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Intel Core I7 9700K (9th Gen) processor
Intel

9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700K

Processors (CPUs)View on intel.com
iGPU:
Intel UHD Graphics 630
Boost/Base Clock:
4.9 GHz / 3.6 GHz
Core/Thread Count:
8 Core / 8 Thread
Cache:
12MB L3 + 2MB L2 + 512KB L1
TDP:
95 Watts
CPU Process Node:
14 Nanometers
CPU Socket:
LGA 1151
CPU Series:
Coffee Lake Refresh
Memory Support:
DDR4-2666
Form Factor:
Desktop

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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026

9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700K Review

The 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700K is an unlocked 8-core, 8-thread desktop processor built on Coffee Lake Refresh, running a 3.6 GHz base clock that boosts to 4.9 GHz within a 95 Watt TDP on the LGA 1151 socket.

This chip's 8 physical cores without hyperthreading was a deliberate Intel design choice, prioritizing per-core gaming performance over the 16-thread capability of the pricier i9-9900K at a more accessible price point.

Intel UHD Graphics 630

A basic integrated GPU intended for display output; enthusiast desktop builds around this chip typically pair it with a discrete GPU.

How Is the Core i7-9700K in Terms of Performance

The 8 physical cores without hyperthreading give this chip genuinely strong gaming performance, since most games of its era didn't benefit meaningfully from more than 8 threads, while the unlocked multiplier lets enthusiasts push clocks further.

Benchmarks

Cinebench R20 single-core scores of 481 reflect genuinely strong per-core performance for Coffee Lake Refresh, a key driver of this chip's reputation as a strong gaming CPU relative to its price at launch.

Specifications

Identity

BrandIntel
Product LineCore i7
Product LineCore i
Model Number9700K
CodenameCoffee Lake Refresh
Release Year2018

Segment and platform

Market SegmentDesktop
MicroarchitectureCoffee Lake Refresh, 9th Gen Intel Core
SocketLGA1151
Socket StatusEnd of Life
Process Node14 nm
Process Node14 nm

Core configuration

Total Cores8
Performance Cores8
Efficiency Cores0
Total Threads8
SMT EnabledNo

Clock speeds

P-Core Base Clock3.6 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock4.9 GHz
Unlocked MultiplierYes

Cache

L2 Cache2 MB
L3 Cache12 MB

Power and thermal

Base Power95 W
Max Turbo Power95 W
Bundled CoolerNone

Memory

Memory TypeDDR4-2666
Memory TypeDDR4
Max Memory Speed2666 MT/s
Memory Channels2
Max Memory Capacity128 GB
ECC SupportNo

Graphics and AI

Integrated GraphicsYes
iGPU ModelIntel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU Compute Units24
Copilot Plus CertifiedNo

Expansion

PCIe GenerationPCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes16

Commercial

Launch MSRP374 USD
Retail AvailabilityDiscontinued
Form FactorDesktop
Core/Thread Count8 Core / 8 Thread
TDP95 W
iGPUIntel UHD Graphics 630
Cache12MB L3 + 2MB L2 + 512KB L1
Boost/Base Clock4.9 GHz / 3.6 GHz

Measured results

SPEC CPU 2017

Best published result on spec.org as of 23 Sept 2026.

1-chip system
SPECrate® 2017 Integer (base)44.8

Cores 8 · Tested in SuperWorkstation 5039C-T (X11SCA , Intel Core i7-9700K) · Published by Supermicro, Jan-2019

Full disclosure on spec.org
SPECrate® 2017 Floating Point (base)42.6

Cores 8 · Tested in SuperWorkstation 5039C-T (X11SCA , Intel Core i7-9700K) · Published by Supermicro, Jan-2019

Full disclosure on spec.org

SPEC®, SPECrate® and SPECspeed® are registered trademarks of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation. Copied by permission of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC). Results retrieved from www.spec.org on 23 Sept 2026.

Expert Review

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Best for

  • Gaming-focused desktop builds wanting strong 8-core per-core performance without paying for the i9-9900K's hyperthreading

Not for

  • Buyers needing maximum multi-threaded throughput for content creation — the 16-thread i9-9900K handles that better

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700K?

The 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700K is a processor from Intel. Key specs: iGPU Intel UHD Graphics 630, Boost/Base Clock 4.9 GHz / 3.6 GHz, Core/Thread Count 8 Core / 8 Thread, Cache 12MB L3 + 2MB L2 + 512KB L1, TDP 95 Watts.

Will the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700K work with my current setup?

The 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700K lists CPU Socket is LGA 1151. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.

Who is the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700K best suited to?

It suits gaming-focused desktop builds wanting strong 8-core per-core performance without paying for the i9-9900k's hyperthreading.

What are the drawbacks of the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700K?

It is a poor fit for buyers needing maximum multi-threaded throughput for content creation — the 16-thread i9-9900k handles that better.

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