TOP 15 best Intel Core i7 processors: rating 2024-2025 and which performance to choose for games

When buying a processor, you should ask yourself many questions: what device will it be implemented in, what motherboard should it “cooperate” with, how important is the cache size and the possibility of overclocking in boost.

In 2024-2025, the championship among microprocessor companies still belongs to Intel.

This article contains the best chips of the Core i7 generation, which have earned good user ratings and perform well in work.

Rating of the TOP 15 best Intel Core i7 processors 2024-2025

Place	Name	Price
TOP 3 best Intel Core i7 processors by price/quality for 2024-2025
1	Intel Core i7-10700F	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i7-8700	Ask for a price
3	Intel Core i7-9700F	Ask for a price
TOP 3 best Intel Core i7 processors for socket 1200
1	Intel Core i7-10700KF	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i7-10700K	Ask for a price
3	Intel Core i7-10700	Ask for a price
TOP 3 best Intel Core i7 processors for socket 1151
1	Intel Core i7-7700K	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i7-7700	Ask for a price
3	Intel Core i7-6700	Ask for a price
TOP 2 best Intel Core i7 processors for sockets 1151v2
1	Intel Core i7-9700K	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i7-8700K	Ask for a price
TOP 2 best Intel Core i7 processors for socket 1155
1	Intel Core i7-3770	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i7 Sandy Bridge	Ask for a price
TOP 2 best Intel Core i7 processors for socket 1150
1	Intel Core i7-4790	Ask for a price
2	Intel Core i7 Haswell	Ask for a price

How to choose an Intel Core i7 processor?

The selection of a processor should be based on an analysis of its main characteristics, namely:

• nuclear indicators - the number of cores and threads, which largely determine the power and performance;
• kernel microarchitecture;
• technical process — 7 nm and 14 nm are predominant;
• clock frequency - the higher the operating frequency, the faster the processor;
• cache capacity;
• overclocking capabilities (Turbo-boost mode and frequency in this mode).

Secondary, but no less important parameters are the presence of an integrated video core and its own cooling system in the kit.

TOP 3 best Intel Core i7 processors by price/quality for 2024-2025

Intel Core i7-10700F

Octa-core processor with 16 threads and 14nm process technology performance and power sufficient for stable and fast operation of a home computer system.

Its design is based on the cores on the Comet Lake microarchitecture.

Unfortunately for gamers, the multiplier is locked, but in boost, the processor is capable of overclocking to 4800 MHz.

The provided technological process causes the minimum heat release and power consumption.

Intel Turbo Boost technology gives the chip high performance as a whole, as well as the functionality of each core individually. The frequency increases smoothly and evenly as needed.

The processor is designed for modern systems with an LGA1200 socket.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1200;
• microarchitecture: Comet Lake-S;
• nuclear indicators: 8/16;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 2900 MHz.

Intel Core i7-8700

6 core 12 thread die with 14++ advanced process technology connect to device via LGA1151 v2 socket.

Each Coffe Lake-S core runs at 3200 MHz, and the chip also performs well in multi-threading.

When Turbo Boost technology is activated, the processor accelerates to a maximum frequency of 4600 MHz.

Combined with the UHD 630 graphics core, you get a powerful and stable chip for graphics, multimedia and games..

The crystal supports dual-channel DDR4 memory with a maximum capacity of 128 GB and is equipped with a 12 MB L3 cache.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1151 v2;
• microarchitecture: Coffee Lake-S;
• nuclear indicators: 6/12;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3200 MHz.

Intel Core i7-9700F

Desktop processor with the same number of cores and threads - 8. It is based on 14 nm process technology for optimal heat dissipation of 65 W and minimum power consumption.

Users note heating in the increased activity mode no more than up to 60 degrees.

In Turbo mode, performance across all cores does not fall below 4.4 GHz. The Boost package has a good cooling system. There is no integrated graphics, so the crystal is quite affordable and suitable for computer systems with a powerful video card.

The processor is perfect for home use, as well as for computing tasks and gaming.

The cache of the third level holds 12 megabytes of data. There is also support for dual-channel DDR4 memory.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1151 v2;
• microarchitecture: Coffee Lake-S;
• nuclear indicators: 8/8;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3000 MHz.

TOP 3 best Intel Core i7 processors for socket 1200

Intel Core i7-10700KF

Octa-core processor with consistently high performance due to clocked at 3800 MHz with overclocking potential up to 5100 MHz in boost.

The model is suitable for embedding in home and office systems, for complex computing processes, gaming computers and devices for installation.

The advanced Comet Lake-S microarchitecture and high operating frequency give the crystal good power and performance, which does not have the best effect on heat dissipation.

Therefore, it reaches 125 W and requires a powerful cooling system.

