Intel is one of the most popular companies that develops processors for computers and laptops.
Gamers and other users consider this company to be the best and prefer its products.
The company’s processors determine the performance of the machine and its capabilities. But choosing the right CPU is not so easy, as Core i7 models have many modifications. Which I7 Processor Is Best For Gaming compatible with socket LGA 1200, 1151v2, 1155, 1150, 1151?
We have reviewed many models in this line and compiled a selection of the best processors in 2023 that can meet your requirements. With our rating, you can easily choose a processor to your liking.
Table of Contents
best Intel Core i7 processors for gaming
| best Intel Core i7 processors for gaming | Check Price | |
| 1 | Intel Core i7-7820X | |
| 2 | Intel Core i7-7700K | |
| 3 | Intel Core i7-10700KF | |
| 4 | Intel Core i7-10700K | |
| 5 | Intel Core i7-10700 | |
| 6 | Intel Core i7-10700F | |
| 7 | Intel Core i7-9700KF | |
| 8 | Intel Core i7-8700K | |
| 9 | Intel Core i7-9700K | |
| 10 | Intel Core i7-3770 | |
| 11 | Intel Core i7-2600 | |
| 12 | Intel Core i7-4790 | |
| 13 | Intel Core i7-4770S | |
| 14 | Intel Core i7-7700 | |
| 15 | Intel Core i7-6700 |
How to choose an Intel Core i7 processor for gaming?
Before buying a processor for a PC, you should pay attention to the following important characteristics:
- Kernel name. Intel has Sky Lake, and Kaby Lake relevant today.
- The number of cores. Usually, the indicator ranges from 2 to 18 pieces. The bigger, the better.
- Technical process. It is measured in nanometers, for example, 14 Nm and affects the heating of the processor.
- Clock frequency. The indicator is measured in gigahertz and the more it is, the better. The average for Intel processors is 3.5 GHz.
- cache memory. A key characteristic has three levels. The first is the most important, the third is less significant. The indicator depends on the core and series.
Check out a comparison of Intel Quad Core Vs Dual Core I7 Processor.
which i7 processor is best for gaming in terms of performance in 2023
Intel Core processors are considered among the best for PCs. They are not too expensive and provide excellent performance.
Intel Core i7-7820X
The Intel Core i7-7820X is a high-performance processor built to power the hardware of a powerful gaming PC.
The presented device was released for the LGA 2066 socket and is based on the Skylake architecture.
The main part of the model is the Skylake-X core with a 14 Nm process technology.
Distinctive features of this model are 8 cores, which operate at an optimal frequency of 3600 MHz, and a three-level cache with 2 MB and 11 MB in the second and third levels, respectively.
The processor supports automatic overclocking up to 4300 MHz in case of a high load on the main part of the PC. This device is compatible with DDR4 RAM with a maximum possible size of 128 GB.
Its operation should take place in the frequency range from 1600 MHz to 2666 MHz. The heat dissipation of the product is 140 watts.
Characteristics:
- The process technology is 14 Nm.
- Frequency – 3600 MHz.
- The multiplier is 36.
Intel Core i7-7700K
The Intel Core i7-7700K is great for gaming PCs. Its unlocked frequency multiplier allows for safe overclocking.
At the same time, you do not need to make changes to the design of the microcircuit, the motherboard, and other components – you just need to perform the correct settings and select the appropriate cooling system.
The model supports the stable operation of the PC when running resource-intensive applications and heavy games.
Its Hyper system allows four cores to pass through up to eight streams of information, which is important for the simultaneous execution of several tasks at once.
The graphics core of the HD Graphics 630 is capable of 3D video playback and high-resolution image processing.
The processor can be installed in powerful computers with two graphics cards, DDR4 RAM, and high-speed storage devices, including Intel Optane.
Characteristics:
- Heat dissipation – 91 W.
- Cache memory – 8 MB.
- Clock frequency – 4200 MHz.
Intel Core i7-10700KF
The Intel Core i7-10700KF high-performance device is a performance-balanced chip. It can be used to create different assemblies.
In its production, a 14 Nm process was used. With it, you can achieve a small consumption of electrical energy and heat dissipation of the computer system. The high-performance model is made using the Comet Lake architecture. It allows you to increase performance compared to the chips of the previous generation.
