Buying Guide
The Best Core i7 CPUs for Gaming
We weighed five processors on L3 cache and boost clock; the Core i7-14700KF has the largest L3 cache, and the Core i7-9700K costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Core i7 and Core Ultra 7 chips balance gaming and work. Every pick is an i7-class chip, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh L3 cache, max boost and cores / threads as the makers state them; we did not test these processors ourselves, and if a maker skips L3 cache, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Intel Core i7-9700KUndercutting the Core i7-9700 on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i7-9700.
Check price for Intel Core i7-9700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Rated Power
Intel Core i7-9700The lowest rated power here (65W).
Best for: Buyers who put rated power first.
Check price for Intel Core i7-9700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Game Cache
Intel Core i7-14700KFThe largest L3 cache here (33MB).
Best for: Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Intel Core i7-12700K8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Check price for Intel Core i7-12700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KFThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 8 performance and 12 efficient cores.
Best for: Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and can spend more than the Core i7-12700K costs.
Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the Core i7-9700 on price when we checked. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i7-9700. | Check price for Intel Core i7-9700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest rated power here (65W). | Buyers who put rated power first. | Check price for Intel Core i7-9700 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest L3 cache here (33MB). | Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates. | Check price for Intel Core i7-14700KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores. | Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores. | Check price for Intel Core i7-12700K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 8 performance and 12 efficient cores. | Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and can spend more than the Core i7-12700K costs. | Check price for Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Intel Core i7-9700K
The Core i7-9700K has eight cores without Hyper-Threading and an unlocked multiplier.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i7-9700.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It is the most common upgrade for a Z370 or Z390 board still running a four- or six-core chip. Its 12MB L3 cache is the smallest in this group; the Core i7-14700KF leads at 33MB. Its 4.9GHz boost clock ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the Core i7-14700KF (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Core i7-9700 (4.7GHz).
On rated power it sits mid-pack at 95W: the Core i7-9700 offers 65W, and the Core Ultra 7 265KF comes in at 125W. Like the Core i7-9700, it has an LGA1151 socket, while the Core Ultra 7 265KF uses an LGA1851 socket. Like the Core i7-9700, it has DDR4 memory, while the Core i7-14700KF uses DDR4 or DDR5 memory.
It also offers Intel UHD Graphics 630 and DDR4-2666 support up to 64GB. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Core i7-9700 the next step up.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 12MB
- Max boost
- 4.9GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 95W
- Threads
- 8
- Socket
- LGA1151
- Memory
- DDR4
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 cores without Hyper-Threading
- Unlocked multiplier
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- L3 cache trails the Core i7-14700KF (33MB)
The catch
It gives ground on L3 cache, where the Core i7-14700KF offers 33MB.
Lowest Rated Power2 of 5
Intel Core i7-9700
The Core i7-9700 is the locked, 65W version of the 9700K.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated power first.
Skip if
- Its L3 cache is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It suits B365 and H370 boards that cannot overclock anyway, and the maker notes that some boards need a BIOS update first. On boost clock it trails the group at 4.7GHz, while the Core i7-14700KF offers 5.6GHz. It matches the Core i7-9700K on core count (8 cores).
On rated power it leads this guide at 65W, ahead of the Core i7-9700K (95W). It shares an LGA1151 socket with the Core i7-9700K; the Core i7-12700K goes with an LGA1700 socket. It shares DDR4 memory with the Core i7-9700K; the Core Ultra 7 265KF goes with DDR5 memory.
You also get 8 cores at a 65W rating. It fits only LGA1151 boards with an Intel 300-series chipset and DDR4; 100- and 200-series LGA1151 boards do not support it, and some 300-series boards need a BIOS update first. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Core i7-9700K and the pricier Core i7-14700KF, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Max boost
- 4.7GHz
- Cores / threads
- 8 cores
- Rated power
- 65W
- Threads
- 8
- Socket
- LGA1151
- Memory
- DDR4
Pros
- 65W rating suits a modest air cooler
- 8 cores at a 65W rating
- Listing note that some boards need a BIOS update first
- The lowest rated power here (65W)
Cons
- No published L3 cache
- Boost clock trails the Core i7-14700KF (5.6GHz)
- Core count trails the Core i7-14700KF (20 cores)
The catch
The maker doesn't give its L3 cache; if that figure matters, the Core i7-14700KF offers 33MB.