Considering that the chip does not have integrated graphics, and the standard cooler is too weak for the processor, it is better to choose the OEM package and save a lot on the CPU.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1200;
• microarchitecture: Comet Lake-S;
• nuclear indicators: 8/16;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3800 MHz.

Intel Core i7-10700K

Gaming crystal with excellent frequency performance, overclocking potential and stable high performance.

For the production of the chip, a 14 nm process technology, eight cores on the Comet Lake microarchitecture and a UHD 630 video core with a frequency of 1200 MHz were used.

The processor is very profitable, taking into account the characteristics and resources.

It can work right out of the box with no additional configuration or upgrade required..

True, it is desirable to acquire a more powerful cooling system, otherwise experiments with overclocking to a maximum of 5100 MHz from a working 3800 MHz will fail.

Compared with its predecessors, the Core i7-10700K chip has a thinner silicon base, which provides better heat dissipation and a more comfortable operating temperature.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1200;
• microarchitecture: Comet Lake-S;
• nuclear indicators: 8/16;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3800 MHz.

Intel Core i7-10700

Octa-core processor, ready to install and run out of the box if selected BOX equipment.

The device is based on the Comet Lake microarchitecture core and 14 nm process technology, as well as UHD 630, 1200 MHz integrated graphics.

The clock frequency is 2900 MHz. This is enough for work and office tasks, but the processor may not be able to cope with more complex computing tasks and games. In boost, the chip accelerates to 4800 MHz, but the multiplier is locked for overlocking.

Processor supports DDR4 memory up to 2933 MHz and up to 128 GB. With low heat dissipation and optimal power consumption, the crystal demonstrates good power, performance and good potential for overclocking.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1200;
• microarchitecture: Comet Lake-S;
• nuclear indicators: 8/16;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 2900 MHz.

TOP 3 best Intel Core i7 processors for socket 1151

Intel Core i7-7700K

An excellent gaming processor with 4 cores on the Kaby Lake microarchitecture and 8 threads is created with the latest technology and delivers a superb 4200MHz clock speed with boost potential up to 4500MHz.

The device has an unlocked multiplier, 14 nm process technology and a high-quality graphics core, which makes it one of the best CPUs for gaming computer systems.

Additional chip tuning is not required: it is enough to choose a good motherboard and get a powerful cooling system, because there is no cooler in the package.

Proper installation and assembly ensures good performance and stable power of the entire system.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1151;
• microarchitecture: Kaby Lake-S;
• nuclear indicators: 4/8;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 4200 MHz.

Intel Core i7-7700

Relatively inexpensive quad-core processor based on Kaby Lake microarchitecture has a professional level of performance and power.

It is suitable for installation in high-performance computer systems for gaming, editing and complex computing tasks.

The crystal is equipped with a Hyper Threading system, thanks to which it performs well in multithreading and works stably even with high activity and, if necessary, multitasking.

The clock frequency is 3600 MHz, and in boost the chip accelerates to 4200 MHz.

The advantage of the processor is high-quality integrated graphics, suitable for watching high-definition videos, 3D modeling and running new games.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1151;
• microarchitecture: Kaby Lake-S;
• nuclear indicators: 4/8;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3600 MHz.

Intel Core i7-6700

Universal processor based on 4 cores with Skylake microarchitecture is well suited for home, office and gaming systems.

The crystal is famous for a good operating frequency of 3400 MHz, an unlocked multiplier and the ability to overclock to 4000 MHz with a smooth start when loaded on a single core.

The chip provides Hyper Threading technology, a good graphics core and an integrated memory controller with a maximum number of channels 2.

The chip is equipped with a system bus and a PCI-E 3.0 controller, due to which the data exchange between the chip and the rest of the system is accelerated.

The processor does not heat up during operation, and even under heavy load, its temperature does not exceed 60-70 degrees. At the same time, it demonstrates excellent energy efficiency and optimal heat dissipation of 65 W.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1151;
• microarchitecture: Skylake (2015);
• nuclear indicators: 4/8;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3400 MHz.

TOP 2 best Intel Core i7 processors for sockets 1151v2

Intel Core i7-9700K

A crystal with 8 cores on the Coffe Lake microarchitecture and 8 threads operates at 14 nm -technical process.

It has a good clock speed of 3600 MHz and a maximum of 4900 MHz in Turbo Boost mode. The uniqueness of the processor lies in the presence of 8 threads and the absence of hyper-trading, which is not typical for this line.

The processor with excellent quality integrated graphics, good overclocking potential and 12 MB cache is quite a nice price.

Since the number of cores has been increased to 8, the heat dissipation has also increased to 95 W, and the maximum operating temperature to 100 degrees. You can save money by choosing an OEM processor, because it is desirable to purchase a more powerful cooling system.

