Real Talk: 12 Threads vs 8 Cores
Real Talk: 12 Threads vs 8 Cores
I am thinking about constructing a new PC after many years with my 7700k, but I’m torn about upgrading to the 8700k or the 9700k. The price difference isn’t huge, so the decision hinges on the fact that the 9700k lacks two threads per core, whereas the 8700k does—and thus it actually offers more logical processors than the newer 9700k. The advantage of the newer CPU is its default turbo speed of 5Ghz, and it seems the 8700k can be overclocked to 5Ghz with BIOS adjustments and good cooling. So which is better? 5GHz with 12 threads across six cores, or 8 threads with eight cores? Another factor I could consider is if I opt for the 9700KF, I could push it beyond 5Ghz without needing superior cooling—and it would be more affordable.
Time spy cpu
8700k
Mean rating: 7970, peak scores around 9300
3DMark - Time Spy ► i7-8700K @ 5.1GHz + 3.86GHz CL16 + GTX 1080Ti ◄ (1080p, DX12)
Most outstanding results are significant overclocks. Reaches 5.3GHz and higher. Top 50 feature 6GHz LN2 runs.
9700k
Mean rating: 8074, best scores roughly 8074-9942. Scores above 71 mark extreme overclocks >5.1GHz.
9700kf
Mean rating: 8050, best scores approximately 8050-9800. Scores under 5.2GHz are rare.
Stock
Performance nearly matches the 9700k slightly ahead at stock levels. The key factor remains the overclock achievement.
The Ryzen 3700X offers 8c/16t performance and is roughly 5% slower than the 9900K, yet it runs at its original speed. It excels in gaming while being 5% more productive. Additionally, it costs $70 less than the 9700K.
Hmm yeah, probably a good idea.
Though theres still a good chance Intel will pull the same single thread per core stuff on the next version, just on a higher frequency- so they can keep the i9 selling point going. So its still a decent question on how having a few extra threads aids in performance.
The 7th, 8th, 9th, and soon 10th generation desktop CPUs are all based on the 6th Gen Skylake architecture, making the IPC nearly the same. The main change is that Intel has significantly improved the 14nm manufacturing process, allowing them to extract more clock speed from it. This results in better ST performance because higher clock speeds are achieved.
Time spy CPU models
8700k – Performance rating 7970, highest scores around 9300
3DMark - Time Spy i7-8700K @ 5.1GHz + 3.86GHz CL16 + GTX 1080Ti (1080p, DX12)
Most exceptional results come from extreme overclocking, reaching 5.3GHz and above; top 50 feature 6GHz LN2 builds.
9700k – Score 8074, best scores near 8074-9942
Above 71GHz the overclocking exceeds 5.1GHz
9700kf – Score 8050, best scores around 8050-9800
Scores under 5.2GHz are rare but notable
Stock – Nearly matches 9700k slightly ahead in stock conditions
Overclock performance remains key; both models sit close at 5GHz with 2080ti @ 2100MHz
8700K – 4.80GHz
4.60GHz
1.375V
100%
8700K – 4.90GHz
4.90GHz
1.400V
Top 99%
8700K – 5.00GHz
4.80GHz
1.400V
Top 83%
8700K – 5.10GHz
4.90GHz
1.412V
Top 49%
8700K – 5.20GHz
5.00GHz
1.425V
Top 17%
9700K – 4.90GHz
4.70GHz
1.337V
100%
9700K – 5.30GHz
5.10GHz
5.00GHz
1.437V
Top 4%
9700K – 5.20GHz
5.00GHz
1.350V
Top 90%
Both options are quite similar.
When evaluating based on passmark standards, the 8700K achieves 15935 compared to 17197 for the 9700K.
This is when all threads are at full capacity.
In actual games, it’s not always straightforward to load 12 threads versus 8.
Regarding single-thread performance, the 8700K scores 2687 versus 2813 for the 9700K.
Your chances of achieving a 5.0 oc are roughly comparable for both.
How much higher than 5.0 do you really need?
The 9700KF might be easier to optimize because of the non-functioning integrated graphics.
Still, your ability to optimize a chip largely depends on luck with the binning process.
If you plan to use a discrete graphics card and are gaming, the 9700KF could be a better choice.
The savings will help you get a stronger graphics card.
Games that require more than 6 threads are typically multiplayer experiences with many players.
The 8700K might be preferable in such cases.
If that’s your preference, why not go all-in with a 9900K?
All the options mentioned can also be professionally delidded for improved cooling. The cost is around $50, and your chip will also be assigned to a specific binning level so you know your OC limit.
It might be tough to secure a binned 8700k. If silicon lottery prices reflect the cost of a binned 9900k, it won't be affordable.