Largest Game Cache3 of 5
Intel Core i7-14700KF
The Core i7-14700KF is the 14700K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no cooler in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits a gaming PC that already has a graphics card. Its 33MB L3 cache is the largest here; the Core Ultra 7 265KF comes next at 30MB. On boost clock it leads this guide at 5.6GHz, ahead of the Core Ultra 7 265KF (5.5GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core Ultra 7 265KF at 20 cores. Like the Core i7-12700K, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Core i7-9700 uses an LGA1151 socket. It is the only pick here with DDR4 or DDR5 memory; the Core Ultra 7 265KF has DDR5 memory instead.
You also get 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips. It was priced above the Core i7-9700 and below the Core i7-12700K at the time of writing.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 33MB
- Max boost
- 5.6GHz
- Cores / threads
- 20 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 28
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory
- DDR4 or DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 5.6GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Costs more than the Core i7-9700K at the time of writing
The catch
What it gives up: no integrated graphics, unlike the Core i7-9700K; by contrast, the Core i7-9700K has it.
Also Consider4 of 5
Intel Core i7-12700K
What the Core i7-12700K brings to the table is 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores, plus integrated Intel UHD graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores.
Skip if
- The maker gives no rated power, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It also offers a 25MB L3 cache and offers a 5GHz boost clock. On L3 cache it sits mid-pack at 25MB: the Core i7-14700KF offers 33MB, and the Core i7-9700K comes in at 12MB. On boost clock it sits mid-pack at 5GHz: the Core i7-14700KF offers 5.6GHz, and the Core i7-9700 comes in at 4.7GHz.
Its 12 cores core count ranks third of 5 here, behind the Core i7-14700KF (20 cores) and ahead of the Core i7-9700 (8 cores). It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Core i7-14700KF; the Core i7-9700 goes with an LGA1151 socket. It fits LGA1700 boards (600 and 700 series) with either DDR4 or DDR5, depending on the board; 600-series boards may need a BIOS update for 14th-gen chips. Its price falls between the Core i7-14700KF and the Core Ultra 7 265KF, based on our last check.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 25MB
- Max boost
- 5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 12 cores
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Integrated graphics
- Yes
Pros
- 12 cores for encoding and background work
- Integrated graphics for display output without a graphics card
- 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores
- Integrated Intel UHD graphics
Cons
- No published rated power
- Costs more than the Core i7-9700K at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed rated power should compare it with the Core i7-9700, which offers 65W.
Premium Pick5 of 5
Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF
The Core Ultra 7 265KF is the 265K without integrated graphics.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and can spend more than the Core i7-12700K costs.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no cooler in the box.
Why we like it
It costs less and needs a graphics card for any display output. Its 30MB L3 cache ranks second of 4 here, behind the Core i7-14700KF (33MB) and ahead of the Core i7-9700K (12MB). Its 5.5GHz boost clock ranks second of 5 here, behind the Core i7-14700KF (5.6GHz) and ahead of the Core i7-9700 (4.7GHz).
On core count it ties with the Core i7-14700KF at 20 cores. On rated power it ties with the Core i7-14700KF at 125W. It is the only pick here with an LGA1851 socket; the Core i7-9700K has an LGA1151 socket instead.
No other pick in this guide offers DDR5 memory; compare the Core i7-9700K, which has DDR4 memory. It also comes with 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and an unlocked multiplier. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Core i7-12700K the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- L3 cache
- 30MB
- Max boost
- 5.5GHz
- Cores / threads
- 20 cores
- Rated power
- 125W
- Threads
- 20
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Memory
- DDR5
- Cooler in box
- No
- Integrated graphics
- No
Pros
- 5.5GHz maximum boost
- 20 cores for encoding and background work
- 8 performance and 12 efficient cores
- Unlocked multiplier
Cons
- No cooler in the box
- No integrated graphics, so a graphics card is required
- Rated power trails the Core i7-9700 (65W)
The catch
Rated power is its weakest area, and the Core i7-9700 covers it better at 65W.
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We compared five processors on L3 cache, boost clock, core count and rated power as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out L3 cache.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Core i7-9700K to the Core Ultra 7 265KF, state boost clock, core count and socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Core i7-9700 gives no L3 cache; the Core i7-12700K gives no rated power.
- Price range
- From the Core i7-9700K to the Core Ultra 7 265KF, all sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Core i7 CPUs for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock
Here boost clock runs from 4.7GHz on the Core i7-9700 to 5.6GHz on the Core i7-14700KF, a 19% spread. The Core i7-14700KF is the pick for boost clock.
Core count across these picks
Across these 5 picks core count spans 8 cores (the Core i7-9700) to 20 cores (the Core i7-14700KF). Start with the Core i7-14700KF if core count decides it.
