How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-8100 scores 24/100 overall; Intel Core i7-9700K scores 37.6/100. Intel Core i3-8100 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-9700K wins 13.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-8100 and the Intel Core i7-9700K?

Intel Core i3-8100 advantages: 32% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 95 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $117 vs $374. Intel Core i7-9700K advantages: Stronger single-core score: 39 vs 26; Stronger multi-core score: 36 vs 24; 155% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 9,700 vs 3,800; 134% higher PassMark: 14,300 vs 6,100; 109% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 7,000 vs 3,350.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-8100 or Intel Core i7-9700K?

Intel Core i3-8100 launched cheaper at $117, versus $374 for the Intel Core i7-9700K.

Intel Core i3-8100 vs Intel Core i7-9700K

Intel

Intel Core i3-8100

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i7-9700K

$374

26.3Single-core39

23.7Multi-core35.5

21.9Gamingspec-based39.8

2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-810013 spec wins — Intel Core i7-9700K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i7-9700K wins this desktop processor face-off, 37.6 to 24, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+13) and multi-core (+12). Intel Core i3-8100 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-8100

32% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 95 W
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $117 vs $374

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-9700K

Stronger single-core score: 39 vs 26
Stronger multi-core score: 36 vs 24
155% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 9,700 vs 3,800
134% higher PassMark: 14,300 vs 6,100
109% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 7,000 vs 3,350

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-9700K
Announced	2017	2018
Socket	LGA1151-v2	LGA1151-v2
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Base TDP	65 W+32%	95 W
Max turbo power	—	119 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-9700K
Cores	4	8+100%
Performance cores	4	8+100%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	8+100%
Base clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
Boost clock	3.6 GHz	4.9 GHz+36%
L2 cache	1 MB	2 MB+100%
L3 cache	6 MB	12 MB+100%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-9700K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	1,200 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-9700K
Memory support	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2666
Max memory	64 GB	128 GB+100%
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-9700K
PCIe version	3	3
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i7-9700K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i7-9700K
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,200Bottom 15%	1,680+40%Bottom 39%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	3,350Bottom 9%	7,000+109%Bottom 37%
Cinebench R23 (single)	—	1,250Bottom 27%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	3,800Bottom 8%	9,700+155%Bottom 34%
PassMark	6,100Bottom 7%	14,300+134%Bottom 25%

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