Solder is used instead of thermoplastics, which is also an advantage for the processor, especially if it is intended for complex computer systems with a high level of load.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1151 v2;
• microarchitecture: Coffee Lake-S;
• nuclear indicators: 8/8;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3600 MHz.

Intel Core i7-8700K

6-core processor based on Coffee Lake microarchitecture, 14nm process technology and 12 threads connects via LGA 1151-v2 socket.

Each of the six cores works with two computing threads at a frequency of 3700 MHz. In Intel Turbo Boost mode, the crystal accelerates quickly, but with a smooth start, to 4700 MHz.

3rd order cache capacity - 12 megabytes. This is enough for quick access to the necessary data.

The chip is equipped with a built-in memory controller, which causes the DDR4-2666 MHz modules to work in dual-channel mode.

The manufacturer supplemented the already good crystal with a high-quality graphics core UHD 630, 1200 MHz.

With Intel vPro support, the processor can be used in office systems and computers for remote management.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1151 v2;
• microarchitecture: Coffee Lake-S;
• nuclear indicators: 6/12;
• manufacturing process: 14 nm;
• clock frequency: 3700 MHz.

TOP 2 best Intel Core i7 processors for socket 1155

Intel Core i7-3770

A sufficiently productive and easy-to-use processor that is well suited for home computers, designed for everyday tasks.

The chip is based on 4 cores on the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture and a 22 nm process technology, which can already be called obsolete in 2024-2025.

The chip operates at a frequency of 3400 MHz and is capable of processing 8 data streams.

At the same time, in a turbo boost, the processor accelerates to 3900 MHz. The die design also includes a built-in dual-channel memory controller that supports up to 32 megabytes of DDR3 memory.

The processor supports Intel vPro technology, demonstrates optimal heat dissipation and energy efficiency.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1155;
• microarchitecture: Ivy Bridge (2012);
• nuclear indicators: 4/8;
• manufacturing process: 22 nm;
• clock frequency: 3400 MHz.

Intel Core i7 Sandy Bridge

Quad-core processor based on Sandy Bridge microarchitecture - stable operation, high-performance crystal for home and office computers that do not require a heavy load and multitasking.

Its operating frequency is 2800-3500 MHz.

The processor does not heat up, is characterized by moderate heat dissipation and energy efficiency, and is also considered one of the most reliable in the Intel Core i7 line.

It is productive, starts smoothly and accelerates quickly, has solder instead of thermoplastics and does not heat up even under heavy load..

The uniqueness of the crystal is the automatic frequency reduction when idle, due to which the consumption of electricity becomes even more economical. It can be used to run not the most resource-intensive multimedia applications and graphic editors.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1155;
• microarchitecture: Sandy Bridge (2011);
• nuclear indicators: 4;
• manufacturing process: 32 nm;
• clock frequency: 2800-3500 MHz.

TOP 2 best Intel Core i7 processors for socket 1150

Intel Core i7-4790

The processor with a powerful configuration is equipped with four cores with Haswell microarchitecture and is capable of processing 8 computational threads.

The clock frequency is sufficient for simple everyday tasks, as well as for light games and multimedia work - 3600 MHz. In turbo boost, the crystal can accelerate to 4000 MHz.

According to user reviews, the chip is well suited for multitasking and pulls heavy applications..

It incorporates Hyper Threading technology for increased processing speed, as well as an intelligent three-level cache system with an 8 megabyte third-level cache.

The built-in memory controller supports up to 32 gigabytes of RAM at up to 1600 MHz.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1150;
• microarchitecture: Haswell (2013);
• nuclear indicators: 4/8;
• manufacturing process: 22 nm;
• clock frequency: 3600 MHz.

Intel Core i7 Haswell

Powerful 4-core processor with Haswell microarchitecture and the ability to work with 8 computing threads.

The operating frequency of the crystal is 3600 MHz, and in the "Turbo" mode, it can accelerate to 4000 MHz.

The device can be integrated into the system right out of the box: the built-in graphics core provides comfortable work with multimedia, watching videos, movies and running games.

The multiplier is unlocked, so the processor has good overclocking potential.

The chip design includes an intelligent three-level memory system with a split second-level cache and an L3 capacity of 8 megabytes. In operation, the processor maintains a comfortable temperature regime and energy efficiency.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1150;
• microarchitecture: Haswell (2013);
• nuclear indicators: 4/8;
• manufacturing process: 22 nm;
• clock frequency: 3600 MHz.

Conclusion

Intel Core i7 processors have earned a good reputation due to the fact that the manufacturer is constantly introducing new technologies that have a positive effect on the overall performance of a computer system.

The performance, reliability and speed of the Intel Core i7 crystals determine the stable operation of computers and laptops with the correct additional equipment and competent assembly of the device.

Customer Reviews

Useful video

From the video you will get an overview of the best processors: