Intel Core I7-8700k 3.7 Ghz 6-core Processor

Intel Core i7-9700K vs Intel Core i7-8700K

Intel appear its range of 9th Generation Core processors at its Desktop Launch Event 2018, including the new eight-cadre Intel Core i7-9700K.

This will be the processor that loftier-end PC builders will desire to buy, only how does it compare to its 8th generation predecessor, the Intel Cadre i7-8700K?

In this article we'll compare how the 2 processors stack up against each other, and see if there's a compelling reason to buy the new i7-9700K over the older, yet still very powerful i7-8700K.

Intel Core i7-9700K vs Intel Core i7-8700K cost

The Intel Core i7-8700K launched last year for $359 (nigh £270, AU$460), which put it direct against AMD's best Ryzen 7 processors including the $329 (£299, AU$469) AMD Ryzen vii 2700X.

Meanwhile, the Intel Core i7-9700K will price $374 (around AU$530). In the Uk, retailers accept pitched information technology at a higher £500 toll tag. The price after tax volition be more like $399, if yous'll desire the newer, and more powerful, i7-9700K. Of course, those looking to build a high-terminate gaming PC may already be ready to splurge on the best CPU.

Intel Core i7-9700K vs Intel Core i7-8700K: specifications

This is where things get a little confusing, equally the Intel Cadre i7-9700K comes with two extra cores merely a lower thread count than the Intel Core i7-8700K.

And so, the Intel Core i7-9700K comes with viii-cores and eight-threads, 12MB cache and a TDP of 95W.

Meanwhile, the Intel Cadre i7-8700K features half dozen-cores and 12 threads, 12MB cache and a 95W TDP.

The Intel Core i7-9700K is too rated with a base clock of 3.6GHz and can boost 1 its processor cores all the way to four.9GHz. Insufficiently, the Intel Cadre i7-8700K starts at a tick higher 3.7GHz base of operations frequency, but can't go nearly every bit fast with its maximum 4.7GHz boost clock.

However, it could be in overclocking where the Intel Cadre i7-9700K will really gain a atomic number 82 over its predecessor. Thanks to its soldered integrated heat spreader (IHS), the Intel Core i7-9700K should be better at keeping the fleck cool, assuasive for meliorate overclocks.

In theory, this purported gilded-plated solder replacing the thermal paste Intel has used in the past volition exist a much more efficient heat transfer medium.

Intel Core i7-9700K vs Intel Core i7-8700K: should you upgrade?

So, should you lot upgrade from a Intel Core i7-8700K to a Intel Cadre i7-9700K? We won't be able to give y'all a definitive answer until nosotros've properly reviewed the new scrap and spent fourth dimension with it, but on newspaper at least it looks like the Intel Core i7-9700K is a decent upgrade for a reasonably higher price.

Information technology doesn't look like it does annihilation that volition make the Intel Core i7-8700K obsolete whatever time before long, though. That may be good news for Intel Core i7-8700K owners, but disappointing for others.

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Senior Calculating editor

Matt (Twitter) is TechRadar's Senior Computing editor. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate nigh, specially computing and PC gaming. If you're encountering a problem or need some advice with your PC or Mac, drop him a line on Twitter.