Top 15 best Intel Core i7 processors: ranking 2021-2022 and what kind of performance processor to choose for gaming

When buying a processor it is worth asking yourself a lot of questions: what device it will be embedded in, what motherboard should "cooperate", how important is the cache size and the ability to overclock in the boost.

In 2021-2022, the leadership among microprocessor companies still belongs to Intel.

This article compiles the best Core i7 generation chips that have earned good user ratings and perform well.

Top 15 best Intel Core i7 processors 2021-2022 ranking

Place	Name	Price
Top 3 best Intel Core i7 processors by price/quality for 2021-2022
1	Intel Core i7-10700F	Check price
2	Intel Core i7-8700	Find out the price
3	Intel Core i7-9700F	Find out the price
Top 3 best Intel Core i7 processors for socket 1200
1	Intel Core i7-10700KF	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i7-10700K	Find out the price
3	Intel Core i7-10700	Find out the price
Top 3 best Intel Core i7 processors for 1151 socket
1	Intel Core i7-7700K	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i7-7700	Find out the price
3	Intel Core i7-6700	Find out the price
Top 2 best Intel Core i7 processors for 1151v2 socket
1	Intel Core i7-9700K	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i7-8700K	Check price
Top 2 best Intel Core i7 processors for 1155 socket
1	Intel Core i7-3770	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i7 Sandy Bridge	Find out the price
Top 2 best Intel Core i7 processors for 1150 socket
1	Intel Core i7-4790	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i7 Haswell	Find out the price

How to choose an Intel Core i7 processor?

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

• nuclear numbers - The number of cores and threads, which largely determine power and performance;
• core microarchitecture;
• process technology. - preferable are 7 nm and 14 nm;
• clock frequency - the higher the operating frequency, the faster the processor is;
• cache capacity;
• overclocking capability (Turbo-boost mode and frequency in this mode).

Secondary, but not less important parameters are the presence of an integrated video core and its own cooling system.

Top 3 best Intel Core i7 processors by price/quality for 2021-2022

Intel Core i7-10700F

Eight-core processor with 16 threads and 14 nm process has performance and power sufficient for stable and fast operation of home computer systems.

It is based on Comet Lake microarchitecture cores.

Unfortunately for gamers, the multiplier is blocked, but in booster mode the processor is able to overclock up to 4800 MHz.

The optimized processor process allows for minimal heat dissipation and power consumption..

Intel Turbo Boost technology gets the chip to deliver fast performance as well as solid core functionality. It increases frequency smoothly and evenly as needed.

Processor is designed for modern systems with LGA1200 socket.

Technical specifications:

• socket: LGA1200;
• microarchitecture: Comet Lake-S;
• core numbers: 8/16;
• process technology: 14 nm;
• clock speed: 2900 MHz.

Intel Core i7-8700

Crystal with 6 cores and 12 threads with advanced 14++ process technology is connected to the device through the socket LGA1151 v2.

Each Coffe Lake-S core runs at 3,200 MHz, and the chip excels at multithreading.

Turbo Boost speeds up to a maximum of 4600 MHz, allowing you to use the processor with ease.

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

The crystal supports dual channel DDR4 memory with a maximum capacity of up to 128GB and features a 12 megabyte L3 cache.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1151 v2;
• microarchitecture: Coffee Lake-S;
• kernel ratings: 6/12;
• process technology: 14 nm;
• clock speed: 3200 MHz.

Intel Core i7-9700F.

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

Users note heating during high activity mode not more than 60 degrees..

In "Turbo" mode, the performance of all cores does not fall below 4.4 GHz. Boost is equipped with 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 great for home use, as well as for computing tasks and gaming.

Level 3 cache holds 12 megabytes of data. It also supports dual channel DDR4 memory.

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1151 v2;
• microarchitecture: Coffee Lake-S;
• cores: 8/8;
• process technology: 14 nm;
• clock speed: 3000 MHz.

