OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v1.0
Processors Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Processors Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Intel Core i7 9700 Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price:~£300PassMark benchmark result:13191N. of physical cores:8CPU boost clock speed:4.7 GHzCPU socket:LGA1151TDP (Thermal design power):65 W

Intel Core i7 9700 Review: Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

5.7

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 51% of models
Score components

90%

5.3

Technical score

10%

9.5

User score

â–²Better than 51% of processors
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

60%

4.9

Performance

18%

5.0

Cache & Architecture

10%

5.8

Memory & PCIe

7%

6.9

Power & Thermal

4%

7.7

Platform

1%

6.5

Integrated Graphics

â–¼Worse than 54% of processors
9.5

User score

User score
9.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components

70%

9.3

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 1,533 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
★Better than 96% of processors
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intel-core-i7-9700

Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 9700

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components:

60%

4.9

Performance

18%

5.0

Cache & Architecture

10%

5.8

Memory & PCIe

7%

6.9

Power & Thermal

4%

7.7

Platform

1%

6.5

Integrated Graphics

5.3
User score
User score
9.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components

70%

9.3

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 1,533 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
9.5
Popularity
Popularity
10.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Popularity:
Intel Core i7 9700 has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.9% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Score components:

60%

5.7

Overall score

40%

8.9

Price

6.7
Brand name
Intel
Processor type
desktop
Processor type
desktop
â–² Better than 56% of models
This processor 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
LGA1151
CPU socket
LGA1151
â–² Better than 61% of models
This processor uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.7% of processors and equal to that of 9.4% of processors.
Chipset
Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310
Chipset
Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310
â–² Better than 57% of models
This processor supports Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 57.2% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
CPU architecture
x86-64
â–² Better than 2% of models
This processor 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.
Show more
N. of physical cores
8
N. of physical cores
8
â–² Better than 63% of models
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 63.4% of processors and equal to 13.6% of processors.
CPU threads
8
CPU threads
8
â–¼ Worse than 46% of models
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.2% of processors and equal to 19.1% of processors.
Threads per core
1
Threads per core
1
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0 – >2.5
This processor offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.8% of processors and equal to 30.2% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.7 GHz
CPU boost clock speed
4.7 GHz
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor 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
8x 3.0 GHz
CPU base clock speed
8x 3.0 GHz
â–² Better than 75% of models
This processor has a base clock of 8x3.0 GHz which is higher than that of 75% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
14 nm
Semiconductor size
14 nm
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.6% of processors and equal to that of 33.9% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
This processor 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
12 MB
L3 cache
12 MB
â–² Better than 54% of models
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor 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
2 MB
L2 cache
2 MB
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 2 MB which is smaller than that of 51% of processors and equal to that of 11.2% of processors.
L1 cache
512 KB
L1 cache
512 KB
â–² Better than 63% of models
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 512 KB which is larger than that of 63.5% of processors and equal to that of 9.5% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
â–¼ Worse than 42% of models
This processor 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
2,666 MHz
Maximum memory speed
2,666 MHz
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 58.3% of processors and equal to 8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
â–² Better than 62% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
yes
Integrated graphics
yes
â–² Better than 12% of models
This processor includes integrated graphics. 12.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
Intel UHD Graphics 630
Integrated GPU model
Intel UHD Graphics 630
â–¼ Worse than 47% of models
This processor 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
24
Integrated GPU execution units
24
â–² Better than 49% of models
Market range: <6 – >64
This processor has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.3% of processors and equal to 21.5% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
350 MHz
Integrated GPU base frequency
350 MHz
â–² Better than 42% of models
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 42.3% of processors and equal to that of 26.1% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
VP9 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode)
Integrated media encoders/decoders
VP9 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode)
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
This processor supports VP9 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 73.9% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
65 W
TDP (Thermal design power)
65 W
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 69.9% of processors and equal to that of 16.3% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
65 W
Base power (PL1)
65 W
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.1% of processors and equal to that of 16.7% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
28 seconds
Tau (power duration limit)
28 seconds
â–¼ Worse than 10% of models
Market range: <8 seconds – >28 seconds
This processor has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.4% of processors and equal to that of 86.1% of processors.
Configurable TDP
no
Configurable TDP
no
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core i7 9700 vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceCache & ArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated GraphicsPower & Thermal
  • Includes stock cooler
    Cooler included
    yes
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    This processor includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not. 25.9% of processors include a stock cooler.
  • 3.01x faster classroom rendering
    Blender (bmw27) benchmark result
    1,005.2
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <97 – >1.3k
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,5.2 vs 334.1). The average processor needs 334.1 for the Blender Classroom test.
    1,005.2 vs 334.1
  • Higher base clock
    CPU base clock speed
    8 x 3.0 GHz
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x3 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    8x3.0 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • 9.3% higher boost clock
    CPU boost clock speed
    4.7 GHz
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
    This processor 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
  • 2 more CPU cores
    N. of physical cores
    8
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <2 – >12
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    8 vs 6
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    128 GB
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This processor 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
  • 28.4% higher multi-core score
    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    6,202
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    Market range: <763 – >14k
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (6,202 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    6,202 vs 4,829
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i7 9700 is more popular than the average processor (10 vs 1).
    10 vs 1
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i7 9700 is more popular than the average processor (10 vs 1).
    10 vs 1
  • 19.1% higher user score
    User score
    9.5/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Intel Core i7 9700
    the average processor
    Intel Core i7 9700 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.53 vs 8.000).
    9.53 vs 8
  • Advanced security extensions
    Security extensions
    AES-NI, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This processor provides more advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor).
    AES-NI, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Cryptographic acceleration
    AES, SHA, PCLMULQDQ
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This processor includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not. 0.00% of processors include crypto acceleration.
