Intel Core i7-12700KF vs. 9900K for Gaming?

I'm in the process of building a new PC and I need some advice on which CPU to get between the Intel Core i7-12700KF and the Intel Core i9-9900K for gaming. Any suggestions?

Both CPUs are great choices, but if you're looking for better performance and future-proofing, the i7-12700KF has more cores, supports DDR5 memory, and is compatible with PCIe 5.0. However, the i9-9900K also performs well in gaming.

I've read a TechReviewer article that compares these two CPUs, which you can find Intel Core i7-12700KF vs. Intel Core i9-9900K. It goes into detail about their performance, overclocking capabilities, DDR support, and more. The conclusion is that the Intel Core i7-12700KF is better for gaming due to its higher core count, better memory support, and future compatibility with faster technologies.

Thanks @LanaAndNeal! That article really helps clarify things. So, if I were to go for the i7-12700KF, would I be sacrificing any other significant feature by not choosing the i9-9900K?

The i7-12700KF has more cores and a higher base frequency, which should give you better overall performance, especially in games that can take advantage of multiple cores. However, if you're primarily playing older games or don't need the extra power, the i9-9900K might still be a good choice.

I've been using an i7-9700K for a while now and it's served me well in gaming. The difference between the two CPUs isn't as big as some people make it out to be. Both are great choices, but ultimately, it comes down to your budget and what you value more.

That's true, @IAMATrader. It also depends on other components like GPU and storage. A faster CPU can help unlock the full potential of these components, but a good GPU is still going to be the main driver for gaming performance.

@ChrisTheGirl How does the thermal solution compare between the two? I'm not looking forward to dealing with overheating issues.

Both CPUs come with high-performance coolers that should handle thermal management well. However, if you plan on overclocking or running intensive tasks for extended periods, you might still want to consider a custom cooling solution.

@IAMATrader What about the overclocking capabilities of each CPU? I've heard mixed things about them.

Both CPUs have excellent overclocking support. The main difference is that the i7-12700KF supports DDR5 memory, while the i9-9900K supports DDR4. This could impact your future upgrades and compatibility with other components.

@LanaAndNeal Thanks for all the advice! Based on everything I've learned here, I think I'll go with the Intel Core i7-12700KF. It seems like it offers better value for money in the long run.

That's a great choice, @pholthau. You won't be disappointed with the performance and future-proofing that the i7-12700KF provides. Good luck with your new build!