Updated on January 29, 2023
Intel’s Core i7-9700K does not include hyper-threading, unlike the company’s 10th generation processors. However, if you already own it or can locate a good price on a secondhand one, this chip is still excellent for gaming. Purchasing a new i7-9700K in 2022, on the other hand, is a horrible decision. Also, if you have an Intel 10th generation CPU, check out our graphics cards section to see which GPUs work well with it.
You can still use it with practically any graphics card on the market if you already own one. Even with the RTX 2080Ti, the 9700K will not cause a CPU constraint. When comparing the RTX 2080Ti to the best gaming CPU on the market, the 10900K, you’ll lose less than five percent of performance. The best graphics card for an i7-9700K processor is the one that best suits your demands, as always,
Whatever your gaming style, we’ve got a wonderful selection of GPUs to go along with your 9700K. You’ll be able to find them down the page. The best motherboard for i7-9700K and best CPU cooler for i7-9700K should be checked out before you continue reading. We also have a detailed tutorial on the differences between i5 vs i7 CPUs for gaming, which you can find here.
1. EVGA RTX 2080 Ti Black Gaming: Best overall graphics card for Core i7-9700K
The best overall GPU for the 9700K is the RTX 2080 Ti, since the 9700K can’t cause a CPU bottleneck with any other GPU. Aside from individuals who don’t know what to do with more than $1,000, everyone else should avoid this card because of its high price and performance advantage over the RTX 2080 Super.
It’s also a bad idea to buy a card like the RTX 2080Ti months before new GPUs from Nvidia and AMD come out, as those new cards might be 30 to 60 percent more powerful. To sum up, if you want a graphics card that can handle 4K gaming, you should consider one of the models listed below.
2. EVGA RTX 2080 Super KO Gaming: Best Core i7-9700K graphics card for 4K gaming
The RTX 2080 Super is the greatest 4K graphics card for the 9700K at a price that isn’t out of the ordinary and offers roughly 90% of the gaming performance of its bigger cousin. It may not be able to maintain 60 frames per second in some games, but at least you won’t have to spend a fortune to get one.
Still, it can run most games at 60 fps and most settings at high, which isn’t terrible. Playing e-sports games at high refresh rates is not a problem with this card at all. Check out our guides for the best 1440p 240Hz and 4K 144Hz gaming displays for more information on high refresh rate gaming.
3. EVGA RTX 2070 Super Gaming: Best Core i7-9700K graphics card for 1440p gaming
4. EVGA RTX 2070 Super Gaming: Best Core i7-9700K graphics card for 1080p high refresh rate gaming
5. EVGA RTX 2080 Super KO Gaming: Best Core i7-9700K GPU for 1440p high refresh rate gaming
High-refresh rate 1440p gaming on the RTX 2080 Super is the greatest option for a completely immersive experience. Almost any game can be played at or near 100fps without reducing the details with this card. However, when it comes to first-person games and esports titles, 144Hz or greater is the ideal resolution for running them.
At high refresh rates, several games (such as RDR 2, Control) will struggle to run. However, in single-player games, 60 frames per second is more than adequate. The RTX 2080 Super is the greatest 1440p graphics card for the Core i7-9700K processor.
6. GTX 1660 Super OC: Best eSports graphics card for 9700K
If you mostly play esports and multiplayer games you don’t have to buy an expensive card for a high refresh rate experience.
Gaming at 1080p and 1440p with the GTX 1660 Super OC is the finest option for competitive titles. It can run any esports game, including Apex Legends, with frame rates in the triple digits. You’ll have to lower several parameters in order to have a stable 120 or 144 Hz at 1440p, but that’s ok with me. Playing AAA and single-player games on the GTX 1660 Super is an excellent option.
The 1660 Super is fine for playing esports games at 1440p resolution. It’s possible to enjoy some games even if you turn all of the settings up to the top. There are some who require the adjustment of various settings. However, all of them will be able to hit 120 or 144 Hz at the very least. In addition, the card can run nearly any game at 60 frames per second when the visual settings are changed. For the price, it’s a good deal.
7. XFX RX 570 RS Black: Best stop-gap GPU for 9700K
8. Zotac Gaming RTX 2070 Super Mini: Best Core i7-9700K GPU for SFF builds
The Zotac RTX 2070 Super Mini is currently the top 9700K GPU for tiny form factor gaming PCs. Compact in size. It features two fan blades. It should be able to perform at the same level as a normal RTX 2070 Super. In addition, it isn’t costing more than other RTX 2070 Super variants.
The best low-profile graphics cards guide on our site contains some fascinating picks if you’re building a HTPC or an ultra-compact SFF computer. We recommend checking up our SFF case guide before purchasing this card, as well.
Best graphics card for Core i7-9700K on the used market
You can find some good used GPUs to go with a used 9700K, even if you bought a new one. First and foremost, be prepared to witness a slew of exorbitantly priced properties. The availability of new PC components has been impacted by global conditions. This led some people to overvalue the value of their secondhand graphics cards as a result.
Even so, if you’re willing to wait, you can save money. The GTX 1080Ti is our top pick. Expect a deluge of pricey properties as you begin your search.
