CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-11700B vs Intel Core i9-9900KF
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.
Multi-threaded productivity in apps like Premiere Pro and Blender remains solid, but newer 10+ core designs and higher IPC CPUs have moved the goalposts.
Gaming
Performs identically to a desktop i7-11700 in gaming, limited only by the mobile GPU form factor.
Still delivers strong 1080p and 1440p gaming performance when paired with a modern GPU, though newer CPUs can push slightly higher minimums in CPU-heavy titles.
Virtualization
8 cores and 16 threads handle local VMs and containers easily.
16 threads handle multiple VMs and containers reasonably well, but memory bandwidth and I/O are limited compared to HEDT or newer platforms.
Efficiency
10nm SuperFin is efficient, though 65W is standard for desktops.
Power draw is high under full load; real-world sustained power can exceed 150 W, making it much less efficient than modern 7 nm or 10 nm designs.
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 matrix hardware; relies on AVX2 CPU cores.
- Suitable only for light CPU-based inference or small models.
- Modern NPUs and GPUs are far faster for 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
- High single-core clocks keep 1% lows strong in many titles.
- 8 cores/16 threads handle modern games that scale beyond 6 cores.
- PCIe 3.0 x16 and DDR4-2666 are bottlenecks compared to PCIe 4.0/5.0 and DDR5.
- Newer gaming-focused CPUs (e.g., i5-13600K, Ryzen 7 7800X3D) offer better efficiency and sometimes higher FPS.
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 in a mainstream desktop socket
- Strong single-thread performance with up to 5 GHz turbo
- Unlocked multiplier for flexible overclocking
- Solder TIM improves thermals vs older paste-based Intel CPUs
- Mature Z390 platform with broad BIOS and driver support
Cons
- High power draw and heat under full load
- 14 nm process is inefficient compared to 7 nm or 10 nm rivals
- No integrated graphics; requires discrete GPU
- DDR4-2666 and PCIe 3.0 lag behind modern standards
- LGA 1151 platform is end-of-life with no CPU upgrade path beyond 9th gen
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 i9-9900KF
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700XRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 3800XRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-9700KRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9900KRival
High-End Desktop
Newer hybrid architecture with more E-cores, better efficiency, and stronger gaming/creator performance at often lower or similar price.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3DAlt
Leading gaming performance and much higher efficiency thanks to 3D V-Cache and Zen 4 on AM5.
More cores and threads with better productivity and similar or better gaming, plus DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 on Z690.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 7600Alt
Excellent budget gaming CPU with very good efficiency and modern platform features if you don’t need 8 cores.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Budget-friendly 6-core/12-thread CPU with solid gaming performance and much lower power draw for new builds.
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 reviewA powerful 8-core/16-thread gaming and creator CPU for its era, still capable in 2026 but outclassed in efficiency and platform features by newer designs.
Best for: Used or discounted LGA 1151 gaming/workstation build where you already have a Z390 board and DDR4 and want an 8-core upgrade without changing platforms.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-11700B or Intel Core i9-9900KF?
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 i9-9900KF?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11700B leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core i7-11700B and Intel Core i9-9900KF.
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 i9-9900KF (95 W).
Do Intel Core i7-11700B and Intel Core i9-9900KF use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-11700B: Intel BGA 1787, Intel Core i9-9900KF: 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 i9-9900KF (17,999). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.