CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8700 vs Intel Core i9-9900T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8700 is a highly regarded mainstream desktop processor that brought six-core computing to the masses. Launched as part of the 8th Gen Coffee Lake family, it features six cores and twelve threads, representing a 50% increase in core count over the previous 7th Gen quad-core i7 models. Operating at a base clock of 3.2 GHz with a max turbo of 4.6 GHz, it delivers exceptional performance for both gaming and multi-threaded productivity tasks. Its 65-watt TDP ensures it runs efficiently and coolly under typical loads. The processor includes Intel UHD Graphics 630, providing a safety net for systems without a dedicated GPU. It struck a perfect balance between price and performance, becoming the go-to recommendation for gamers and content creators who didn't need the unlocked overclocking features of the i7-8700K. Its robust multi-threading capabilities make it highly capable of handling modern workloads, including video editing and heavy multitasking.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
12 threads crush office workloads and compiling tasks.
Strong multi-threaded capability for office applications and light creative work.
Gaming
Capable of handling modern GPUs without significant bottlenecking.
Lower clocks limit high-refresh-rate gaming, but integrated graphics handle casual titles.
Virtualization
Excellent for home labs and running multiple VMs.
Sufficient for basic virtualization tasks, but not ideal for heavy VM workloads.
Efficiency
Highly efficient 65W design for the performance offered.
Exceptional power efficiency is the primary design goal and key strength.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Good CPU inference due to 12 threads
- No dedicated AI acceleration
- Only suitable for lightweight, CPU-based inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Handles RTX 3070/3080 class GPUs well
- High turbo boost ensures high frame rates
- Great for 144Hz gaming
- Not intended for serious gaming
- Limited by low base and boost clocks
- UHD Graphics 630 suitable only for very light or older games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- 4.6 GHz turbo boost
- Easy to cool
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
- Platform is dead (LGA 1151)
Pros
- Exceptionally low 35W TDP for quiet and cool operation
- Full 8-core/16-thread Coffee Lake performance
- Configurable down to 25W for embedded or low-power designs
- Integrated graphics for display output without a GPU
- Often available at a deep discount on the used market
Cons
- Significantly lower clock speeds than standard desktop CPUs
- Locked multiplier limits performance tuning
- On the older LGA1151 platform with no future upgrade path
- Discontinued, with limited availability and support
- Not competitive for gaming or performance-critical tasks
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-8700
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8600KRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAlt
Faster single-core, newer platform.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Modern alternative with better IPC.
Cheaper, similar performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More cores, better efficiency.
Intel Core i9-9900T
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
High-Performance Desktop
- Intel Core i7-9700TRival
Power-Optimized Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9500TRival
Power-Optimized Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Power-Optimized Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9900Rival
Standard Desktop
Much higher performance for gaming and productivity, but requires better cooling and power.
Compare head-to-headFar superior performance, modern platform, and efficiency; a better new buy.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700GAlt
Strong APU with better integrated graphics and comparable efficiency.
Excellent single-thread performance and efficiency for basic tasks on a modern platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better overall performance and value on a more modern platform.
Our Verdict on Each
One of the best value desktop processors of its generation, offering 95% of the i7-8700K's performance at a lower price and power draw.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1151 system for high-refresh gaming.
Read the full reviewA capable 8-core CPU that trades raw clock speed for significantly lower power consumption, ideal for specific use cases where efficiency and thermals matter more than maximum performance.
Best for: Building or upgrading a very quiet, small form factor PC where low power and heat are critical, and the CPU can be found at a significant discount.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8700 or Intel Core i9-9900T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8700 comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. 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 i7-8700 or Intel Core i9-9900T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700 leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Intel Core i7-8700 and Intel Core i9-9900T.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i9-9900T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-8700 (65 W), Intel Core i9-9900T (35 W).
Do Intel Core i7-8700 and Intel Core i9-9900T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8700: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core i9-9900T: FCLGA1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-9900T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-8700 (6 cores), Intel Core i9-9900T (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8700 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8700 (15,000), Intel Core i9-9900T (13,086). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.