Core i9-11900KF vs Core i7-11700K
Core i9-11900KF
Core i7-11700K
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 i9-11900KF
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-11700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i9-11900KF | Core i7-11700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($349) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i9-11900KF | Core i7-11700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($349) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
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 i9-11900KF and Core i7-11700K
Core i9-11900KF
The Core i9-11900KF 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 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 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: 24,585 points. Launch price was $299.
Core i7-11700K
The Core i7-11700K 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: 512K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 24,362 points. Launch price was $299.
Processing Power
Both the Core i9-11900KF and Core i7-11700K share an identical 8-core/16-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 5.2 GHz on the Core i9-11900KF versus 5 GHz on the Core i7-11700K — a 3.9% clock advantage for the Core i9-11900KF (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). Both are built on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i9-11900KF scores 24,585 against the Core i7-11700K's 24,362 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i9-11900KF. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 15,500 vs 14,732 (5.1% advantage for the Core i9-11900KF). Both processors carry 16 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i9-11900KF | Core i7-11700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 | 8 / 16 |
| Boost Clock | 5.2 GHz+4% | 5 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.6 GHz+3% |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB (total) | 16 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 512K (per core)+100% |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Rocket Lake (2021) | Rocket Lake (2021) |
| PassMark | 24,585 | 24,362 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 15,500+5% | 14,732 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 4.0. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z590,B560 (Core i9-11900KF) and Z590,B560 (Core i7-11700K).
| Feature | Core i9-11900KF | Core i7-11700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. The Core i7-11700K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 750), while the Core i9-11900KF requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i9-11900KF | Core i7-11700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 750 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
Value Analysis
The Core i9-11900KF launched at $513 MSRP, while the Core i7-11700K debuted at $399. At current prices ($349 vs $350), the Core i9-11900KF is $1 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i9-11900KF delivers 70.4 pts/$ vs 69.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-11700K — making the Core i9-11900KF the 1.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i9-11900KF | Core i7-11700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $513 | $399-22% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $349 | $350 |
| Performance per Dollar | 70.4+1% | 69.6 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2021 |
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