CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8700T vs Intel Core i9-9900T
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.
Strong multi-threaded capability for office applications and light creative work.
Gaming
Good gaming performance when paired with a mid-range GPU.
Lower clocks limit high-refresh-rate gaming, but integrated graphics handle casual titles.
Virtualization
Excellent for running multiple light VMs.
Sufficient for basic virtualization tasks, but not ideal for heavy VM workloads.
Efficiency
One of the most efficient hexa-core desktop chips of its era.
Exceptional power efficiency is the primary design goal and key strength.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is decent due to 12 threads
- No dedicated AI acceleration
- Only suitable for lightweight, CPU-based inference
Content Creation
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
- Not intended for serious gaming
- Limited by low base and boost clocks
- UHD Graphics 630 suitable only for very light or older games
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
- Exceptionally low 35W TDP for quiet and cool operation
- Full 8-core/16-thread Coffee Lake performance
- Configurable down to 25W for embedded or low-power designs
- Integrated graphics for display output without a GPU
- Often available at a deep discount on the used market
Cons
- Significantly lower clock speeds than standard desktop CPUs
- Locked multiplier limits performance tuning
- On the older LGA1151 platform with no future upgrade path
- Discontinued, with limited availability and support
- Not competitive for gaming or performance-critical tasks
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.
Intel Core i9-9900T
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
High-Performance Desktop
- Intel Core i7-9700TRival
Power-Optimized Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9500TRival
Power-Optimized Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Power-Optimized Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9900Rival
Standard Desktop
Much higher performance for gaming and productivity, but requires better cooling and power.
Compare head-to-headFar superior performance, modern platform, and efficiency; a better new buy.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700GAlt
Strong APU with better integrated graphics and comparable efficiency.
Excellent single-thread performance and efficiency for basic tasks on a modern platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better overall performance and value on a more modern platform.
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 reviewA capable 8-core CPU that trades raw clock speed for significantly lower power consumption, ideal for specific use cases where efficiency and thermals matter more than maximum performance.
Best for: Building or upgrading a very quiet, small form factor PC where low power and heat are critical, and the CPU can be found at a significant discount.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8700T or Intel Core i9-9900T?
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 Intel Core i9-9900T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-9900T leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Intel Core i7-8700T and Intel Core i9-9900T.
Do Intel Core i7-8700T and Intel Core i9-9900T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8700T: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core i9-9900T: FCLGA1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-9900T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-8700T (6 cores), Intel Core i9-9900T (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), Intel Core i9-9900T (13,086). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.