    AES, SHA, PCLMULQDQ vs AES, SHA
  • Modern CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA1151
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP4).
    LGA1151 vs FP4
  • 3.01x faster classroom rendering
    Blender (bmw27) benchmark result
    1,005.2
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <97 – >1.3k
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,5.2 vs 334.1). The average processor needs 334.1 for the Blender Classroom test.
    1,005.2 vs 334.1
  • Higher base clock
    CPU base clock speed
    8 x 3.0 GHz
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x3 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    8x3.0 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • 9.3% higher boost clock
    CPU boost clock speed
    4.7 GHz
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
    This processor 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
  • 2 more CPU cores
    N. of physical cores
    8
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <2 – >12
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    8 vs 6
  • 28.4% higher multi-core score
    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    6,202
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    Market range: <763 – >14k
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (6,202 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    6,202 vs 4,829
  • 24.8% higher PassMark score
    PassMark benchmark result
    13,191
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (13,191 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    13,191 vs 10,572.5
  • 9.8% better single-core performance
    PassMark single-core benchmark score
    2,746
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    Market range: <1.4k – >4k
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,746 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.
    2,746 vs 2,500
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Microarchitecture codename
    Coffee Lake Refresh
    â–² Better than 50% of models
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
    Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake
  • 33.3% larger L1 cache
    L1 cache
    512 KB
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (512 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    512 KB vs 384 KB
  • 50% larger L3 cache
    L3 cache
    12 MB
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
    12 MB vs 8 MB
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    128 GB
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This processor 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
  • Includes stock cooler
    Cooler included
    yes
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    This processor includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not. 25.9% of processors include a stock cooler.
  • No configurable TDP
    Configurable TDP
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 43.8% weaker multi-core performance
    Cinebench R20 multi-core benchmark score
    1,569
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <702 – >10.8k
    This processor has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,569 vs 2,791). The average processor scores 2,791 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    1,569 vs 2,791
  • No multithreading support
    Multithreading
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    This processor does not support multithreading, the average processor does. 74.2% of processors support multithreading.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Instruction sets
    MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    This processor 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
    Semiconductor size
    14 nm
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
    This processor 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
  • 50% less L2 per core
    L2 per core
    0.25 MB/core
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <0.25 MB/core – >2 MB/core
    This processor 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
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Base power (PL1)
    65 W
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor 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
  • Narrower media codec support
    Integrated media encoders/decoders
    VP9 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode)
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    VP9 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • Narrower instruction support
    Instruction sets
    MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    This processor 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
  • 43.8% weaker multi-core performance
    Cinebench R20 multi-core benchmark score
    1,569
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <702 – >10.8k
    This processor has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,569 vs 2,791). The average processor scores 2,791 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    1,569 vs 2,791
  • No multithreading support
    Multithreading
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    This processor does not support multithreading, the average processor does. 74.2% of processors support multithreading.
  • 24.4% slower Blender rendering
    Blender (bmw27) benchmark result
    293.1
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <97 – >1.3k
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (293.1 vs 387.66). The average processor needs 387.66 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    293.1 vs 387.66
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Threads per core
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2.5
    This processor has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
    1 vs 2
  • 4.7% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Cinebench R20 single-core benchmark score
    466
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <282 – >775
    This processor has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (466 vs 489). The average processor scores 489 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    466 vs 489
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Semiconductor size
    14 nm
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
    This processor 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
  • 50% less L2 per core
    L2 per core
    0.25 MB/core
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <0.25 MB/core – >2 MB/core
    This processor 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
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    L3 per core
    1.5 MB/core
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <1 MB/core – >3 MB/core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.7 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 20% smaller L2 cache
    L2 cache
    2 MB
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
    This processor 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.
    2 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 1.9% larger die size
    Die size
    180.3 mm²
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    Market range: <99 mm² – >257 mm²
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (180.3 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    180.3 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    Max memory speed (JEDEC)
    DDR4-2666 MHz
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR4-2666 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR4-2,666 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • 9.2% lower memory bandwidth
    Maximum memory bandwidth
    41.6 GB/s
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <25 GB/s – >100 GB/s
    This processor 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.
    41.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    Maximum memory speed
    2,666 MHz
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2666 MHz vs 2933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2933 MHz.
    2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz
  • Narrower media codec support
    Integrated media encoders/decoders
    VP9 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode)
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    VP9 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • No configurable TDP
    Configurable TDP
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Base power (PL1)
    65 W
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor 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
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    65 W
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <15 W – >90 W
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    65 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcgamer.com
20/11/2020
Summary of the review
Should I buy an Intel Core i7 9700 CPU? - PC Gamer
C
cpubenchmark.net
01/05/2019
Summary of the review
Intel Core i7-9700 @ 3.00GHz - CPU Benchmarks
T
tomshardware.fr
19/10/2018
Summary of the review
Core i9-9900K, i7-9700K, and i5-9600K Review
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 1,533 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we 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 we don't like 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.

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.

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