What To Know
- The Core i7 8700 is a mainstream processor designed for everyday computing tasks, while the Core i9 9960X is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor geared towards demanding workloads like content creation, gaming, and professional applications.
- The Core i9 9960X boasts a substantial advantage with 10 cores and 20 threads, compared to the Core i7 8700’s 6 cores and 12 threads.
- The Core i9 9960X consumes significantly more power than the Core i7 8700, with a TDP of 165 W compared to 65 W.
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 9960X. While both processors boast impressive performance, they cater to different user profiles and applications. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two CPUs, helping you determine which one best suits your specific requirements.
Unveiling the Titans: Intel Core i7 8700 and Intel Core i9 9960X
The Intel Core i7 8700 and Intel Core i9 9960X represent two distinct tiers of Intel’s processor lineup. The Core i7 8700 is a mainstream processor designed for everyday computing tasks, while the Core i9 9960X is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor geared towards demanding workloads like content creation, gaming, and professional applications.
Intel Core i7 8700:
- Release Date: October 5, 2017
- Architecture: Coffee Lake
- Cores/Threads: 6 Cores / 12 Threads
- Base Clock Speed: 3.2 GHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 4.6 GHz
- Cache: 12 MB Intel Smart Cache
- TDP: 65 W
- Price: Approximately $300 (at launch)
Intel Core i9 9960X:
- Release Date: November 19, 2018
- Architecture: Skylake-X
- Cores/Threads: 10 Cores / 20 Threads
- Base Clock Speed: 3.0 GHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 4.5 GHz
- Cache: 19.25 MB Intel Smart Cache
- TDP: 165 W
- Price: Approximately $1000 (at launch)
Core Count and Threading: The Foundation of Performance
One of the most significant differences between the Core i7 8700 and Core i9 9960X lies in their core count and threading capabilities. The Core i9 9960X boasts a substantial advantage with 10 cores and 20 threads, compared to the Core i7 8700’s 6 cores and 12 threads. This translates to a significant performance boost in multi-threaded applications, where multiple tasks can be processed simultaneously.
Clock Speed and Boost Frequency: The Speed Factor
Both processors offer impressive clock speeds, but the Core i9 9960X takes the lead with a slightly higher base clock speed of 3.0 GHz compared to the Core i7 8700’s 3.2 GHz. However, the Core i7 8700 compensates with a faster boost clock speed of 4.6 GHz, allowing it to reach higher speeds when needed. This difference in clock speeds can impact performance in single-threaded applications and gaming.
Cache Memory: The Performance Accelerator
The Core i9 9960X features a larger cache memory of 19.25 MB compared to the Core i7 8700’s 12 MB. This larger cache allows the processor to store more frequently accessed data, reducing the need to access slower memory, resulting in faster performance.
Power Consumption and Thermal Design Power (TDP): The Energy Factor
The Core i9 9960X consumes significantly more power than the Core i7 8700, with a TDP of 165 W compared to 65 W. This higher power consumption translates to more heat generated, requiring a more robust cooling solution.
Performance in Real-World Applications: The Ultimate Test
To understand how these processors perform in real-world applications, let’s analyze their performance in various scenarios:
Gaming: While both processors can handle modern games with ease, the Core i7 8700 tends to offer slightly better performance in single-threaded applications, which are common in gaming. However, the Core i9 9960X’s higher core count can benefit in games that utilize multi-threading.
Content Creation: The Core i9 9960X shines in content creation tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design. Its higher core count and threading capabilities allow it to handle complex workloads with greater efficiency.
Professional Applications: For demanding professional applications like software development, data analysis, and scientific simulations, the Core i9 9960X’s exceptional multi-threading performance makes it the clear choice.
Price and Value: The Financial Consideration
The Core i9 9960X carries a significantly higher price tag than the Core i7 8700. While its performance is undeniably impressive, the question of whether the added cost is justified depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require the raw power of a high-end processor for demanding workloads, the Core i9 9960X might be worth the investment. However, if your needs are more moderate, the Core i7 8700 offers a compelling balance of performance and affordability.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Champion
Ultimately, the choice between the Intel Core i7 8700 and Intel Core i9 9960X depends on your individual needs and budget.
Choose the Intel Core i7 8700 if:
- You primarily use your PC for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and light gaming.
- You are on a budget and prioritize affordability.
- You need a processor with good single-threaded performance.
Choose the Intel Core i9 9960X if:
- You engage in demanding workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, or professional applications.
- You are willing to invest in a high-end processor for exceptional performance.
- You need a processor with exceptional multi-threading capabilities.
Beyond the Battlefield: Exploring Alternative Options
While the Core i7 8700 and Core i9 9960X represent two strong contenders, it’s worth exploring other options depending on your specific requirements. For example, if you prioritize power efficiency, consider the Intel Core i9 9900K, which offers similar performance to the Core i9 9960X with a lower power consumption.
The Final Word: A Journey of Performance and Value
The Intel Core i7 8700 and Intel Core i9 9960X represent two distinct ends of the performance spectrum. While both processors deliver impressive performance, the Core i9 9960X excels in demanding workloads, while the Core i7 8700 offers a more affordable and balanced solution for everyday computing. The key to making the right decision lies in understanding your specific needs and budget.
What You Need to Know
Q1: Which processor is better for gaming?
A: Both processors can handle modern games, but the Core i7 8700 might offer slightly better performance in single-threaded applications, which are common in gaming. However, the Core i9 9960X’s higher core count can benefit in games that utilize multi-threading.
Q2: Which processor is better for video editing?
A: The Core i9 9960X is the clear winner for video editing due to its higher core count and threading capabilities, which allow it to handle complex workloads with greater efficiency.
Q3: Which processor is better for multitasking?
A: The Core i9 9960X excels in multitasking thanks to its 20 threads, allowing it to handle multiple applications simultaneously without sacrificing performance.
Q4: Is the Core i9 9960X worth the extra cost?
A: The Core i9 9960X is worth the extra cost if you require the raw power of a high-end processor for demanding workloads like content creation, professional applications, or extreme multitasking. However, if your needs are more moderate, the Core i7 8700 offers a compelling balance of performance and affordability.
Q5: What are some alternative options to consider?
A: If you prioritize power efficiency, consider the Intel Core i9 9900K, which offers similar performance to the Core i9 9960X with a lower power consumption. You can also explore AMD’s Ryzen processors, which offer competitive performance at a more affordable price point.