Top 3 best Intel Core i7 processors for socket 1200

Intel Core i7-10700KF.

Eight-core processor with consistently high performance due to 3800 MHz clock speed with overclocking potential up to 5100 MHz in boost.

The model is suitable for embedding in home and office systems, for sophisticated computing, gaming computers and editing devices.

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

Therefore, it reaches 125W 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 of money on the CPU.

Technical specifications:

• socket: LGA1200;
• microarchitecture: Comet Lake-S;
• Core numbers: 8/16;
• process technology: 14nm;
• clock speed: 3800 MHz.

Intel Core i7-10700K.

A gaming chip with excellent frequency ratings, overclocking potential, and consistently high performance.

The chip uses 14nm process technology, eight cores on Comet Lake microarchitecture and UHD 630 video core with 1200 MHz.

The processor is very advantageous in terms of performance and resource.

It can work right out of the box, without requiring additional settings and upgrades.

However, it is desirable to get a more powerful cooling system, otherwise experiments with overclocking to the maximum 5100 MHz from the working 3800 MHz will end in failure.

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

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1200;
• microarchitecture: Comet Lake-S;
• kernel ratings: 8/16;
• process technology: 14nm;
• clock speed: 3800 MHz.

Intel Core i7-10700.

An 8-core processor, ready to install and run right out of the box if you choose BOX package.

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

Clock speed is 2900 MHz. This is enough for work and office tasks, with more complex computational tasks and games the processor may not cope. In the booster the chip is overclocked up to 4800 MHz, but the multiplier is blocked for overclocking.

The processor supports DDR4 memory up to 2933 MHz and up to 128 gigabytes. With low heat dissipation and optimal power consumption, the crystal shows good power, performance and good potential for overclocking.

Technical specifications:

• socket: LGA1200;
• microarchitecture: Comet Lake-S;
• kernel ratings: 8/16;
• process technology: 14 nm;
• clock speed: 2900 MHz.

Top 3 best Intel Core i7 processors for socket 1151

Intel Core i7-7700K.

Great gaming processor with 4 cores on Kaby Lake microarchitecture and 8 threads created with the latest technology and demonstrates a great clock speed of 4200 MHz with the potential to overclock up to 4500 MHz.

It has an unlocked multiplier, 14nm processor and a quality graphics core, making it one of the best CPUs for gamer computer systems.

No extra tweaks to the chip are required: just choose a good motherboard and have a powerful cooling system because no cooler is included with the chipset..

Correct installation and assembly will ensure good performance and stable power of the whole system.

Technical Specifications:

• socket: LGA1151;
• microarchitecture: Kaby Lake-S;
• cores: 4/8;
• process: 14 nm;
• clock speed: 4200 MHz.

Intel Core i7-7700

A relatively inexpensive quad-core processor based on the 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 chip features Hyper Threading for multithreading and stable performance even during high activity and multi-tasking.

The clock speed is 3600 MHz, and the chip is boosted up to 4200 MHz.

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

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1151;
• microarchitecture: Kaby Lake-S;
• cores: 4/8;
• process technology: 14 nm;
• clock speed: 3600 MHz.

Intel Core i7-6700

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

The crystal is known for a good operating frequency of 3400 MHz, unlocked multiplier and the ability to overclock up to 4000 MHz with a smooth start under load on a single core.

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

The chip has a system bus and PCI-E 3.0 controller, which speeds up data exchange between the chip and the rest of the system.

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

Technical characteristics:

• socket: LGA1151;
• microarchitecture: Skylake (2015);
• nuclear performance: 4/8;
• process technology: 14 nm;
• clock speed: 3400 MHz.

Top 2 best Intel Core i7 processors for socket 1151v2

Intel Core i7-9700K.

Crystal with 8 cores on Coffe Lake microarchitecture and 8 threads runs on 14nmprocessor..

