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.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8700K
6C / 12T4.7 GHz95 W
9.5
Full review
Intel · 9th Generation Core i7
Core i7-9700KF
8C / 8T4.9 GHz95 W
8.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
Desktop Enthusiast
Performance Desktop
Generation
Core i7 (Coffee Lake)
9th Gen
Launched
2017
2019
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Coffee Lake
Coffee Lake
Series
Core i7
9th Generation Core i7
Family
8th Generation
Coffee Lake Refresh
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-7700K
Core i7-8700K
Successor
Intel Core i7-9700K
Core i7-10700KF

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
6
8
Threads
12
8
Base Clock
3.7 GHz
3.6 GHz
Boost Clock
4.7 GHz
4.9 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
12 MB
12 MB
TDP
95 W
95 W
Architecture
Architecture
Coffee Lake
Coffee Lake
Process Node
14nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR4
Memory Speed
2666 MT/s
2666 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
128 GB
128 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 1151
LGA 1151
PCIe Version
Gen 3
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-8700K90

12 threads and high clocks make quick work of compiling and rendering.

Core i7-9700KF

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8700K92

Still handles modern GPUs and high-refresh-rate gaming with ease.

Core i7-9700KF

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-8700K88

Great for home labs and virtualization.

Core i7-9700KF

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-8700K70

Consumes more power than newer generations when overclocked.

Core i7-9700KF

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-8700KLimited
  • No AI hardware
  • Strong CPU inference due to high clocks
Core i7-9700KF

No data

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-8700KVery Good
Premiere ProBlenderUnreal EngineOBS Studio
Core i7-9700KF

No data

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8700KExcellent
  • Won't bottleneck RTX 3080/4080 class GPUs
  • Excellent for 144Hz+ gaming
  • Overclocking increases frame rates further
Core i7-9700KF

No data

Industry Impact

Gaming
Very High
High
Workstations
High
Moderate
Content Creation
High
Moderate
Virtualization
High
Low

Best CPU by Use Case

144Hz Gaming
Excellent
Overclocking
Excellent
Live Streaming
Very Good
3D Rendering
Good
VR Gaming
Excellent
Competitive Gaming
Excellent
Game Streaming
Very Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Streamers
Targeted
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Students

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-8700K

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
Core i7-9700KF

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

Core i7-9700KF

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 review
Core i7-9700KFRecommended

A 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 review

Frequently 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.