CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8700K vs Intel Core i9-9900K
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.
Strong multi-threaded performance for photo editing, video encoding, and compilation, though outpaced by newer 8+ core CPUs with better IPC and efficiency.
Gaming
Still handles modern GPUs and high-refresh-rate gaming with ease.
Still delivers high FPS in modern titles at 1080p, but is increasingly GPU-bound at 1440p/4K and trails newer gaming-focused CPUs in 1% low frame rates and efficiency.
Virtualization
Great for home labs and virtualization.
Capable for home labs and light VM workloads with 8 cores and 16 threads, but limited by 128 GB memory cap and older platform features.
Efficiency
Consumes more power than newer generations when overclocked.
Power draw is high under multi-threaded loads, often exceeding 150 W in practice, with significantly worse performance-per-watt than modern Intel and AMD alternatives.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Strong CPU inference due to high clocks
- No dedicated AI or NPU hardware.
- Suitable only for CPU-based inference at small scale.
- Modern CPUs with NPUs or faster AVX implementations are far better for local AI workloads.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Won't bottleneck RTX 3080/4080 class GPUs
- Excellent for 144Hz+ gaming
- Overclocking increases frame rates further
- Single-core and high turbo frequencies benefit high-refresh-rate gaming.
- At 1080p with a strong GPU it can still push very high average FPS.
- At 1440p and above, differences versus newer CPUs shrink as the GPU becomes the bottleneck.
- Modern 6+ core CPUs often match or beat it in 1% lows and frame pacing.
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 still handle modern workloads well.
- 5.0 GHz single-core turbo benefits gaming and snappy UI response.
- STIM and unlocked multiplier make overclocking straightforward.
- Mature LGA1151 platform with many affordable Z390/Z370 boards.
- Strong single-thread performance for its era.
Cons
- High power draw and heat under multi-threaded loads.
- End-of-life platform with no DDR5 or PCIe 4.0/5.0.
- 128 GB memory cap is limiting for heavy VM or data workloads.
- Older 14 nm++ process is much less efficient than modern nodes.
- Newer CPUs offer better performance-per-watt and platform features.
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 i9-9900K
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Enthusiast Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-9700KRival
Enthusiast Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700KRival
Enthusiast Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 3800XRival
Enthusiast Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10900KRival
Enthusiast Desktop
More cores and threads, better efficiency, DDR4/DDR5 support, and stronger modern performance for a similar or lower price point.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XAlt
Higher IPC, better efficiency, and AM4 upgrade path with similar core counts; often better value in 2026.
Hybrid architecture with more E-cores and better multi-threaded performance at lower power, plus DDR5 support.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Alt
Modern AM5 platform with DDR5 and much better efficiency; sufficient for gaming and light content work.
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Budget-friendly LGA1700 option with strong single-thread performance and better platform longevity.
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 reviewStill a capable gaming and multi-threaded CPU in 2026, especially if you already own it, but outdated platform features, high power draw, and better modern alternatives make it hard to recommend for new builds.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA1151 system from an older i5/i7 to more cores without changing motherboard and RAM.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8700K or Intel Core i9-9900K?
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 i9-9900K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700K leads with a gaming performance score of 92/100 among Intel Core i7-8700K and Intel Core i9-9900K.
Do Intel Core i7-8700K and Intel Core i9-9900K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8700K: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core i9-9900K: LGA1151 (FCLGA1151)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-9900K has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-8700K (6 cores), Intel Core i9-9900K (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 i9-9900K (8,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.