CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8700T vs Core i7-9700T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8700T is a low-power desktop processor that brings hexa-core computing to the 35-watt thermal envelope, making it an excellent choice for small form factor PCs and All-in-One systems. Released as part of the 8th Generation Coffee Lake lineup, it features six cores and twelve threads, offering substantial multi-threaded performance without the heat generation of standard desktop chips. It operates at a base clock of 2.4 GHz and can turbo boost up to 4.0 GHz, providing a good balance between steady-state efficiency and burst performance. The inclusion of Intel UHD Graphics 630 ensures smooth 4K video playback and basic display capabilities without requiring a dedicated graphics card. This processor is tailored for environments where space is at a premium and quiet operation is desired, allowing system builders to create highly compact machines capable of handling intensive productivity tasks, light content creation, and multitasking with remarkable energy efficiency.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles heavy office workloads and multitasking smoothly.
Gaming
Good gaming performance when paired with a mid-range GPU.
Virtualization
Excellent for running multiple light VMs.
Efficiency
One of the most efficient hexa-core desktop chips of its era.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is decent due to 12 threads
No data
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
- Best paired with GTX 1660 or RTX 3060 class GPUs
- Low base clock won't bottleneck as much due to high turbo
- Great for SFF gaming
No data
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- High 4.0 GHz turbo boost
- Great for passive cooling
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Lower base clock
- Hard to find retail
- 14nm process is outdated
Pros
- Very low 35W TDP
- 8 physical cores
- Quiet operation capability
- Includes UHD 630 graphics
Cons
- Low base clock of 2.0 GHz
- Locked multiplier
- Harder to find on the retail market
- No Hyper-Threading
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-8700T
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8670TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- Intel Core i7-9700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Much newer and more efficient.
- Intel Core i5-10400TAlt
Similar performance, newer generation.
If you have the cooling for 65W, it's much faster.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GAlt
Better integrated graphics and IPC.
Core i7-9700T
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700ERival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 2700GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9500TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Intel Core i7-9700EAlt
Slightly higher 65W TDP for better sustained clocks.
Standard 65W version with higher base clock.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 3700EAlt
Newer low-power alternative with SMT.
More budget-friendly low-power option.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-10700TAlt
Next-gen 10-core low-power option.
Our Verdict on Each
An outstanding 35W processor that doesn't compromise on core count, perfect for silent builds requiring strong multi-threaded capability.
Best for: Building a Small Form Factor (SFF) PC for silent operation.
Read the full reviewAn excellent choice for compact systems needing 8-core efficiency without the heat of standard desktop processors.
Best for: Building a quiet small form factor PC
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8700T or Core i7-9700T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8700T comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. 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 i7-8700T or Core i7-9700T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700T leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i7-8700T and Core i7-9700T.
Do Intel Core i7-8700T and Core i7-9700T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8700T: Intel Socket 1151, Core i7-9700T: LGA 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-9700T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-8700T (6 cores), Core i7-9700T (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8700T posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8700T (13,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.