Intel Core i7 8700 vs Intel Core i9 7940X: Which CPU Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders often come up in discussions: the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 7940x. While both are powerful processors, they cater to different use cases and price points. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key differences between these two CPUs to help you make an informed decision.

Unveiling the Spec Sheet: A Head-to-Head Comparison

To understand the strengths and weaknesses of each CPU, we need to examine their core specifications:
Intel Core i7 8700:

• Cores: 6
• Threads: 12
• Base Clock Speed: 3.2 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: 4.6 GHz
• L3 Cache: 9 MB
• TDP: 65 W
• Price: Around $300 (at launch)

Intel Core i9 7940x:

• Cores: 10
• Threads: 20
• Base Clock Speed: 3.1 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: 4.3 GHz
• L3 Cache: 20 MB
• TDP: 165 W
• Price: Around $1000 (at launch)

As you can see, the i9 7940x boasts a significant advantage in terms of core count, threads, and L3 cache. However, the i7 8700 holds its own with a higher boost clock speed. These differences translate into performance variations across various workloads.

Benchmarking the Performance: A Tale of Two Titans

To gauge the real-world performance of these CPUs, we can analyze benchmark results:
Gaming:

• The i7 8700 generally provides a smoother gaming experience, thanks to its higher boost clock speed and efficient architecture.
• While the i9 7940x can handle demanding games, its performance isn’t as consistently impressive due to its slightly lower clock speeds.

Content Creation:

• The i9 7940x excels in tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and software development, leveraging its superior core count and threading capabilities.
• The i7 8700 can still handle these workloads, but it might struggle with projects requiring heavy multi-threading.

Productivity:

• Both CPUs offer excellent performance for general productivity tasks like web browsing, email, and office applications.
• The i7 8700’s higher clock speed might offer a slight edge in responsiveness.

Overclocking:

• The i7 8700 is known for its overclocking potential, allowing users to push its performance further.
• The i9 7940x is also overclockable, but its higher TDP and power consumption might require more advanced cooling solutions.

Beyond the Benchmarks: A Deeper Dive

While benchmark scores provide a good starting point, it’s crucial to consider other factors:
Power Consumption and Heat Generation:

• The i7 8700 is a more power-efficient CPU, consuming less energy and generating less heat.
• The i9 7940x, with its higher core count and TDP, demands a more robust cooling system to prevent thermal throttling.

Platform Compatibility:

• The i7 8700 is compatible with Intel’s 300-series motherboards, while the i9 7940x requires a 200-series motherboard.
• This difference can affect your upgrade options and component choices.

Price and Value:

• The i7 8700 offers excellent value for its price, providing a balance of performance and affordability.
• The i9 7940x is a premium CPU, catering to users with demanding workloads and a higher budget.

Making the Right Choice: A Decision Guide

Choosing between the Intel Core i7 8700 and Intel Core i9 7940x boils down to your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the Intel Core i7 8700 if:

• You prioritize gaming performance and a smooth overall experience.
• You have a limited budget and want a value-for-money CPU.
• You desire a CPU with good overclocking potential.

Choose the Intel Core i9 7940x if:

• You require exceptional performance for demanding workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.
• You have a higher budget and are willing to invest in a premium CPU.
• You need a CPU with a high core count for multi-threaded tasks.

Final Thoughts: A Verdict Based on Your Needs

Both the Intel Core i7 8700 and Intel Core i9 7940x are powerful CPUs, but they cater to different segments of users. The i7 8700 shines in gaming and everyday tasks, while the i9 7940x excels in demanding workloads. The final decision depends on your budget, priorities, and the specific applications you plan to use.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q1: Which CPU is better for gaming?

• A: The Intel Core i7 8700 generally offers better gaming performance due to its higher boost clock speed and efficient architecture.

Q2: Which CPU is better for video editing?

• A: The Intel Core i9 7940x is better for video editing, thanks to its higher core count and threading capabilities.

Q3: Which CPU is more power-efficient?

• A: The Intel Core i7 8700 is more power-efficient, consuming less energy and generating less heat.

Q4: Are both CPUs overclockable?

• A: Yes, both CPUs are overclockable, but the i7 8700 offers better overclocking potential.

Q5: What are the main differences between the two CPUs?

• A: The i9 7940x has more cores, threads, and L3 cache, making it more powerful for demanding workloads. However, the i7 8700 has a higher boost clock speed, leading to better gaming performance and overall responsiveness.