CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8700K vs Core i7-9700KF
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8700K is a legendary enthusiast desktop processor that marked a major leap in mainstream computing power. As the flagship of the 8th Gen Coffee Lake family, it was the first mainstream Intel CPU to feature six cores and twelve threads, breaking the quad-core stagnation that had persisted for years. Operating at a high base clock of 3.7 GHz and boosting up to 4.7 GHz out of the box, it delivered exceptional single-threaded and multi-threaded performance. With an unlocked multiplier, it became a favorite among overclockers, capable of easily hitting 5.0 GHz on all cores with adequate cooling. Its 95-watt TDP reflects its focus on raw performance. Paired with the integrated UHD Graphics 630, it offers a versatile foundation for high-end gaming and content creation. The i7-8700K set a new standard for desktop performance, providing the headroom necessary for smooth 144Hz gaming, real-time streaming, and intensive rendering workloads.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
12 threads and high clocks make quick work of compiling and rendering.
Gaming
Still handles modern GPUs and high-refresh-rate gaming with ease.
Virtualization
Great for home labs and virtualization.
Efficiency
Consumes more power than newer generations when overclocked.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Strong CPU inference due to high clocks
No data
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
- Won't bottleneck RTX 3080/4080 class GPUs
- Excellent for 144Hz+ gaming
- Overclocking increases frame rates further
No data
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Excellent single-core performance
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Great for high-refresh gaming
Cons
- Runs hot under load
- Requires delidding for extreme OC
- Older 14nm process
- No PCIe 4.0
Pros
- Excellent single-core gaming performance
- Easily overclockable to 5.0 GHz
- Soldered IHS for better thermals
- Lower cost than K variant
Cons
- No integrated graphics (discrete GPU required)
- Lacks Hyper-Threading
- High power draw under overclock
- LGA 1151 is a dead platform
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-8700K
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700XRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- RivalCompare head-to-head
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8600KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600XRival
Desktop Enthusiast
Successor with higher clocks and soldered IHS.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Modern alternative with equal performance and lower price.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAlt
Better efficiency and newer platform.
Similar architecture, higher clocks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DAlt
Vastly superior gaming performance.
Core i7-9700KF
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Performance Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700XRival
Performance Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-9700KRival
Performance Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9600KRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
More budget-friendly but fewer cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Better multi-threading for a lower price.
- Intel Core i7-10700KFAlt
Next-gen upgrade with Hyper-Threading.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XAlt
Superior IPC and efficiency on a modern platform.
Our Verdict on Each
An iconic processor that brought 6 cores to the mainstream, offering incredible overclocking headroom and gaming performance that holds up today.
Best for: Legacy system upgrade for high-refresh gaming without spending on a new platform.
Read the full reviewA fantastic gaming CPU that hits 5.0 GHz easily, offering great value for enthusiasts who don't need integrated graphics.
Best for: Budget enthusiast gaming build on Z390
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8700K or Core i7-9700KF?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8700K comes out ahead with a score of 9.5/10. 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 i7-8700K or Core i7-9700KF?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700K leads with a gaming performance score of 92/100 among Intel Core i7-8700K and Core i7-9700KF.
Do Intel Core i7-8700K and Core i7-9700KF use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8700K: Intel Socket 1151, Core i7-9700KF: LGA 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-9700KF has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-8700K (6 cores), Core i7-9700KF (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8700K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8700K (16,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.