Battle of the CPUs: Intel Core i7 8700 vs Intel Core i9 9900 – Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing the right CPU is a crucial decision for any PC builder, especially when considering high-performance options like the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 9900. Both processors offer impressive capabilities, but their differences can significantly impact your gaming experience, productivity, and overall system performance. This in-depth comparison will delve into the key features, benchmarks, and real-world applications of the Intel Core i7 8700 vs Intel Core i9 9900, helping you make an informed decision for your next PC build.

Core i7 8700: A Powerful Workhorse

Released in October 2017, the Intel Core i7 8700 quickly became a popular choice for gamers and content creators. This 6-core, 12-thread processor boasts a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.6 GHz. Its impressive performance makes it a formidable option for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming.
Key Features:

• 6 cores, 12 threads: Provides excellent multi-tasking capabilities, handling multiple applications simultaneously without significant performance drops.
• 3.2 GHz base clock, 4.6 GHz boost clock: Offers fast processing speeds, ensuring smooth performance in demanding applications.
• 8 MB L3 cache: Helps speed up data access and improve overall performance.
• Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630: Offers basic graphics capabilities for everyday tasks and light gaming.
• Supports DDR4 memory: Allows for fast and efficient data transfer.

Core i9 9900: The Flagship Champion

The Intel Core i9 9900, released in October 2018, is Intel’s flagship CPU, offering top-tier performance for demanding users. This 8-core, 16-thread processor boasts a base clock speed of 3.1 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5 GHz. Its impressive core count and clock speeds make it a powerhouse for professionals needing maximum performance.
Key Features:

• 8 cores, 16 threads: Enables exceptional multitasking and parallel processing, ideal for demanding workloads.
• 3.1 GHz base clock, 5 GHz boost clock: Provides blazing-fast speeds, ideal for gaming, rendering, and other intensive tasks.
• 16 MB L3 cache: Further enhances performance by reducing data access latency.
• Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630: Offers basic graphics capabilities for everyday tasks and light gaming.
• Supports DDR4 memory: Enables fast and efficient data transfer.

Performance Comparison: A Closer Look

Both processors deliver exceptional performance, but the Core i9 9900 edges out the Core i7 8700 in various benchmarks.

• Gaming: In most games, the Core i9 9900 delivers slightly higher frame rates due to its additional cores and higher clock speeds. However, the difference may not be noticeable in less demanding games.
• Productivity: The Core i9 9900 shines in productivity tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and software development. Its extra cores and threads allow it to handle complex workloads with greater efficiency.
• Multitasking: The Core i9 9900 excels at multitasking due to its higher core count. It can smoothly handle multiple demanding applications simultaneously without significant performance degradation.

Price and Value: Finding the Right Balance

The Core i9 9900 is significantly more expensive than the Core i7 8700. This price difference reflects its superior performance capabilities. However, the Core i7 8700 still offers excellent value for its price, providing impressive performance for a wide range of applications.

Power Consumption and Thermal Performance

The Core i9 9900 consumes more power than the Core i7 8700 due to its higher core count and clock speeds. This can lead to higher heat output, requiring a more robust cooling solution. However, both processors are capable of running efficiently with proper cooling.

Choosing the Right CPU for Your Needs

Ultimately, the best CPU for you depends on your specific needs and budget.

• Core i7 8700: Ideal for gamers, content creators, and users seeking a powerful and affordable processor.
• Core i9 9900: The best choice for professionals, enthusiasts, and users demanding maximum performance for demanding workloads.

The Final Verdict: A Matter of Priorities

While the Core i9 9900 offers superior performance, the Core i7 8700 remains a strong contender, especially considering its price-to-performance ratio. If you prioritize affordability and still want a powerful CPU, the Core i7 8700 is a fantastic choice. However, if you need the absolute best performance for demanding workflows and are willing to pay a premium, the Core i9 9900 is the clear winner.

What People Want to Know

1. Is the Core i9 9900 worth the extra cost?
The Core i9 9900 is worth the extra cost if you need the absolute best performance for demanding tasks like professional video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming. However, if you’re on a budget, the Core i7 8700 offers excellent value for its price.
2. What are the main differences between the Core i7 8700 and Core i9 9900?
The main differences lie in the core count, clock speeds, and price. The Core i9 9900 has more cores and higher clock speeds, resulting in better performance, but it also costs significantly more.
3. Can I upgrade from a Core i7 8700 to a Core i9 9900?
Yes, you can upgrade from a Core i7 8700 to a Core i9 9900, but you’ll need to ensure your motherboard supports the Core i9 9900. You may also need to upgrade your cooling solution to handle the increased heat output.
4. Which CPU is better for gaming?
Both CPUs are excellent for gaming. The Core i9 9900 offers slightly higher frame rates in most games due to its additional cores and higher clock speeds. However, the difference may not be noticeable in less demanding games.
5. What is the future-proofing of these CPUs?
Both CPUs are still capable of running modern games and applications, but they are starting to show their age. Newer CPUs offer better performance and efficiency. However, if you’re looking for a reliable and powerful CPU that will last for a few years, both the Core i7 8700 and Core i9 9900 are still excellent choices.