CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11700B vs Intel Core i9-9900K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-11700B is an 8-core, 16-thread desktop processor built on the Tiger Lake-H architecture, exclusively featured in the NUC 11 Extreme 'Beast Canyon'.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Sustains high all-core clocks due to the 65W desktop TDP.
Strong multi-threaded performance for photo editing, video encoding, and compilation, though outpaced by newer 8+ core CPUs with better IPC and efficiency.
Gaming
Performs identically to a desktop i7-11700 in gaming, limited only by the mobile GPU form factor.
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
8 cores and 16 threads handle local VMs and containers easily.
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
10nm SuperFin is efficient, though 65W is standard for desktops.
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
- AVX-512 support is useful for local AI development
- 8 cores provide decent throughput for medium models
- 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
- 24MB L3 cache provides a noticeable boost in CPU-bound games
- PCIe 4.0 ensures no bottleneck with modern desktop GPUs
- Pairs well with RTX 3060 and 3070 in NUC form factors
- 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
- Excellent 8-core desktop performance
- 24MB L3 cache boosts gaming
- 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Fits in an ultra-compact NUC form factor
Cons
- Proprietary Compute Element socket
- No CPU upgrade path
- End-of-life platform
- Locked multiplier
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 i7-11700B
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700GRival
Desktop APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
The higher-end unlocked version available for NUC 11 Extreme.
Compare head-to-head- Intel NUC 12 Extreme (i7-12700)Alt
The newer generation NUC with Alder Lake hybrid architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DAlt
If building a custom SFF PC with 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
A unique desktop part offering excellent 8-core performance and PCIe 4.0 in a specialized NUC form factor, though limited by its proprietary platform.
Best for: Purchasing a used NUC 11 Extreme for a compact, powerful living room gaming PC
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 i7-11700B or Intel Core i9-9900K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-11700B comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 i7-11700B or Intel Core i9-9900K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11700B leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core i7-11700B and Intel Core i9-9900K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-11700B has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-11700B (65 W), Intel Core i9-9900K (95 W).
Do Intel Core i7-11700B and Intel Core i9-9900K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11700B: Intel BGA 1787, Intel Core i9-9900K: LGA1151 (FCLGA1151)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-11700B posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-11700B (19,500), Intel Core i9-9900K (8,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.