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Intel Core i7 9700 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£300
  • Avg. price in US: ~$180
  • PassMark benchmark result: 13191
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.7 GHz

Intel Core i7 9700 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.6

Technical Score

10.0%

9.5

User score

Good
4.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.8

Performance

18.0%

5.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.8

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.7

Platform

1.0%

6.5

Integrated Graphics

Poor
9.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.3

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(1142)
amazon
4.6
(340)
amazon
4.3
(36)
amazon
4.3
(14)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 4.6
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.7

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.5

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    6.7

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

  • 3.1
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.3

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-9700 is a 9th Generation Coffee Lake desktop processor featuring 8 cores and 8 threads with a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.7 GHz. Built on a 14nm lithography, it includes 12MB of Intel Smart Cache, a 65W TDP, and integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630. Main pros include its solid single-core performance for gaming, low power consumption compared to 'K' series models, and support for up to 128GB of DDR4-2666 memory. Notable cons include the lack of Hyper-Threading, which limits multitasking compared to newer or higher-tier alternatives, and a locked multiplier that prevents traditional manual overclocking.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 9700

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.8

Performance

18.0%

5.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.8

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.7

Platform

1.0%

6.5

Integrated Graphics

4.6
Intel Core i7 9700 has a technical score of 4.59 points, which is lower than that of 63.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.3

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(1142)
amazon
4.6
(340)
amazon
4.3
(36)
amazon
4.3
(14)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.5
Intel Core i7 9700 has a user score of 9.53 points, which is higher than that of 94.8% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
10
Intel Core i7 9700 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 88.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.1

Overall score

40.0%

8.9

Price

6.2
Intel Core i7 9700 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is lower than 56.1% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i7 9700 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1151
Intel Core i7 9700 uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310
Intel Core i7 9700 supports Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 57.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i7 9700 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

8
Intel Core i7 9700 has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 63.4% of processors and equal to 13.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Intel Core i7 9700 offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Intel Core i7 9700 offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.7 GHz
Intel Core i7 9700 reaches a boost clock of 4.7 GHz which is higher than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 3.7% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

8 x 3.0 GHz
Intel Core i7 9700 has a base clock of 8x3.0 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i7 9700 uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i7 9700 is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

12 MB
Intel Core i7 9700 has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 54.4% of processors and equal to that of 9% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

2 MB
Intel Core i7 9700 has an L2 cache of 2 MB which is smaller than that of 51.3% of processors and equal to that of 11.1% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

512 KB
Intel Core i7 9700 has an L1 cache of 512 KB which is larger than that of 63.6% of processors and equal to that of 9.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i7 9700 supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,666 MHz
Intel Core i7 9700 supports memory speeds up to 2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2666 MHz
Intel Core i7 9700 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55.3% of processors and equal to 7.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i7 9700 supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i7 9700 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 630
Intel Core i7 9700 uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 44.3% of processors and equal to that in 8.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i7 9700 has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i7 9700 has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

VP9 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i7 9700 supports VP9 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 73.9% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i7 9700 has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i7 9700 has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i7 9700 has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i7 9700 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i7 9700 vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i7 9700 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i7 9700 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 9.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.4.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i7 9700 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    Intel Core i7 9700 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 9700 has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i7 9700 has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.8 vs 6
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i7 9700 is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1.000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i7 9700 is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1.000).10 vs 1
  • 19.1% higher user score
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.53 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.53 vs 8.000).9.53 vs 8
  • 10.6% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,746 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,746 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.2,746 vs 2,483
  • 29.4% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (6,202 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (6,202 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.6,202 vs 4,793
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 9700 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1,151 vs FP2).
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 9700 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • 9.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 9700 has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 10.6% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,746 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 29.4% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (6,202 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 27% faster classroom rendering
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,005.2 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.
  • 50% larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i7 9700 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
  • 33.3% larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (512 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i7 9700 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i7 9700 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 9700 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 43.6% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,569 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i7 9700 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core i7 9700 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 11.7% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (293.1 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 3.7% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (466 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 9700 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 9700 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 20% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (2 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 9.2% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (41.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 9700 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 43.6% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,569 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i7 9700 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,569 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.1,569 vs 2,783
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i7 9700 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i7 9700 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 9700 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i7 9700 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 9700 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 9700 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 9700 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i7 9700 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 9700 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 9700 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 9700 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
1142 Reviews
amazon
4.6
340 Reviews
amazon
4.3
36 Reviews
amazon
4.3
14 Reviews
amazon
5.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i7 9700?

  • Strong single-core performance ideal for high-frame-rate gaming at 1080p.
  • Highly efficient 8-core architecture with a low 65W TDP compared to 'K' variants.
  • Solid multitasking capabilities for everyday tasks and moderate productivity workloads.
  • Stays relatively cool during standard operation, often outperforming older i5 and i7 generations in thermal stability.
  • Reliable and stable performance with no reported blue screen (BSOD) issues in consumer reviews.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 9700?

  • Lacks Hyper-Threading, which limits its performance in heavy multi-threaded tasks like video rendering and 3D encoding.
  • The included stock cooler is often described by users as loud, tiny, and of low quality.
  • No manual overclocking potential as it is a locked processor.
  • Shows its age in modern, highly demanding AAA titles where it may reach 90-100% utilization.
  • Fails to compete with similarly priced Ryzen alternatives in general computing and multi-threaded value.

Expert reviews

P
pcgamer.com
20/11/2020
Should I buy an Intel Core i7 9700 CPU? - PC Gamer

The Intel Core i7-9700 is highlighted as an efficient, eight-core mainstream processor delivering strong gaming performance up to 4.7GHz without the high cost of i9 models. While delivering high frame rates, it lacks Hyper-Threading, offering only eight threads, and does not support manual overclocking. The review notes that the included stock cooler is minimal, recommending an...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
01/05/2019
Intel Core i7-9700 @ 3.00GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-9700 is an octa-core 9th-gen processor boasting a 3.0 GHz base frequency and 4.7 GHz boost, suitable for mainstream computing. Key advantages include its 65W TDP for power efficiency, integrated UHD 630 graphics, and inclusion of Intel vPro and Optane support, often achieving a ~13,259 PassMark CPU score. However, it lacks hyper-threading, resulting in only 8...Read more

T
tomshardware.fr
19/10/2018
Core i9-9900K, i7-9700K, and i5-9600K Review

The Tom's Hardware review highlights Intel's 9th-generation Coffee Lake Refresh, featuring the 8-core Core i9-9900K as a top-tier gaming processor capable of 5.0 GHz boost speeds. While offering superior performance, the i9 requires premium cooling due to high power consumption and thermal output. The Core i7-9700K provides excellent gaming value by offering 8 physical cores, though...Read more

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