INTEL

Intel Core i7-9700KF

Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores

8
Cores
8
Threads
4.9
GHz Boost
95W
TDP
🔓Unlocked

Intel Core i7-9700KF Specifications

⚙️

Core i7-9700KF Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The Intel Core i7-9700KF features 8 physical cores and 8 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.

Cores
8
Threads
8
SMP CPUs
1
⏱️

i7-9700KF Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i7-9700KF benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i7-9700KF by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
3.6 GHz
Boost Clock
4.9 GHz
All-Core Turbo
4.6 GHz
Multiplier
36x 🔓
💾

Intel's Core i7-9700KF Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i7-9700KF processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i7-9700KF's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.

L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
256 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
12 MB (shared)
🏗️

Coffee Lake Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The Intel Core i7-9700KF is built on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i7-9700KF incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
Coffee Lake
Codename
Coffee Lake
Process Node
14 nm
Foundry
Intel
Die Size
180.3 mm²
Generation
Core i7 (Coffee Lake Refresh)
🔢

Coffee Lake Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Core i7-9700KF by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.

MMX
SSE
SSE2
SSE3
SSSE3
SSE4.1
SSE4.2
AVX
AVX2
FMA3
AES-NI
F16C
BMI1
BMI2
Intel 64
VT-x
VT-d
🔌

i7-9700KF Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The Intel Core i7-9700KF has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.

TDP
95W
Tj Max
100°C
🔧

Intel Socket 1151 Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Core i7-9700KF uses the Intel Socket 1151 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.

Socket
Intel Socket 1151
PCIe
Gen 3, 16 Lanes(CPU only)
Package
FC-LGA14C
DDR5

Intel Socket 1151 Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the i7-9700KF define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i7-9700KF determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.

Memory Type
DDR4
Memory Bus
Dual-channel
Memory Bandwidth
42.7 GB/s
📦

Core i7-9700KF Product Information

Release and pricing details

The Intel Core i7-9700KF is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i7-9700KF by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.

Manufacturer
Intel
Release Date
Jan 2019
Launch Price
$374
Market
Desktop
Status
End-of-life
Part Number
SRG16SRFAC

Core i7-9700KF Benchmark Scores

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource

Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i7-9700KF performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. Higher scores mean faster render times in professional applications.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicore #687 of 1788
1,220
8%
Max: 14,978

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how Intel Core i7-9700KF handles tasks that can't be parallelized across multiple cores. Games and many desktop applications still rely heavily on single-thread performance.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecore #681 of 1245
172
8%
Max: 2,114

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource

Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i7-9700KF.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicore #687 of 1788
5,085
8%
Max: 62,412

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i7-9700KF.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecore #686 of 1784
717
8%
Max: 8,811

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource

Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i7-9700KF after thermal limits kick in.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicore #687 of 1788
12,109
8%
Max: 148,601
Compare with other CPUs

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i7-9700KF maintains boost clocks under continuous load.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecore #687 of 1788
1,709
8%
Max: 20,979

geekbench_multicoreSource

Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i7-9700KF across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance.

geekbench_multicore #214 of 711
7,158
32%
Max: 22,515
Compare with other CPUs

geekbench_singlecoreSource

Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i7-9700KF can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use.

geekbench_singlecore #203 of 711
1,693
50%
Max: 3,401

About Intel Core i7-9700KF

The Intel Core i7-9700KF presents an intriguing configuration with its 8 physical cores, but have you noticed it operates with 8 threads, lacking Hyper-Threading? This design choice prioritizes raw core speed, with a substantial base clock of 3.60 GHz that can aggressively turbo up to 4.90 GHz under the right conditions. Its 95W TDP suggests a relatively efficient thermal design for its performance tier, though achieving those high boost clocks reliably does demand a capable cooling solution. The chip is built on Intel's mature 14nm process and sits in the Socket 1151 platform, which supports dual-channel DDR4 memory. This processor truly excels in applications that leverage its high clock speeds and core count, making it a compelling option for certain builds. Where might this 8-core chip shine the brightest? Consider these primary applications:

  • High-refresh-rate 1080p and 1440p gaming, where single-core speed is paramount.
  • Content creation tasks like photo editing and 3D rendering that utilize all cores.
  • Streaming gameplay when paired with a dedicated GPU encoder.
  • General productivity and multitasking across several demanding applications.
  • Building a sleek, powerful system where overclocking headroom is desired.
  • VR applications that benefit from consistent high frame rates.

Examining the benchmark data, such as its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 12,109, reveals how this Coffee Lake Refresh part delivers solid multi-threaded performance. However, does its single-core score of 1,709 points hint at the kind of snappy responsiveness you'd want for daily tasks and gaming? The 12MB of shared L3 cache aids in feeding data quickly to those hungry cores, while the unlocked "KF" designation means you can overclock it if you're curious about pushing beyond its rated speeds. Yet, one must ponder if the thermal design can handle sustained workloads without thermal throttling. This particular Intel CPU, while lacking integrated graphics, offers a focused performance profile. Ultimately, the i7-9700KF carves out a specific niche, balancing core count with exceptional clock speeds for its generation.

The AMD Equivalent of Core i7-9700KF

Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 2700U offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 2700U

AMD • 4 Cores

View Specs Compare

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