The processor uses eight cores and sixteen threads for processing information.
The device is designed for Desktop computers and built on the Comet Lake architecture.
The model has an overclocking lock and supports the DDR4-2933 memory type. Its maximum supported memory size is 128 GB.
The product supports the FCLGA1200 socket type and has one processor per configuration, and has a power consumption of 125W.
Characteristics:
- The process technology is 14 Nm.
- The cache size is 2 MB.
- The multiplier is 38.
Do you want to know the differences between Intel Xeon E3 Vs Xeon E5 Processors?
3 best intel core I7 lga 1200 cpu for gaming
Intel processors for socket 1200 are considered the most advanced for desktop gaming.
Intel Core i7-10700K
The Intel Core i7-10700K is a performance-balanced chip. It can be used to create different assemblies. In its production, a 14 Nm process was used.
With it, you can achieve a small consumption of electrical energy and heat generation.
The processor is made using the Comet Lake architecture. With its help, performance is increased compared to previous generation processors.
The model has eight cores and sixteen threads for data processing. There is also an Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics core and support for DDR4 memory up to 128 GB.
The model received several improvements from the manufacturer. This is a silicon crystal with a thickness reduced by about a third and providing a better removal of the generated heat and a more pleasant temperature regime. Also, the large area of this crystal affects the decrease in operating temperature.
Two additional cores increase the area of the cooled surface to 198 square meters. mm.
Characteristics :
- The number of cores is 8.
- The number of threads is 16.
- Technological process – 14 Nm.
Intel Core i7-10700
The Intel Core i7-10700 processor has a locked multiplier and is the youngest eight-core model in the Intel lineup.
The new processor supports memory speeds up to DDR4-2993 MHz and can be increased by overclocking on motherboards with the Z490 chipset. Under the cover of the model is solder.
Having an unlocked multiplier in its composition, the processor lends itself well to overclocking and, with normal air cooling, can reach a stable performance of 5 GHz at a power of 1.17 V.
This value depends on the specific motherboard.
In addition to high frequencies and the Hyper-Threading system, the processor can offer a large 3 MB L3 cache up to 12 MB, official support for dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory, and an excellent 14 Nm process technology.
The thermal package of the product is 128 W, and allows you to work in a amount of clock frequencies from 3.8 to 5.0 GHz. The volume of the third-level cache in the model has become higher and reached 16 MB, which allows to an increase in the performance in the calculation procedures.
Characteristics:
- The process technology is 14 Nm.
- Thermal package – 128 W.
- Frequency – 5 GHz.
Intel Core i7-10700F
The desktop processor of the Intel Core i7-10700F brand, created on the Comet Lake architecture, is primarily designed for home systems.
It has eight cores and sixteen threads and is manufactured using a 14 nm process technology, and its multiplier is locked. Thanks to the technical process, the device has a small consumption of electrical energy and heat dissipation.
The main clock frequency of the device is 2.90 GHz, and due to the support of Intel Turbo Boost technology, the maximum frequency can reach 4.80 GHz.
The Turbo system defines the high functionality of the cores in the processor and provides performance in the cores by increasing the frequency as needed, taking advantage of the power and temperature headroom.
Speaking about the compatibility of the product, it is worth saying that this processor is for socket 1200 and the maximum temperature is 72 degrees.
It also has support for DDR4-2933 memory.
Characteristics:
- The process technology is 14 Nm.
- The multiplier is 29.
- Memory type – DDR4.
3 best intel core I7 lga 1151v2 cpu for gaming
The new version of the socket is unofficially called LGA 1151v2. But it is produced by Intel and various motherboard manufacturers under the name LGA 1151.
Intel Core i7-9700KF
The Intel Core i7-9700KF processor model operates at up to 5.3 GHz and supports Intel Thermal Velocity Boost Technology.
With this technology, it is possible to automatically and opportunistically improve performance when resources are available to accelerate workloads that use one or more cores.
The model uses solder, which has a good effect on cooling, especially during overclocking. The model was made according to the 14 Nm process technology. Its nominal clock frequency is 3600 GHz, and in turbo mode, it increases to 4900 GHz.
