Core i7-11700B vs Core i9-9900X

Intel

Core i7-11700B

8 Cores16 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.8 GHz2021
Core family
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VS
Intel

Core i9-9900X

10 Cores20 Thrd165 WWMax: 4.5 GHz2018
Similar parts
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Core i7-11700B vs Core i9-9900X Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-11700B vs Core i9-9900X FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-11700B vs Core i9-9900X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-11700B

2021

Why buy it

  • +24.7% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 19 MB).
  • Costs $666 less on MSRP ($323 MSRP vs $989 MSRP).
  • Delivers 205.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 66.8 vs 21.9 PassMark/$ ($323 MSRP vs $989 MSRP).
  • Draws 65W instead of 165W, a 100W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics 750, while Core i9-9900X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i9-9900X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (10,287 vs 13,985).

Core i9-9900X

2018

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +9.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 120% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (19 MB vs 24 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 21.9 vs 66.8 PassMark/$ ($989 MSRP vs $323 MSRP).
  • 153.8% higher power demand at 165W vs 65W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-11700B can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i9-9900X better than Core i7-11700B?
Yes. Core i9-9900X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 35.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, and 0.3% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i9-9900X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-9900X is the stronger fit. You are getting 35.9% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i9-9900X is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i9-9900X comes in 206.2% more expensive on MSRP at $989 MSRP versus $323 MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-11700B only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 9.2% in the shared gaming data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-11700B makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2018) and 24.7% larger total L3 cache (24 MB vs 19 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-11700B vs Core i9-9900X Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i7-11700B

The Core i7-11700B is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 24 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1787. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: Up to 3200 MT/s. Passmark benchmark score: 21,581 points. Launch price was $299.

Intel

Core i9-9900X

The Core i9-9900X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 19.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 165 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 21,655 points. Launch price was $989.

Processing Power

The Core i7-11700B packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-9900X offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-9900X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.8 GHz on the Core i7-11700B versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-9900X — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-11700B (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-11700B uses the Tiger Lake-H (2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i9-9900X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-11700B scores 21,581 against the Core i9-9900X's 21,655 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i9-9900X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 10,287 vs 13,985 (30.5% advantage for the Core i9-9900X). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,265 vs 1,459, a 43.3% lead for the Core i7-11700B that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 10,050 vs 9,475 (5.9% advantage for the Core i7-11700B). L3 cache: 24 MB (total) on the Core i7-11700B vs 19.25 MB (total) on the Core i9-9900X.

FeatureCore i7-11700BCore i9-9900X
Cores / Threads
8 / 16
10 / 20+25%
Boost Clock
4.8 GHz+7%
4.5 GHz
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
3.5 GHz+9%
L3 Cache
24 MB (total)+25%
19.25 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)+25%
1 MB (per core)
Process
10 nm SuperFin-29%
14 nm
Architecture
Tiger Lake-H (2021)
Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark
21,581
21,655
Cinebench R23 Multi
10,287
13,985+36%
Geekbench 6 Single
2,265+55%
1,459
Geekbench 6 Multi
10,050+6%
9,475
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-11700B uses the FCBGA1787 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-9900X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i7-11700B versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-9900X — the Core i7-11700B supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-11700B) vs 4 (Core i9-9900X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-11700B) vs 44 (Core i9-9900X) — the Core i9-9900X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM570,QM580,WM590 (Core i7-11700B) and X299 (Core i9-9900X).

FeatureCore i7-11700BCore i9-9900X
Socket
FCBGA1787
LGA2066
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-3200+20%
DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity
128 GB
128 GB
RAM Channels
2
4+100%
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
20
44+120%
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Advanced Features

Only the Core i9-9900X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-11700B includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 750), while the Core i9-9900X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-11700B targets Desktop.

FeatureCore i7-11700BCore i9-9900X
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel UHD Graphics 750
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
Yes
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-11700B was priced at $323, while the Core i9-9900X came in at $989. On launch pricing ($323 vs $989), Core i7-11700B was $666 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-11700B delivers 66.8 pts/$ vs 21.9 pts/$ for the Core i9-9900X — making the Core i7-11700B the 101.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-11700BCore i9-9900X
MSRP
$323-67%
$989
Performance per Dollar
66.8+205%
21.9
Release Date
2021
2018

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