Core i7-11700KF vs Core i9-7920X

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 i7-11700KF vs Core i9-7920X 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 i7-11700KF vs Core i9-7920X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-11700KF

2021

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +39.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $825 less on MSRP ($374 MSRP vs $1,199 MSRP).
✅Delivers 224.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 63.7 vs 19.6 PassMark/$ ($374 MSRP vs $1,199 MSRP).
✅Draws 125W instead of 140W, a 15W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i9-7920X

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-11700KF across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (23,508 vs 23,811).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.6 vs 63.7 PassMark/$ ($1,199 MSRP vs $374 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-11700KF better than Core i9-7920X?

Yes. Core i7-11700KF is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 39.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-11700KF is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 39.2% 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 i7-11700KF is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads.

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

Core i7-11700KF is the better buy right now. Core i7-11700KF comes in $825 cheaper on MSRP at $374 MSRP versus $1,199 MSRP, and it still gives you a 39.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 224.7% better value on MSRP (63.7 vs 19.6 PassMark/$), 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 i7-11700KF makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2017) and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 12/24. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-11700KF vs Core i9-7920X Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-11700KF

The Core i7-11700KF 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 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 5 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 23,811 points. Launch price was $299.

Core i9-7920X

The Core i9-7920X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 10 September 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 16.5 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 23,508 points. Launch price was $1,199.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-11700KF packs 8 cores / 16 threads, while the Core i9-7920X offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Core i9-7920X has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5 GHz on the Core i7-11700KF versus 4.4 GHz on the Core i9-7920X — a 12.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-11700KF (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2.9 GHz). The Core i7-11700KF uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i9-7920X uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-11700KF scores 23,811 against the Core i9-7920X's 23,508 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i7-11700KF. L3 cache: 16 MB (total) on the Core i7-11700KF vs 16.5 MB (total) on the Core i9-7920X.

Feature	Core i7-11700KF	Core i9-7920X
Cores / Threads	8 / 16	12 / 24+50%
Boost Clock	5 GHz+14%	4.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz+24%	2.9 GHz
L3 Cache	16 MB (total)	16.5 MB (total)+3%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Rocket Lake (2021)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	23,811+1%	23,508
Cinebench R23 Multi	15,011	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,287	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	10,874	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-11700KF uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i9-7920X uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-11700KF	Core i9-7920X
Socket	LGA1200	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	—
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	20	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-11700KF) / not specified (Core i9-7920X).

Feature	Core i7-11700KF	Core i9-7920X
Integrated GPU	No	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	Yes	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-11700KF was priced at $374, while the Core i9-7920X came in at $1199. On launch pricing ($374 vs $1199), Core i7-11700KF was $825 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-11700KF delivers 63.7 pts/$ vs 19.6 pts/$ for the Core i9-7920X — making the Core i7-11700KF the 105.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-11700KF	Core i9-7920X
MSRP	$374-69%	$1199
Performance per Dollar	63.7+225%	19.6
Release Date	2021	2017

Search Core i7-11700KF on Amazon

Search Core i9-7920X on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.