The cache size is 12 MB. The device supports dual-channel DDR4-2666 RAM with a maximum capacity of 128 GB. The optimal TDP of the product is 95 watts.
In idle mode, the frequency of the product drops to 800 GHz, while the voltage fluctuates between 0.7-0.8V. The temperature of the cores during this operation of the product is 45 degrees.
Characteristics:
- TDP – 95W.
- The process technology is 14 Nm.
- Frequency – 5.3 GHz.
Intel Core i7-8700K
The Intel Core i7-8700K of Coffee Lake architecture is the main part of the PC system, so it has the appropriate characteristics.
The product has an LGA 1151-v2 socket, which is used to connect.
The peculiarity of the device is the support of six cores, each of which operates at a frequency of 3700 MHz, and when loaded at the time of inclusion, Intel Turbo Boost reaches 4700 MHz, as stated in the documents. As for the data cache, its L2 size is 1.5 MB, and L3 is 12 MB.
The emphasis of the device is on the use of process technology 14, which is distinguished by better performance and advanced capabilities for overclocking a computer.
The product has a built-in RAM controller, which provides for the operation of DDR4-2666 MHz modules in dual-channel mode.
The maximum memory capacity of the model is 64 GB. Improves graphics performance when the processor supports an integrated card with a frequency of 1200 MHz.
Characteristics:
- The process technology is 14 Nm.
- The multiplier is 37.
- Memory – 64 GB.
Intel Core i7-9700K
The Intel Core i7-9700K operates on a Coffee Lake Refresh chip and has eight cores and a 14 Nm process technology. This is an unusual processor as it has eight threads and no hyperthreading, although this is atypical for this line.
But this is an affordable model, as it has a favorable price compared to the previous ones.
The base frequency of this chipset is 3.6 GHz. The maximum frequency with a single-core load is 4.9 GHz.
If the load is on all cores, then this figure drops to 4.6 GHz.
Two additional cores installed in the processor not only affect its performance but also contribute to an increase in temperature.
The heat distributing cover of the product is soldered, which makes it possible not to replace the thermal interface to obtain the required performance after overclocking.
Thermal paste is not used and is replaced with solder.
Characteristics:
- The number of cores is 8.
- The process technology is 14 Nm.
- Memory – 128 GB.
2 best intel core I7 lga 1155 cpu for gaming
Below are the best processor models for socket 1155.
Intel Core i7-3770
When choosing components for an upgrade, it is important to ensure that the processor does not become a “bottleneck” of the system, which nullifies the efforts of other hardware.
The Intel Core i7-3770 processor will be the way out for those people who do not want to rebuild a computer from scratch using a familiar motherboard.
The device is designed for use with LGA 1155 sockets and is based on the third-generation 22nm Intel Core microarchitecture.
The product has four cores with a frequency of 3.4 GHz and supports the processing of eight data streams.
It also boasts a built-in dual-channel controller that supports DDR3 memory.
Manufacturers did not forget to equip the model with a built-in graphics core, with which you can run classic games, spend time on the Internet or watch videos even without a discrete graphics card along with a graphics adapter. Among other things, the processor supports Intel Turbo Boost technology.
Characteristics:
- The number of cores is 4.
- Memory – 64 GB.
- Heat dissipation – 77 watts.
Intel Core i7-2600
The manufacturer placed the Intel Core i7-2600 model in a corporate niche, positioning it as a tool for working with complex calculations and resource-intensive applications.
Graphics processing, video encoding, and complex mathematical calculations are the tasks for which the chipset is designed.
The clock operating frequency of the model is 3.40 GHz, and in Turbo Boost mode it increases to 3.8 GHz.
The high performance of the device is provided by cache memory levels. Only server solutions can boast of an L1 volume of 512 kilobytes. The cache of the second level is also large 1 megabyte, and the third is 8 MB. With such data, any mathematical calculations are within the power of this processor.
The product has a Hyper-Threading system. This means that the user receives an additional 4 virtual cores to the already 4 available ones. The processor platform supports a virtual environment and can be safely used for servers and workstations.
Characteristics:
- The number of cores is 4.
