Intel Core i7 1185G7 vs Intel Core i9 9900K: Which CPU Reigns Supreme in 2024?

What To Know

The Intel Core i7 1185G7 is a member of the Tiger Lake generation, while the Intel Core i9 9900K belongs to the Coffee Lake Refresh family.
The Tiger Lake i7 1185G7 is built on a 10nm process, which allows for better power efficiency and smaller die sizes compared to the 14nm Coffee Lake Refresh architecture of the i9 9900K.
While the i7 1185G7 boasts a higher boost clock speed, the i9 9900K’s higher base clock speed gives it a noticeable edge in real-world performance, especially in single-threaded applications.

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Today, we’ll be diving into a head-to-head comparison of two popular CPUs: the Intel Core i7 1185G7 and the Intel Core i9 9900K. These processors represent different generations and architectures, making this a particularly interesting matchup.
Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or a casual user, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each CPU can help you make an informed decision. Let’s break down the key differences and see which processor comes out on top in this Intel Core i7 1185G7 vs Intel Core i9 9900K showdown.

In This Article

A Tale of Two Architectures: Tiger Lake vs Coffee Lake Refresh
Core Count and Thread Count: A Multitasking Showdown
Clock Speed: The Race for Performance
Integrated Graphics: A Game Changer for Ultrabooks
Power Consumption: Efficiency and Thermal Management

A Tale of Two Architectures: Tiger Lake vs Coffee Lake Refresh

The Intel Core i7 1185G7 is a member of the Tiger Lake generation, while the Intel Core i9 9900K belongs to the Coffee Lake Refresh family. These two architectures offer distinct advantages and disadvantages.
The Tiger Lake i7 1185G7 is built on a 10nm process, which allows for better power efficiency and smaller die sizes compared to the 14nm Coffee Lake Refresh architecture of the i9 9900K. This translates to lower power consumption and potentially better thermal performance for the i7 1185G7. However, the 14nm node of the i9 9900K offered higher clock speeds at the time of its release.

Core Count and Thread Count: A Multitasking Showdown

The i7 1185G7 boasts 4 cores and 8 threads, while the i9 9900K packs a punch with 8 cores and 16 threads. This difference in core and thread count has a significant impact on multitasking capabilities. The i9 9900K excels at handling demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming with multiple applications running simultaneously. The i7 1185G7, with its lower core count, might struggle to keep up in these scenarios.

Clock Speed: The Race for Performance

The i9 9900K has a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.0 GHz, making it a speed demon. In contrast, the i7 1185G7 has a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.8 GHz. While the i7 1185G7 boasts a higher boost clock speed, the i9 9900K’s higher base clock speed gives it a noticeable edge in real-world performance, especially in single-threaded applications.

Integrated Graphics: A Game Changer for Ultrabooks

The i7 1185G7 features Intel Iris Xe Graphics, which offers significantly improved performance compared to previous generations of integrated graphics. This makes it a viable option for casual gaming and light content creation. The i9 9900K, on the other hand, relies on the older Intel UHD Graphics 630, which is not suitable for demanding tasks.

Power Consumption: Efficiency and Thermal Management

The i7 1185G7, with its 10nm architecture, consumes significantly less power than the i9 9900K. This translates to lower heat generation and potentially longer battery life in laptops. The i9 9900K’s high power consumption can lead to increased heat output, which necessitates more robust cooling solutions.

Benchmark Performance: A Battle of Benchmarks

When it comes to benchmark performance, the i9 9900K reigns supreme in most scenarios, thanks to its higher core count, clock speeds, and lack of integrated graphics. In multi-threaded benchmarks like Cinebench R23, the i9 9900K delivers significantly higher scores than the i7 1185G7. However, the i7 1185G7 can hold its own in single-threaded benchmarks and gaming performance, especially in games that are not heavily multi-threaded.

Price: The Value Proposition

The i7 1185G7 is typically found in laptops and is often priced lower than the i9 9900K. The i9 9900K is primarily designed for desktop PCs and tends to be more expensive. The price difference reflects the different target markets and performance capabilities of these two CPUs.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right CPU

Choosing between the Intel Core i7 1185G7 and the Intel Core i9 9900K ultimately boils down to your specific needs and budget.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

For demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking, the i9 9900K is the clear winner. Its higher core count and clock speeds provide the necessary processing power.
For casual gaming, light content creation, and everyday tasks, the i7 1185G7 offers a good balance of performance and efficiency. Its integrated graphics and lower power consumption make it a compelling choice for laptops.
If you’re on a tight budget, the i7 1185G7 is a more affordable option.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Numbers

While benchmarks and specifications are important factors to consider, it’s crucial to remember that the best CPU for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. The i9 9900K is a powerhouse for demanding tasks, while the i7 1185G7 offers a more balanced and efficient solution. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make.