An Intel stock cooler mounted over the CPU socket inside a PC How much L3 cache you need
Across these 4 picks L3 cache spans 12MB (the Core i7-9700K) to 33MB (the Core i7-14700KF). If L3 cache is your first filter, the Core i7-14700KF sets the ceiling at 33MB. The Core i7-9700 gives no L3 cache figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Memory
The Core i7-9700K and the Core i7-9700 list DDR4; the Core i7-14700KF lists DDR4 or DDR5; the Core Ultra 7 265KF lists DDR5. Settling memory first narrows 4 picks to 2 or 1 or 1.
Cooler in box
The Core i7-9700K, the Core i7-14700KF and the Core Ultra 7 265KF go without.
How to Choose a Core i7 CPUs for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Core i7-9700 | Core i7-9700K | Undercutting the Core i7-9700 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who put rated power first | Core i7-9700 | The lowest rated power here (65W) |
| Games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates | Core i7-14700KF | The largest L3 cache here (33MB) |
| Buyers who want 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores | Core i7-12700K | 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores |
| Buyers who want 8 performance and 12 efficient cores and can spend more than the Core i7-12700K costs | Core Ultra 7 265KF | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 8 performance and 12 efficient cores |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Core i7-14700KF leads on boost clock at 5.6GHz, ahead of the Core Ultra 7 265KF at 5.5GHz. "Not listed" marks L3 cache where the Core i7-9700 leaves the figure out.
| Processor | L3 cache | Max boost | Cores / threads | Rated power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i7-9700K | 12MB | 4.9GHz | 8 cores | 95W |
| Core i7-9700 | Not listed | 4.7GHz | 8 cores | 65W |
| Core i7-14700KF | 33MB | 5.6GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
| Core i7-12700K | 25MB | 5GHz | 12 cores | Not listed |
| Core Ultra 7 265KF | 30MB | 5.5GHz | 20 cores | 125W |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Core i7-14700KF ahead of the Core Ultra 7 265KF on boost clock?
The Core i7-14700KF leads at 5.6GHz, with the Core Ultra 7 265KF at 5.5GHz. The spread runs down to the Core i7-9700 at 4.7GHz.
How does the Core Ultra 7 265KF compare with the Core i7-14700KF on L3 cache?
Between the top two, it is 33MB on the Core i7-14700KF against 30MB on the Core Ultra 7 265KF, a 10% difference. The Core i7-9700K closes the ranking at 12MB. The Core i7-9700 is left out of this ranking because its L3 cache isn't stated; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
How does the Core i7-9700K compare with the Core i7-9700 on rated power?
Between the top two, it is 65W on the Core i7-9700 against 95W on the Core i7-9700K, a 32% difference. The Core Ultra 7 265KF is at the other end of this group with 125W. The Core i7-12700K is left out of this ranking because its rated power isn't stated; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the Core Ultra 7 265KF add over the Core i7-9700K?
The spec sheets show boost clock (5.5GHz against 4.9GHz), core count (20 cores against 8 cores) and L3 cache (30MB against 12MB) in its favour. It does not win everywhere: the Core i7-9700K still leads on rated power (95W). Both sat in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, so the gains in boost clock and core count cost little extra by tier.
Why is the Core i7-14700KF our Largest Game Cache pick?
The label rests on the largest L3 cache here (33MB). On L3 cache it leads the Core Ultra 7 265KF, 33MB against 30MB, a 10% margin. The price of that: the Core i7-9700K, the cheapest pick, still beats it on rated power (95W against 125W). It is aimed at games that are limited by the CPU at high frame rates.
Do the Core i7-9700K and the Core i7-14700KF differ on socket?
The Core i7-9700K and the Core i7-9700 use LGA1151; the Core i7-14700KF and the Core i7-12700K use LGA1700; the Core Ultra 7 265KF uses LGA1851.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Core i7-9700K, chosen for undercutting the Core i7-9700 on price when we checked. Look at the Core i7-9700 for the lowest rated power here (65W), the Core i7-12700K for 8 P-cores plus 4 E-cores and the Core Ultra 7 265KF for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 8 performance and 12 efficient cores if those matter more to you.
LGA1700 and LGA1851 need different boards.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for Gaming
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- Lower budgetThe Best Budget CPUs for a Gaming PC
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End CPUs for Gaming
- ExplainerHow to Choose a CPU for Your PC
- ExplainerCPU Name Suffixes Explained: K, KF, F, X, X3D and G
- Check compatibility: motherboardsHow to Check Motherboard BIOS Compatibility
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- Topic hubAll processors guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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