- The process technology is 32 Nm.
- The number of threads is 8.
2 best intel core I7 lga 1150 cpu for gaming
Processors for socket 1150 have excellent characteristics and are the most acceptable option in terms of price/quality ratio.
Intel Core i7-4790
The Intel Core i7-4790 has a powerful configuration and provides the necessary system performance due to the high clock speed.
The base value is at 3600 MHz, but through the use of Turbo Boost, it can be increased to 4000 MHz during heavy tasks.
The processing speed of commands is increased thanks to Hyper-Threading technology and the presence of intelligent three-level cache memory of a large size.
To exchange information with RAM modules, the device has a special controller that supports RAM with a size of 32 GB and a clock frequency in the range of 1333-1600 MHz.
The transfer of information to other components of the system occurs with the help of a PCI-E 3.0 controller. graphics processing is carried out using the core, which is characterized by a high frequency of operation. The power consumption of the product is kept at an optimal level thanks to Enhanced SpeedStep technology.
Characteristics:
- The process technology is 22 Nm.
- Processor frequency – 3600 MHz.
- The multiplier is 36.
Intel Core i7-4770S
The Intel Core i7-4770S processor will please its owners with four cores with support for eight threads, a frequency interval of 3.4 GHz, and 8 MB of cache.
The new model belongs to the fourth generation of Intel processors and is based on the Haswell architecture. One of the improvements that the manufacturer introduced to this model was the Quick Sync core built into the graphics department.
Due to its optimization, the developers have achieved an increase in the energy efficiency of the system as a whole. Now the economical core in the new architecture is able to work with SVC at the hardware level and encode video in MPEG2 format.
When Intel Turbo Boost Technology is enabled, the frequency becomes higher and reaches 3.9 GHz, while the core voltage rises to 1.13 V.
The model has 64 GB of L1 cache per core, 32 GB of which is for data caching and the same amount for instructions.
A dual-channel memory controller can support both DDR3 and DDR3-1600 memory, despite the fact that the manufacturer indicated support for DDR-1600 memory as the maximum size in the documents.
Characteristics:
- Frequency – 3.5 Hz.
- The size of the cache memory is 256 MB.
- The number of cores is 4.
2 best intel core I7 lga 1151 cpu for gaming
Socket 1151 is used for Intel processors of the sixth, seventh and subsequent generations, up to the last ninth.
Intel Core i7-7700
The Intel Core i7-7700 is suitable for high-performance PC applications. Thanks to the support of the built-in Hyper-Threading system, four cores are able to process eight streams of information simultaneously, thereby increasing the speed when performing multiple tasks at once.
The vPro system makes the model compatible with corporate computers and protects the product from viruses and other external threats, helping to keep sensitive information private and simplify remote control.
The graphics core of the model is able to support new games and applications for three-dimensional modeling. It is capable of playing high-definition video and broadcasting images on three displays.
The processor can be installed in powerful PCs with DDR4 RAM, dual graphics card arrays, and high-speed drives, including Intel Optane.
Characteristics:
- Heat dissipation – 65 W.
- Cache memory – 8 MB.
- Socket- 1151.
Intel Core i7-6700
The processor brand Intel Core i7-6700 has a high frequency and an unlocked multiplier. And its platform belongs to highly specialized, not mass solutions.
The high performance of the model was achieved due to the latest SkyLake architecture, four physical cores, and eight Hyper-Threading threads.
The clock speed of the device is 3.4 GHz, but most of the time it operates at a Turbo Boost frequency of 3.7 GHz, and when loaded on a single core, it can accelerate to 4 GHz .
Manual overclocking is not provided here, but with such a high auto overclocking, it is not needed.
In addition, the model is equipped with a system bus and an integrated PCI-E 3.0 controller. the use of these elements allows you to speed up the exchange of data between the processor and computer elements. Model performance is optimized using Enhanced SpeedStep technology.
Characteristics:
- The process technology is 14 Nm.
- The multiplier is 34.
- The amount of memory is 64 GB.
Conclusion
We have presented the I7 Processor Is Best For Gaming. Among them, you can easily choose the option that will suit your needs and financial capabilities, since all the presented chips are the best solutions for their price.
