CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8670 vs Intel Core i7-9700F
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 general productivity, but lacks Hyper-Threading for heavy multi-threading.
Gaming
Handles modern games easily when paired with a mid-to-high-end GPU.
Strong gaming performance thanks to high boost clocks and 8 cores.
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 is very efficient for an 8-core 14nm chip.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Standard CPU inference
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Lacks Quick Sync Video due to no 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 single-core boost speeds
- Handles modern games well
- Requires dedicated GPU
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
- Strong gaming performance
- 8 physical cores
- 65W TDP is easy to cool
- Good value on the used market
Cons
- No integrated graphics
- Lacks Hyper-Threading
- Locked multiplier
- 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 i7-9700F
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9400FRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600XRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Modern alternative with better IPC and upgrade path.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Superior gaming performance and efficiency.
- Intel Core i7-10700FAlt
Adds Hyper-Threading for 16 threads.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
Much better multi-threaded performance.
Cheaper 10th Gen alternative with similar performance.
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 gaming CPU that offers excellent value by removing integrated graphics, though the lack of Hyper-Threading limits its multi-threaded potential.
Best for: The Intel Core i7-9700F is a processor that only makes sense in the used market today. For gamers on a strict budget who already own a dedicated graphics card, this 8-core chip offers excellent value. Its strong single-core performance ensures high frame rates in most modern games, and the 8 cores provide enough multitasking headroom for streaming or light content creation. However, the lack of Hyper-Threading means it will lag behind newer CPUs in heavily multi-threaded workloads like 3D rendering. Avoid this processor if you do any video editing that relies on Intel Quick Sync Video, as it lacks integrated graphics. When shopping for a used 9700F, ensure you are getting a good deal, as newer 12th Gen i3 and i5 processors often outperform it at similar price points. It is best suited for upgrading older LGA 1151 systems.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8670 or Intel Core i7-9700F?
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.
Do Intel Core i7-8670 and Intel Core i7-9700F 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 i7-9700F has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-8670 (6 cores), Intel Core i7-9700F (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.