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Intel Core i7-9700K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 4.9 GHz Turbo unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W
Intel

Intel Core i7-9700K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 4.9 GHz Turbo unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W

Bottom line: The Intel Core i7-9700K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 4.9 GHz Turbo ($210.54 on Amazon as of 2026-10-20 16:16 UTC): Unlocked multiplier for overclocking on compatible Intel 300 Series boards; main trade-off: 8 cores but only 8 threads, which limits heavily multithreaded workloads.

$210.54

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Buy on Amazon — $210.54 Compare to similar processors

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Unlocked multiplier for overclocking on compatible Intel 300 Series boards
  • ✓ Up to 4.90 GHz turbo for strong single-thread and gaming performance
  • ✓ 8 physical cores and 12 MB cache for gaming and everyday workloads
  • ✓ Built-in Intel UHD Graphics 630 runs a display without a separate GPU
  • ✓ Supports up to 64 GB of dual-channel DDR4-2666 plus Intel Optane Memory

Cons

  • ✗ 8 cores but only 8 threads, which limits heavily multithreaded workloads
  • ✗ Works only with Intel 300 Series motherboards, so no upgrade path to newer sockets
  • ✗ No cooler in the box, so you need to buy an air or liquid cooler
  • ✗ Official memory support tops out at DDR4-2666 and 64 GB

Manufacturer description

The Intel Core i7-9700K is an unlocked 8-core desktop processor for LGA1151 builds on Intel 300 Series chipsets. It runs at a 3.60 GHz base clock, boosts up to 4.90 GHz and has 12 MB of cache. That gives you strong single-thread speed for high-refresh gaming and a responsive desktop. Each of the 8 cores runs one thread, for 8 threads in total. That design favors per-core clock speed over heavy multitasking. Because the chip is unlocked, you can raise the multiplier on a compatible motherboard to overclock it. Intel UHD Graphics 630 is built in, so you can boot, troubleshoot or drive a…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Intel Core i7-9700K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 4.9 GHz Turbo… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the processors category. Intel's processors lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for processors of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Intel Core i7-9700K come with a CPU cooler?

No. The i7-9700K is sold as the processor only, with no cooler in the box. You need a separate air or liquid cooler rated for a 95W TDP processor, and more cooling headroom if you plan to overclock.

What motherboard do I need for the i7-9700K?

It uses the LGA1151 socket and works only with motherboards based on Intel 300 Series chipsets. Older 100 and 200 Series LGA1151 boards are not supported. Check the board maker's CPU support list before you buy.

Can I use the i7-9700K without a graphics card?

Yes. It has Intel UHD Graphics 630 built in, so you can connect a monitor to the motherboard's video outputs. That covers desktop use, troubleshooting, or running the system while you wait for a separate graphics card.

Does the i7-9700K have Hyper-Threading?

No. It has 8 cores and 8 threads, so each core handles a single thread. It runs at a 3.60 GHz base clock, turbos up to 4.90 GHz, and has 12 MB of cache.

How much RAM does the i7-9700K support?

It officially supports up to 64 GB of DDR4-2666 memory in a dual-channel setup, with up to 41 GB/s of memory bandwidth. ECC memory is not supported.

Key Features

  • 8 Cores / 8 Threads
  • 3.60 GHz up to 4.90 GHz / 12 MB Cache
  • Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets
  • Intel Optane Memory Supported
  • Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • Cooling device not included - Processor Only

Full Specifications

SizeI7-9700K
BrandIntel
ModelBX80684I79700K
WarrantyAltering clock frequency or voltage may damage or reduce the useful life of the processor and other system components, and may reduce system stability and performance. Product warranties may not apply if the processor is operated beyond its specifications. Check with the manufacturers of system and components for additional details.
UnitCount0
ReleaseDate2018-10-19T00:00:01Z
ManufacturerIntel
IsAdultProductfalse
ItemPartNumberBX80684I79700K

Ready to buy?

Intel Core i7-9700K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 4.9 GHz Turbo unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $210.54

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.

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Intel Core i7-9700K Desktop Processor 8 Cores up to 4.9 GHz Turbo unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W
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