Intel Core i9-9900K vs Intel Core i7-10700K
The Intel Core i7-10700K is the faster chip for gaming by roughly 3%. Here is the full spec-by-spec breakdown.
| Specification | Intel Core i9-9900K | Intel Core i7-10700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 66/100 | 68/100 |
| Tier | B | B |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Cores | 8 | 8 |
| Threads | 16 | 16 |
| Base clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5 GHz | 5.1 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 95 W | 125 W |
| Release year | 2018 | 2020 |
Which should you buy?
For gaming specifically, the Intel Core i7-10700K is the better buy — it holds a 3% lead in our index, which shows up most at 1080p and in CPU-bound titles like strategy and simulation games. The Intel Core i9-9900K runs 30W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.