Unleash Your PC’s Potential: Intel Core i7 8700 vs Intel Core i9 11980HK Benchmark Showdown

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Today, we’ll be diving deep into the world of Intel processors to compare two popular choices: the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 11980HK. While both are capable processors, they cater to different audiences and offer distinct advantages. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which processor is the best fit for your specific requirements.

A Look at the Core i7 8700: A Legacy of Performance

The Intel Core i7 8700, released in 2017, was a powerhouse in its time. Built on the Coffee Lake architecture, it boasts six cores and twelve threads, clocking in at a base frequency of 3.2GHz and a boost frequency of 4.6GHz. This processor is known for its impressive performance in gaming, productivity tasks, and even content creation. It’s a popular choice for gamers and professionals alike, offering a balance of power and efficiency.

Unveiling the Core i9 11980HK: A Modern Powerhouse

The Intel Core i9 11980HK, released in 2021, represents the next generation of Intel processors. This chip belongs to the Tiger Lake-H series and features eight cores and sixteen threads, boasting a base frequency of 2.6GHz and a boost frequency of 5.0GHz. It’s a mobile processor designed for high-performance laptops, offering significantly increased power compared to its predecessor, the Core i7 8700.

Performance Showdown: Benchmarks and Real-World Applications

While benchmarks are not the sole indicator of performance, they offer a valuable insight into the capabilities of each processor. In general, the Core i9 11980HK outperforms the Core i7 8700 in almost every benchmark, thanks to its higher core count, faster clock speeds, and newer architecture. This translates to smoother gameplay, faster rendering times, and enhanced productivity across various applications.
For instance, in gaming, the Core i9 11980HK delivers a noticeable performance advantage in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2. This is especially true at higher resolutions and with demanding graphics settings. In productivity tasks like video editing and 3D rendering, the Core i9 11980HK shines, completing tasks significantly faster than the Core i7 8700.

The Power of Newer Architecture: Tiger Lake vs Coffee Lake

The difference in performance between the Core i7 8700 and the Core i9 11980HK can be attributed to the advancements in Intel’s architecture. The Core i9 11980HK utilizes the Tiger Lake architecture, which incorporates several key improvements over the Coffee Lake architecture used by the Core i7 8700. These improvements include:

• Enhanced Core Design: Tiger Lake cores offer improved performance per clock cycle, leading to faster processing speeds.
• Integrated Graphics: The Core i9 11980HK features Intel Iris Xe graphics, a significant upgrade over the integrated graphics found in the Core i7 8700. This offers better performance for casual gaming and multimedia tasks.
• Improved Power Efficiency: The Tiger Lake architecture is designed to be more power efficient, allowing for longer battery life in laptops.

Beyond Performance: Features and Considerations

While performance is a crucial factor, it’s not the only aspect to consider when choosing a processor. Here’s a breakdown of other features and considerations:

• TDP (Thermal Design Power): The Core i7 8700 has a TDP of 65W, while the Core i9 11980HK has a TDP of 45W. This means the Core i9 11980HK is more power-efficient, especially in mobile devices.
• Integrated Graphics: As mentioned earlier, the Core i9 11980HK offers significantly better integrated graphics than the Core i7 8700. This is a major advantage for users who rely on integrated graphics for casual gaming or multimedia tasks.
• Price: The Core i7 8700 is generally more affordable than the Core i9 11980HK. This price difference is mainly due to the newer architecture and features of the Core i9 11980HK.
• Availability: The Core i7 8700 is no longer manufactured, but you can still find it in pre-built PCs or on the second-hand market. The Core i9 11980HK is readily available in new laptops.

Making the Right Choice: Intel Core i7 8700 vs Intel Core i9 11980HK

So, which processor is right for you? The answer depends on your specific needs and budget.

• For budget-conscious gamers and professionals: The Core i7 8700 still offers excellent performance at a lower price point. It’s a solid choice for users who don’t require the latest features and are willing to compromise on some performance.
• For high-performance gaming and professional workloads: The Core i9 11980HK is the clear winner. Its superior performance, integrated graphics, and power efficiency make it ideal for demanding tasks and users who prioritize the latest technology.

The Future of Computing: Beyond the Core i7 8700 and Core i9 11980HK

While both processors are capable, they represent older generations of Intel’s architecture. As technology constantly evolves, newer processors like the 12th Gen Intel Core series offer even more powerful performance and advanced features. It’s important to stay updated on the latest advancements in CPU technology to make informed decisions about your next processor upgrade.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Processor for Your Needs

Ultimately, the decision between the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 11980HK boils down to your individual needs and budget. The Core i7 8700 is a solid choice for budget-conscious users, while the Core i9 11980HK offers superior performance and features for demanding workloads. By understanding the differences between these processors and considering your specific requirements, you can make an informed decision that ensures a smooth and enjoyable computing experience.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q1: What is the difference between the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 11980HK in terms of performance?
A1: The Core i9 11980HK offers significantly better performance than the Core i7 8700 due to its newer architecture, higher core count, faster clock speeds, and improved integrated graphics.
Q2: Which processor is better for gaming?
A2: The Core i9 11980HK is generally better for gaming, especially in demanding titles, due to its higher performance and faster clock speeds.
Q3: What are the advantages of the Core i9 11980HK over the Core i7 8700?
A3: The Core i9 11980HK offers advantages in terms of performance, integrated graphics, power efficiency, and newer features.
Q4: Is the Intel Core i7 8700 still a good choice in 2023?
A4: The Core i7 8700 is still a capable processor, but it’s not as powerful or feature-rich as newer processors like the Core i9 11980HK. It’s a good choice for budget-conscious users who don’t require the latest technology.
Q5: What are the drawbacks of the Core i9 11980HK?
A5: The main drawback of the Core i9 11980HK is its higher price compared to the Core i7 8700. It also requires a more powerful cooling solution to handle its higher TDP.