Core i7-8700 vs Core i7-9700K
Core i7-8700
Core i7-9700K
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. The Core i7-8700 is positioned at rank #483 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i7-8700
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-8700 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($110) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-8700 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+61%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($110) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
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 i7-8700 and Core i7-9700K
Core i7-8700
The Core i7-8700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12288 kB. L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 12,747 points. Launch price was $303.
Core i7-9700K
The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.
Processing Power
The Core i7-8700 packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i7-8700 versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — a 6.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-9700K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-8700 uses the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8700 scores 12,747 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 12.2% lead for the Core i7-9700K. L3 cache: 12288 kB on the Core i7-8700 vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-9700K.
| Feature | Core i7-8700 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 8 / 8+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz | 4.9 GHz+7% |
| Base Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz+12% |
| L3 Cache | 12288 kB | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 12,747 | 14,397+13% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 7,969 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,535 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 6,200 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR4-2666 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: 300-series (Core i7-8700) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).
| Feature | Core i7-8700 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-9700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-8700) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-8700 targets Gaming, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-8700 rivals Ryzen 5 2600.
| Feature | Core i7-8700 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 630 | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-8700 launched at $303 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700K debuted at $385. At current prices ($110 vs $200), the Core i7-8700 is $90 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-8700 delivers 115.9 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i7-8700 the 46.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-8700 | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $303-21% | $385 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $110-45% | $200 |
| Performance per Dollar | 115.9+61% | 72.0 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2018 |
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