Alt
Adds Hyper-Threading for 16 threads.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
Much better multi-threaded performance.
Cheaper 10th Gen alternative with similar value.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A well-balanced 65W hexa-core CPU that offers excellent value for 1080p gaming and everyday productivity without the premium of K-series chips.
Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system for 1080p gaming.
Read the full reviewA solid 8-core CPU that offers good productivity and gaming performance at a lower 65W TDP, though it lacks Hyper-Threading and overclocking capabilities.
Best for: The Intel Core i7-9700 is a solid processor for the used market, particularly for budget gaming or productivity builds. If you can find it at a good price, its 8 cores provide ample performance for modern gaming and multitasking. The inclusion of a 65W TDP means it runs cool and can be paired with cheaper motherboards and coolers, saving you money on the overall build. It is highly recommended for users upgrading an existing 8th or 9th Gen Intel system who don't care about overclocking. However, avoid this CPU if you need maximum multi-threaded performance, as the lack of Hyper-Threading holds it back in rendering tasks. For new builds, modern CPUs offer better price-to-performance ratios. Ultimately, the i7-9700 is best suited for practical builders who want reliable, efficient performance without paying for unnecessary enthusiast features.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8670 or Intel Core i7-9700?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8670 comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-8670 or Intel Core i7-9700?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8670 leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core i7-8670 and Intel Core i7-9700.
Do Intel Core i7-8670 and Intel Core i7-9700 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket 1151 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-9700 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-8670 (6 cores), Intel Core i7-9700 (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8670 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8670 (14,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.