Intel Core i7 8700 vs Intel Core i9 11900T: Which CPU Reigns Supreme for Your Gaming Needs?

What To Know

  • The Core i7 8700 belongs to the Coffee Lake series, released in 2017, while the Core i9 11900T is part of the Rocket Lake lineup, launched in 2021.
  • While the Intel Core i9 11900T offers better frame rates in demanding games, the Core i7 8700 can still hold its own in less graphically intensive titles.
  • The Intel UHD Graphics 730 in the Core i9 11900T offers better performance than the Intel UHD Graphics 630 in the Core i7 8700, making it a better option for casual gaming or light multimedia tasks.

Choosing the right CPU for your computer can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison of two popular processors: the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 11900T. Both are known for their performance capabilities, but which one comes out on top? Let’s break down their key features and see how they stack up against each other.

A Look at the Contenders: Intel Core i7 8700 and Intel Core i9 11900T

The Intel Core i7 8700 and Intel Core i9 11900T represent two different generations of Intel processors. The Core i7 8700 belongs to the Coffee Lake series, released in 2017, while the Core i9 11900T is part of the Rocket Lake lineup, launched in 2021. This generational gap brings significant differences in architecture, features, and performance.
Intel Core i7 8700:

  • Architecture: Coffee Lake
  • Cores: 6
  • Threads: 12
  • Base Clock Speed: 3.2 GHz
  • Boost Clock Speed: 4.6 GHz
  • TDP: 65W
  • Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

Intel Core i9 11900T:

  • Architecture: Rocket Lake
  • Cores: 8
  • Threads: 16
  • Base Clock Speed: 1.7 GHz
  • Boost Clock Speed: 3.5 GHz
  • TDP: 35W
  • Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 730

Comparing Performance: A Head-to-Head Showdown

The performance difference between the Intel Core i7 8700 and Intel Core i9 11900T is evident in various benchmarks. While the Core i9 11900T boasts more cores and threads, the Core i7 8700 compensates with higher clock speeds.
Single-Core Performance:
In single-core tasks like web browsing, productivity software, and light gaming, the Intel Core i7 8700 shines. Its higher clock speed allows it to execute instructions faster, leading to a noticeable performance advantage.
Multi-Core Performance:
For demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and multi-tasking, the Intel Core i9 11900T emerges as the winner. Its additional cores and threads enable it to handle multiple processes simultaneously, resulting in faster completion times.
Gaming Performance:
In gaming, the performance gap is more nuanced. While the Intel Core i9 11900T offers better frame rates in demanding games, the Core i7 8700 can still hold its own in less graphically intensive titles. The higher clock speed of the Core i7 8700 can also lead to smoother gameplay in certain games.

Power Consumption and Thermal Performance

The Intel Core i9 11900T takes the lead in terms of power efficiency. Its lower TDP of 35W compared to the Core i7 8700’s 65W translates to less energy consumption and lower heat generation. This makes the Core i9 11900T a more suitable choice for compact systems or those prioritizing energy savings.

Feature Comparison: Stepping into the Future

The Intel Core i9 11900T benefits from being a newer generation processor, offering several features that the Core i7 8700 lacks.
PCIe 4.0 Support:
The Intel Core i9 11900T supports the latest PCIe 4.0 standard, enabling faster data transfer speeds for compatible components like SSDs and graphics cards.
Improved Integrated Graphics:
The Intel UHD Graphics 730 in the Core i9 11900T offers better performance than the Intel UHD Graphics 630 in the Core i7 8700, making it a better option for casual gaming or light multimedia tasks.

Pricing and Value: Finding the Right Balance

The Intel Core i7 8700 is generally available at a lower price point than the Intel Core i9 11900T. This makes the Core i7 8700 an attractive option for budget-conscious users who prioritize performance over the latest features.
However, if you’re willing to invest a bit more, the Intel Core i9 11900T offers superior performance, especially in multi-core tasks, along with the benefits of PCIe 4.0 support and improved integrated graphics.

The Verdict: Choosing the Best CPU for Your Needs

Ultimately, the choice between the Intel Core i7 8700 and Intel Core i9 11900T depends on your specific needs and budget.
Choose the Intel Core i7 8700 if:

  • You’re on a tight budget.
  • You prioritize single-core performance for tasks like web browsing and productivity.
  • You’re building a compact system where power consumption is a concern.

Choose the Intel Core i9 11900T if:

  • You need the best possible multi-core performance for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
  • You want to take advantage of PCIe 4.0 speeds for faster storage and graphics performance.
  • You want the best integrated graphics experience for casual gaming or multimedia tasks.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Numbers

While the Intel Core i9 11900T emerges as the more powerful processor, the Intel Core i7 8700 remains a solid choice for users who value affordability and single-core performance. Both CPUs offer excellent performance for their respective price points and can handle most modern workloads.

What People Want to Know

Q1. What is the difference between the Intel Core i7 8700 and Intel Core i9 11900T in terms of gaming performance?
The Intel Core i9 11900T generally offers better frame rates in demanding games due to its higher core count, but the Core i7 8700 can still provide smooth gameplay in less graphically intensive titles.
Q2. Can I upgrade the Intel Core i7 8700 to the Intel Core i9 11900T?
No, the Intel Core i7 8700 and Intel Core i9 11900T have different socket types (LGA1151 for the Core i7 8700 and LGA1200 for the Core i9 11900T), making them incompatible.
Q3. Which CPU is better for video editing?
The Intel Core i9 11900T is generally better for video editing due to its higher core count and faster multi-core performance.
Q4. Is the Intel Core i7 8700 still a good CPU in 2023?
The Intel Core i7 8700 is still a capable CPU for many tasks in 2023, especially for budget-minded users. However, newer processors like the Intel Core i9 11900T offer significant performance improvements.
Q5. Which CPU is better for multi-tasking?
The Intel Core i9 11900T is better for multi-tasking due to its higher core count and threads, allowing it to handle multiple processes simultaneously.