CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8700K vs Intel Core i9-9900
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.
Capable in content‑creation workloads like photo and video editing, but overtaken by 10‑core and 12‑core parts from Intel and AMD in heavily threaded tasks.
Gaming
Still handles modern GPUs and high-refresh-rate gaming with ease.
Still strong for 1080p and 1440p gaming with modern GPUs, but newer CPUs with higher IPC or more cores can pull ahead in CPU‑heavy titles and 1% lows.
Virtualization
Great for home labs and virtualization.
Sufficient for light VMs and lab setups, but more cores and PCIe lanes from newer platforms are preferable for serious virtualization.
Efficiency
Consumes more power than newer generations when overclocked.
The 14 nm process and high clocks under turbo result in relatively high energy use compared to 10 nm and 7 nm competitors, especially when power limits are relaxed on Z‑series boards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Strong CPU inference due to high clocks
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware.
- Suitable only for CPU‑based inference or small models; not competitive with modern NPUs or GPUs.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Won't bottleneck RTX 3080/4080 class GPUs
- Excellent for 144Hz+ gaming
- Overclocking increases frame rates further
- 5.0 GHz single‑core turbo keeps it competitive in games that favor clock speed.
- 8 cores/16 threads help in modern titles that scale beyond 6 cores.
- Newer Intel and AMD CPUs often deliver better 1% lows and efficiency.
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
- 8 cores and 16 threads for high‑end mainstream workloads.
- 5.0 GHz single‑core turbo matches i9‑9900K peak frequency.
- 65 W TDP enables more compact builds than the 95 W K‑series.
- Integrated UHD Graphics 630 with Quick Sync Video.
- Strong gaming and general‑purpose performance for its generation.
Cons
- Locked multiplier; no meaningful overclocking.
- Old 14 nm process results in relatively high power draw under turbo.
- Limited to PCIe 3.0 and DDR4‑2666 officially.
- Discontinued; no long‑term upgrade path on LGA1151.
- Real‑world turbo can exceed 65 W significantly on boards that relax power limits, requiring robust cooling.
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.
Intel Core i9-9900
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Mainstream High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9900KRival
Enthusiast Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-9700KRival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10900Rival
Mainstream High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700XRival
Mainstream High-End Desktop
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Much better efficiency and platform features (DDR4/DDR5, PCIe 4.0/5.0) for new builds at a lower price point.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAlt
Similar or better gaming performance with lower power draw and a modern AM4 platform.
- Intel Core i7-10700KAlt
Two extra cores and slightly higher clocks for a more modern LGA1200 platform if you want to stay on Intel.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
8C/16T with higher IPC and better efficiency than Coffee Lake, on a long‑lived AM4 platform.
Significantly better multi‑thread and efficiency, plus DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support, for a similar or lower price than used i9‑9900s.
Compare head-to-head
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 powerful 8‑core Coffee Lake‑R CPU that still delivers strong gaming and creator performance, but its 14 nm process, lack of overclocking, and aging platform make it a niche choice versus newer 12th/13th/14th Gen Intel and Ryzen alternatives.
Best for: Used or discounted upgrades for existing LGA1151 systems where you want 8‑core performance without buying a new motherboard, cooler, or RAM.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8700K or Intel Core i9-9900?
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 Intel Core i9-9900?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700K leads with a gaming performance score of 92/100 among Intel Core i7-8700K and Intel Core i9-9900.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i9-9900 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-8700K (95 W), Intel Core i9-9900 (65 W).
Do Intel Core i7-8700K and Intel Core i9-9900 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8700K: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core i9-9900: FCLGA1151 (LGA1151-2)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-9900 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-8700K (6 cores), Intel Core i9-9900 (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), Intel Core i9-9900 (4,346). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.