Intel Core i7-9700F Processor vs Crucial 16GB Kit (2x8GB) DDR4 2666 MT/s CL19 Desktop Memory
These are not alternatives: the i7-9700F is a CPU and the Crucial kit is RAM. Buy the i7-9700F if you are building or upgrading an LGA1151 board and need 8 cores. Buy the Crucial 16GB kit if you need more memory for a DDR4 system. No prices were given for either product, so compare current store prices on this page before you buy.
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Intel Core i7-9700F Processor
4.9Choose the Core i7-9700F if you have a 300-series LGA1151 motherboard and want 8 cores at 65W without integrated graphics.
Pros
- 8 cores for multitasking and content work
- 65W TDP keeps cooling and power needs modest
- 12 MB cache helps with larger workloads
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 64 ratings
Cons
- No integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required
- Locked multiplier, so no easy overclocking
- Only works on LGA1151 300-series boards
- Older platform with no upgrade path
What separates them
| Intel Core i7-9700F Processor | Crucial 16GB Kit (2x8GB) DDR4 2666 MT/s CL19 Desktop Memory | |
|---|---|---|
| Component type | Desktop CPU | Desktop memory kit |
| Cores | 8 cores, 8 threads | Not applicable |
| Capacity | Not applicable | 16 GB (2x8GB) |
| Speed | 3 GHz base clock | 2666 MT/s, CL19 |
| Cache | 12 MB | None |
| Power draw | 65W TDP | Runs at standard DDR4 voltage |
| Platform | Socket LGA1151, 300-series boards | Any DDR4 desktop board with free DIMM slots |
| Graphics | No integrated graphics; needs a discrete GPU | Not applicable |
Price history
- Intel Core i7-9700F Processor: lowest $104.39 on Nov 2 at Newegg.com.
- Crucial 16GB Kit (2x8GB) DDR4 2666 MT/s CL19 Desktop Memory: lowest $1,173.96 on Nov 2.
Prices at every store
Intel Core i7-9700F Processor
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- Newegg.comCheck price at Newegg.com
- neweggbusiness.comCheck price at neweggbusiness.com
Crucial 16GB Kit (2x8GB) DDR4 2666 MT/s CL19 Desktop Memory
- SHI InternationalCheck price at SHI International
Specs compared
| Spec | Intel Core i7-9700F Processor | Crucial 16GB Kit (2x8GB) DDR4 2666 MT/s CL19 Desktop Memory |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Type | Socket LGA1151 | — |
| Number Of Cores | 8-core | — |
| Clock Speed | 3 GHz | — |
| Cache Memory | 12 MB cache memory | — |
| TDP | 65 watts | — |
| Release Date | April 2019 | — |
| Type | — | DDR4 |
| Signal Processing | — | Unbuffered |
| Number Of Sticks | — | Two |
| Capacity | — | 16 GB |
| Speed | — |
Questions and answers
- Can I use both together?
- Yes. The i7-9700F runs on LGA1151 boards that take DDR4, so the Crucial kit is a valid memory match. You still need a discrete graphics card because the CPU has no integrated graphics.
- Which is better for gaming?
- The i7-9700F matters more for frame rates, since it is the CPU. The 16GB kit helps once games exceed 8GB of memory use, which many current titles do.
- Do I need a new motherboard for the i7-9700F?
- Only if your board is not LGA1151 with a 300-series chipset. Check the board's CPU support list before buying, since older 100 and 200-series boards do not support it.
- Is the Crucial kit worth it over 3200 MT/s memory?
- At 2666 MT/s with CL19 it is a basic kit. If your board supports 3200 MT/s, faster memory usually costs little more and gives better performance.
- Which lasts longer?
- Both are durable. Memory rarely fails and carries long warranties, while the CPU is the part more likely to be replaced first as platforms age.