The i7 9700K offers higher clock speeds, making it generally faster for gaming compared to the i7 10700F.
The i7 9700K offers higher clock speeds, making it generally faster for gaming compared to the i7 10700F.
Hello everyone, I'm considering purchasing a new CPU for my PC. I'm looking for something that's future-proof and offers great performance in games. I'm weighing the i7 9700K with its 3.60GHz, 8 cores, 8 threads, and 12MB cache against the i7 10700F which runs at 2.90GHz, has 8 cores, 16 threads, and a 16MB cache. I appreciate the overclocking option and higher frequency of the former, but I prefer more threads and don't mind buying a new liquid cooler. The latter comes with a cooler but has a lower frequency and is pricier, especially for MOBO models without overclocking support. At this moment and looking ahead, which option seems better for gaming? Thanks!
First of all there's more to a cpu than clocks and thread and core count, there's the fpu. ipc, cache layout, etc. second of all, if you're just gaming, a 10600k is more than enough and performs similarly to the 10700k in games as they do not scale up to 8 cores, and do not even bother with LGA1151 and the 9700k, it's a more or less dead platform that wont get updated.
If Intel's stock coolers are still in their earlier days, you might want to skip them. You don't need a liquid cooler for a 9700K model, an effective air cooler will do. However, these options aren't ideal unless you already own a Z390; the 10600K offers better value and performance compared to either alternative.
9700k boosted for gaming only, but the 10700 offers more flexibility. Without power caps it would perform comparably to a regular 9700k and even surpass it in many scenarios, handling tasks more efficiently. All-core stock 9700k runs at about 4.6ghz, while the 10700 with limits off also stays near that speed under typical usage.
Without PCIE4, the $305 i7-10700 non-K offers solid savings versus the 3700X, particularly given that the 3700X has risen to about $290 now.
I don’t have the chance to purchase an i5 10th gen series. The i7 9700k lacks 16 threads, which is a major drawback since I need something future-proof. It does offer higher frequency, but many users say it doesn’t perform well with these CPUs even when installed normally. I’ve heard the LC-CC 120 is good, though some people still warn against using it with those processors. I haven’t been able to buy an i5 10600k either.
I intend to enjoy games mainly at 1440p resolution, with 4K as an option if available.
The main adjustment in that chart is the 14nm clock speed. Notice, the older 8700K at 94% runs at 9700K at 95%, and the 10700K adds another ~1%. (stock models) You invest in the fastest processor you can get. Here, 10700K is roughly 3% quicker than an 8700K based on the graphs above.
non-k chips aim to stay within the 65w TPD range, and they’ll reduce power throttling accordingly. If your cooling is adequate, you can access the BIOS to raise the maximum long-duration turbo setting and set the current limit to unlimited, accepting increased heat in return.