Question 8700 (non K) vs 9700k

[Deltaeagle]

I just bought 8700, I thought i can use it with stock fan, but turned out I can't because insufficient cooling of stock fan. I selected 8700 because i thought i dont have to spend for cooler. Since i have to buy cooler for it, i started to think if i should get i7 9700k. I wondering if average air cooler can keep 9700k (stock) at stable temps while gaming and do you think price diffrence is worth the performance difference? For 1080p 144hz gaming.

 

[cherry blossoms]

IF you have a big case that supports it, the Noctua NH-D15 or Cryorig h5 ultimate should support that CPU well if you want to run on air.
If not, there are many AIO coolers as well.
Your needs kind of depend on worst case ambient temps and case size for what you can fit in the system. Better to have more airflow than you need than marginal cooling. This helps with less than ideal moments, like if you have dust accumulation reducing effeciency.