It has a good clock speed of 3600 MHz and a maximum of 4900 MHz in Turbo Boost mode. The uniqueness of the processor is the presence of 8 threads and the absence of hypertrading, which is atypical for this line.

The price of the processor with excellent integrated graphics, good overclocking potential and 12 MB cache is quite pleasant..

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

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

Technical specifications:

• socket: LGA1151 v2;
• microarchitecture: Coffee Lake-S;
• core numbers: 8/8;
• process technology: 14nm;
• clock speed: 3600 MHz.

Intel Core i7-8700K

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

Each of the six cores operates with two computing threads at 3700 MHz. In Intel Turbo Boost mode, the chip quickly, but with a smooth start, overclocks to 4700 MHz.

Third-order cache capacity of 12 megabytes. This is enough to quickly access the data you need.

The chip is equipped with an integrated memory controller, which conditions the work of DDR4-2666 MHz modules in dual-channel mode.

The manufacturer has supplemented an already good crystal with a high-quality graphic core UHD 630, 1200 MHz..

Thanks to the support of Intel vPro processor can be used in office systems and computers for remote control.

Technical specifications:

• socket: LGA1151 v2;
• microarchitecture: Coffee Lake-S;
• core numbers: 6/12;
• process technology: 14nm;
• clock speed: 3700 MHz.

Top 2 best Intel Core i7 processors for socket 1155

Intel Core i7-3770

Quite productive and easy to use processor that is well suited for For home computers, designed to perform everyday tasks.

At the heart of the crystal - 4 cores on the microarchitecture Ivy Bridge and 22nm process, which in 2021-2022 can already be called obsolete.

The chip runs at 3400 MHz and is capable of handling up to 8 data streams.

At the same time in the turbo-boost the processor is overclocked to 3900 MHz. The chip also has a built-in dual-channel memory controller that supports DDR3 memory up to 32 megabytes.

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

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1155;
• microarchitecture: Ivy Bridge (2012);
• cores: 4/8;
• process technology: 22 nm;
• clock speed: 3400 MHz.

Intel Core i7 Sandy Bridge

Quad-core processor based on the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture - stable in performance, High-performance chip for light-load, multitasking home and office computers.

It runs at 2800-3500MHz.

The processor doesn't heat up, has moderate heat dissipation and energy efficiency, and is considered one of the most reliable in the Intel Core i7 line.

It's productive, starts up smoothly and overclocks quickly, has solder instead of thermoplastic, and doesn't heat up even under heavy load.

The uniqueness of the crystal is the automatic frequency reduction at idle, which makes power consumption even more economical. You can use it to run not the most demanding multimedia applications and graphic editors.

Specifications:

• Socket: LGA1155;
• Microarchitecture: Sandy Bridge (2011);
• nuclear indicators: 4;
• process technology: 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 computing threads.

Clock frequency is sufficient for both simple everyday tasks, and for light games and multimedia work - 3600 MHz. In turbo-boost, the crystal can overclock up to 4000 MHz.

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

It incorporates Hyper Threading technology for increased data processing speed, as well as an intelligent three-level cache system with a Level 3 cache of 8 megabytes.

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

Specifications:

• socket: LGA1150;
• microarchitecture: Haswell (2013);
• cores: 4/8;
• process technology: 22nm;
• clock speed: 3600 MHz.

Intel Core i7 Haswell.

A performance processor based on 4 cores with the Haswell microarchitecture and the ability to 8 processing threads..

The operating frequency of the crystal is 3,600 MHz, and in "Turbo" mode it can overclock up to 4,000 MHz.

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

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

The chip design features an intelligent three-level memory system with a split L2 cache and an L3 capacity of 8 megabytes. In operation the processor maintains a comfortable temperature mode and energy efficiency.

Technical characteristics:

• socket: LGA1150;
• microarchitecture: Haswell (2013);
• core performance: 4/8;
• process technology: 22nm;
• clock speed: 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 power of the computer system.

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

Customer Reviews

Helpful video

The video gives you an overview of the best processors: