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 i7-11700F vs Core i9-7900X 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 i7-11700F vs Core i9-7900X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-11700F

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +16.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $701 less on MSRP ($298 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Delivers 233.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 69.7 vs 20.9 PassMark/$ ($298 MSRP vs $999 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 140W, a 75W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i9-7900X.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (20,770 vs 20,907).

Core i9-7900X

2017

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅120% more PCIe lanes (44 vs 20) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-11700F across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.9 vs 69.7 PassMark/$ ($999 MSRP vs $298 MSRP).
❌115.4% higher power demand at 140W vs 65W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-11700F.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-11700F better than Core i9-7900X?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-11700F is ahead with a 16.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-7900X pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i9-7900X is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 20 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-11700F is the better buy right now. Core i7-11700F comes in $701 cheaper on MSRP at $298 MSRP versus $999 MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i9-7900X is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.7% better PassMark. It is also 233.0% better value on MSRP (69.7 vs 20.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-11700F makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-11700F vs Core i9-7900X Technical Specifications

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

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.

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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)+25500%	1 MB (per core)
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

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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. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i7-11700F versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i9-7900X — the Core i7-11700F 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 i7-11700F) 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+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 i9-7900X 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

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-11700F was priced at $298, while the Core i9-7900X came in at $999. On launch pricing ($298 vs $999), Core i7-11700F was $701 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-11700F delivers 69.7 pts/$ vs 20.9 pts/$ for the Core i9-7900X — making the Core i7-11700F the 107.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-11700F	Core i9-7900X
MSRP	$298-70%	$999
Performance per Dollar	69.7+233%	20.9
Release Date	2021	2017

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