Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Intel Core i7-12700KF vs Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700: Comparison
Core i7-12700KF vs 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700: the l3 cache difference
L3 cache is where these two genuinely part company, Core i7-12700KF 25 MB against 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700 12 MB, a 52% lead for Core i7-12700KF. L2 cache runs the same way, 12 MB on the Core i7-12700KF versus 2 MB on the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700, another win for Core i7-12700KF. There is a split on tdp as well, 125 W on the Core i7-12700KF versus 65 W on the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700. They differ on integrated graphics too, No on the Core i7-12700KF versus Yes on the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700.
Core i7-12700KF vs 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700: which one fits your build
Buy the Core i7-12700KF for enthusiast desktop gaming and overclocking with discrete GPU, though it is not built for systems without a discrete GPU and fanless designs. it is the wrong buy for enthusiasts wanting to overclock, the unlocked i7-9700K offers that flexibility. It also earns its place with gaming-focused desktop builds wanting near-i7-9700K performance without paying for overclocking headroom. Our rating of the Core i7-12700KF (7.8/10): the Intel Core i7-12700KF is an unlocked, GPU-less chip aimed at enthusiasts already running a discrete graphics card.
Core i7-12700KF vs 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700 price
The Core i7-12700KF asks 19% more, $384 against $323 for the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700.
What Core i7-12700KF and 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700 have in common
Everything else lines up. Performance cores, form factor, market segment, memory channels and max memory capacity read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing. They match on 1 further specification as well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Core i7-12700KF and 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700 differ on total cores?
Yes. Total Cores reads 12 on the Core i7-12700KF versus 8 on the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700.
Is the Copilot Plus Certified the same on the Core i7-12700KF and 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700?
It is. Both are listed at No, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Which is cheaper, Core i7-12700KF or 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700?
The Core i7-12700KF asks 19% more, $384 against $323 for the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700.
Specs and benchmarks
Product Line
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Core
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- Core i7
Form Factor
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Desktop
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- Desktop
Model Number
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- i7-12700KF
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 9700
Codename
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Alder Lake
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- Coffee Lake
Release Year
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 2021
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 2019
TDP
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 125 W
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 65 W
iGPU
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- None
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
Market Segment
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Desktop
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- Desktop
Microarchitecture
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Alder Lake
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- Coffee Lake
Socket
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- FCLGA1700
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- FCLGA1151
Socket Status
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Mature
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- End of Life
Process Node
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 10 nm
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 14 nm
Total Cores
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 12Best
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 8
Performance Cores
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 8
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 8
Efficiency Cores
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 4Best
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 0
Total Threads
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 20Best
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 8
SMT Enabled
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Yes
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- No
P-Core Base Clock
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 3.6 GHz
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 3.0 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 4.9 GHz
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 4.7 GHz
Unlocked Multiplier
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Yes
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- No
L2 Cache
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 12 MBBest
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 2 MB-83%
L3 Cache
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 25 MBBest
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 12 MB-52%
Base Power
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 125 W
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 65 W
Bundled Cooler
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- None
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- Intel Laminar RM1
Memory Type
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- DDR5 or DDR4Best
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- DDR4-2666
Max Memory Speed
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 4800 MT/sBest
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 2666 MT/s
Memory Channels
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 2
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 2
Max Memory Capacity
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 128 GB
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 128 GB
Integrated Graphics
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- No
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- Yes
Copilot Plus Certified
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- No
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- No
PCIe Generation
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- PCIe 5.0
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- 20
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- 16-20%
Launch MSRP
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- $384
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- $323
Retail Availability
- Intel Core i7-12700KF
- Boxed Retail
- Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700
- Discontinued
Which one should you pick?
Choose 12700KF if you want the higher L2 cache (12 MB vs 2 MB), the higher L3 cache (25 MB vs 12 MB) and the higher memory channels (2 vs 2).
Choose 9700 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Intel Core i7-12700KF | Intel 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $384.00 View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Consumercarts listing | $323.00 View on Consumercarts listing |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Intel Core i7-12700KF
7.8 / 10 Expert Rating
The Intel Core i7-12700KF is an unlocked, GPU-less chip aimed at enthusiasts already running a discrete graphics card.