Intel Core i7-9700K socket: LGA 1151
The Intel Core i7-9700K uses the LGA 1151 socket on revision 2 boards. It is an 8-core chip without Hyper-Threading that runs to 4.9 GHz, on 300 series boards with DDR4 memory.
- Socket
- LGA 1151
- Launched
- October 2018
- Cores and threads
- 8 and 8
- Base power
- 95 W
- Codename
- Coffee Lake Refresh
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 3.6 / 4.9 GHz
Intel Core i7-9700K specifications
| Cores | 8 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 (no Hyper-Threading) |
| Core architecture | Skylake based cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 3.6 GHz base, up to 4.9 GHz (Turbo Boost 2.0) |
| Cache | 12 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4 up to 2666 MT/s, two channels, up to 128 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 3.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 (up to 1.20 GHz) |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (K series) |
| Package | FCLGA1151 |
| Cooler in the box | None |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i7-9700K needs a motherboard with a LGA 1151 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 300 series: B365 and Z390 | Z390, B365 | Works out of the box |
| 300 series: H310, B360, H370, Q370, Z370 | Z370, H370, B360, H310, Q370 | Needs a BIOS update Needs a BIOS update before a 9th Gen processor will start. Check the board maker's CPU support list. |
| 200 series | Z270, H270, B250, Q270, Q250 | Not supported |
| 100 series | Z170, H170, B150, H110, Q170, Q150 | Not supported |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1151.
Recommended GPU pairing
| Recommended tier | High-end 1440p |
|---|---|
| Example GPUs | GeForce RTX 2080, Radeon RX 5700 XT |
| Target resolution | 1440p high settings |
Eight physical cores with boost to 4.9 GHz, 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes and DDR4 match high-end 1440p cards from late 2018. A faster card still works and the balance shifts with game, settings and resolution.
This is a rough match for a new build at the stated resolution, not a limit. A faster card still works and helps at higher resolutions or in games that load the GPU more than the CPU. A slower card is fine for lighter games and office use. The exact balance shifts with the game, the settings and the resolution, so no percentage is given.
LGA 1151 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,151 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | August 2015 |
| Memory | DDR4 on most boards (some early boards use DDR3L). DDR4 only on the second revision |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Core i7-9700K is
The Core i7-9700K is an eight core, eight thread processor that Intel released in October 2018 with the 9th Gen desktop range. Its cores run 3.6 GHz base to 4.9 GHz turbo with Turbo Boost 2.0. Cache is 12 MB of shared L3.
The thread count is the surprise: Intel disabled Hyper-Threading on the 9th Gen i7, so eight cores yield eight threads where the prior i7 gave twelve. Games of the era rarely missed the extra threads, while heavy rendering did. The TDP is 95 W on the 14 nm process, so a capable tower cooler covers stock operation with headroom for tuning on Z-series boards here today.
Intel UHD Graphics 630 cover display output, at up to 1.20 GHz. The multiplier is unlocked. Intel includes no cooler with K-series processors.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 9700K fits the LGA 1151 socket on revision 2 boards only. Z390 and B365 boards accept it with the shipping BIOS. Z370, H370, B360, H310 and Q370 boards need a BIOS update carrying 9th Gen support. Revision 1 boards with 100 or 200 series chipsets never support it, whatever the BIOS says.
A Z-series board is required for multiplier overclocking. Other chipsets hold rated clocks with memory tuning on most models.
Confirm the minimum BIOS version in the maker's CPU support list, particularly on early Z370 boards.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
The memory controller supports DDR4 up to 2666 MT/s officially. Two channels carry up to 128 GB. Faster kits run through XMP profiles, which Z-series boards accept while H-series and B-series boards hold narrower ranges.
The CPU supplies 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the processor. Chipset lanes cover the remaining slots and drives at lower speeds.
Cooling should exceed the 95 W base rating under boost. Plan a capable tower cooler on the 75 mm LGA 1151 pattern. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide lists bracket requirements.
Eight cores, no threading, revision 2 only
The missing Hyper-Threading defines this chip against its predecessor and its successor alike. The 8th Gen i7 had 6 cores with threading for twelve threads, while the 10th Gen i7 restored threading for sixteen. The 9700K sits between them with eight physical cores and no threading, which favors games over renders.
The LGA 1151 revision split still applies: revision 2 boards only, never 100 or 200 series. Within revision 2 the upgrade ceiling is the Intel Core i9-9900K, which adds threading back on top of the same eight cores.
Upgrade paths
Against the Intel Core i9-9900K, the 9700K gives up threading and some cache for a lower price with most gaming pace intact. Against the Intel Core i7-8700K, it adds two physical cores while dropping threading, on newer 300 series boards.
Moving to LGA 1200 needs a new board while keeping DDR4. The 9700K fits a Z390 gaming PC that values physical cores over threads.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i7-9700K use?
It uses LGA 1151 on revision 2 boards with 300 series chipsets, written FCLGA1151 in Intel's documents.
Does the 9700K have Hyper-Threading?
No. Intel lists Hyper-Threading as not supported, so 8 cores give 8 threads. The 8th and 10th Gen i7 chips have threading.
Does the 9700K run in a Z270 motherboard?
No. Z270 and other 100 and 200 series boards are revision 1 and never support 9th Gen processors.
What memory speed does the 9700K support?
Officially up to DDR4-2666. Faster kits run through XMP profiles, which count as overclocking.
Does the 9700K come with a cooler?
No. K-series processors ship without a cooler.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .