Intel
Core i7-11700K
Rocket Lake · 8C/16T · 125 W · LGA1200
72
/ 100
From $399
VS
Intel
Core i9-10900K
Comet Lake · 10C/20T · 125 W · LGA1200
72
/ 100
From $488
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Core i7-11700K lands at 72 and Core i9-10900K at 72. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Core i7-11700K if…
- ✓Strong per-core performance
- ✓Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- ✓Wide platform availability
Pick Core i9-10900K if…
- ✓Strong per-core performance
- ✓Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- ✓Wide platform availability
Core i7-11700K 72
vs 72 Core i9-10900K
Score breakdown
Core i7-11700K
72 single 74
multi 72
gaming 71
efficiency 78
Core i9-10900K
72 single 74
multi 72
gaming 71
efficiency 77
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Core i7-11700K | Core i9-10900K |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Rocket Lake | Comet Lake |
| Cores | 8 | ▲ 10 |
| Threads | 16 | ▲ 20 |
| TDP | 125 W | 125 W |
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1200 |
| Release year | 2021 | 2020 |
Core i7-11700K
Pros
- +Strong per-core performance
- +Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- +Wide platform availability
Cons
- −Power draw on top SKUs
- −Frequent socket changes
- −Arrow Lake gaming regressions
Core i9-10900K
Pros
- +Strong per-core performance
- +Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- +Wide platform availability
Cons
- −Power draw on top SKUs
- −Frequent socket changes
- −Arrow Lake gaming regressions
FAQ: Core i7-11700K vs Core i9-10900K
Which is better, Core i7-11700K or Core i9-10900K? +
Both score 72 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Core i7-11700K worth the price? +
At $399, Core i7-11700K delivers a Specdex score of 72 — strongest in efficiency.
Is Core i9-10900K worth the price? +
At $488, Core i9-10900K delivers a Specdex score of 72 — strongest in efficiency.
Does Core i7-11700K or Core i9-10900K last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.