Core i7-11700F vs Core i9-7900X
Core i7-11700F
Core i9-7900X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-11700F
Performance Per Dollar Core i9-7900X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-11700F | Core i9-7900X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($188) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Skylake (server) (2017−2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-11700F | Core i9-7900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+25%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($150) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($188) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-11700F and Core i9-7900X
Core i7-11700F
The Core i7-11700F is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 20,770 points. Launch price was $299.
Core i9-7900X
The Core i9-7900X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 10 cores and 20 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 14 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 20,907 points. Launch price was $999.
Processing Power
The Core i7-11700F packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-7900X offers 10 cores / 20 threads — the Core i9-7900X has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-11700F versus 4.5 GHz on the Core i9-7900X — a 8.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-11700F (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-11700F uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-7900X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-11700F scores 20,770 against the Core i9-7900X's 20,907 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i9-7900X. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 2,196 vs 1,323, a 49.6% lead for the Core i7-11700F that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i7-11700F vs 14 MB (total) on the Core i9-7900X.
| Feature | Core i7-11700F | Core i9-7900X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 10 / 20+25% |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz+9% | 4.5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.5 GHz | 3.3 GHz+32% |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total)+14% | 14 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Rocket Lake (2021) | Skylake (server) (2017−2018) |
| PassMark | 20,770 | 20,907 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,196+66% | 1,323 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 8,536 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-11700F uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-7900X uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-11700F) vs 4 (Core i9-7900X). PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-11700F) vs 44 (Core i9-7900X) — the Core i9-7900X offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: H510,B560,H570,Z590,Q570 (Core i7-11700F) and X299 (Core i9-7900X).
| Feature | Core i7-11700F | Core i9-7900X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 4+100% |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 44+120% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i9-7900X 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. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-11700F) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i9-7900X). Primary use case: Core i7-11700F targets Gaming Desktop, Core i9-7900X targets High-End Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-11700F rivals Ryzen 7 5800.
| Feature | Core i7-11700F | Core i9-7900X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming Desktop | High-End Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-11700F launched at $298 MSRP, while the Core i9-7900X debuted at $999. At current prices ($150 vs $188), the Core i7-11700F is $38 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-11700F delivers 138.5 pts/$ vs 111.2 pts/$ for the Core i9-7900X — making the Core i7-11700F the 21.8% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-11700F | Core i9-7900X |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $298-70% | $999 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $150-20% | $188 |
| Performance per Dollar | 138.5+25% | 111.2 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2017 |
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