CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-10600K vs Intel Core i7-8700K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-10600K is a 10th generation desktop processor built on the Comet Lake architecture. Released in April 2020, it marked a return to hyper-threading for Intel's i5 lineup, offering 6 cores and 12 threads. Manufactured using Intel's refined 14nm process, it features a base clock of 4.1 GHz and a maximum turbo boost of 4.8 GHz. This unlocked processor is designed for enthusiasts and gamers, supporting manual overclocking to extract additional performance. It utilizes the LGA 1200 socket and features 12 MB of Smart Cache. With a 125W TDP, it demands a robust cooling solution. The inclusion of Intel UHD Graphics 630 provides basic display capabilities, though discrete GPUs are recommended for serious gaming. It supports dual-channel DDR4 memory at 2666 MT/s and features 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes, making it a solid mid-range option for its time.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
12 threads handle moderate workloads well, but slower than modern 8-core chips.
12 threads and high clocks make quick work of compiling and rendering.
Gaming
Still holds up well for 1080p gaming, though newer CPUs pull ahead in CPU-bound titles.
Still handles modern GPUs and high-refresh-rate gaming with ease.
Virtualization
Adequate for basic VMs, but limited by 6 cores.
Great for home labs and virtualization.
Efficiency
14nm process is power-hungry under load compared to current architectures.
Consumes more power than newer generations when overclocked.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware.
- Capable of basic CPU-based inference.
- No AI hardware
- Strong CPU inference due to high clocks
Content Creation
Gaming
- High clock speeds ensure smooth frame rates in most titles.
- Struggles slightly in heavily multi-threaded modern games.
- Lacks PCIe 4.0, potentially bottlenecking latest Gen4 SSDs/GPUs marginally.
- Won't bottleneck RTX 3080/4080 class GPUs
- Excellent for 144Hz+ gaming
- Overclocking increases frame rates further
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance for used buyers
- Unlocked for overclocking
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- Includes integrated graphics
- Strong single-core performance
Cons
- High power consumption under load
- 14nm process runs hot
- No PCIe 4.0 support
- Stock cooler not included
Pros
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Excellent single-core performance
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Great for high-refresh gaming
Cons
- Runs hot under load
- Requires delidding for extreme OC
- Older 14nm process
- No PCIe 4.0
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-10600K
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9600KRival
Previous Gen Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600XRival
Budget Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Better performance and PCIe 4.0 support.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Better IPC and DDR5 support.
Slightly better IPC, same socket.
Compare head-to-headCheaper if not overclocking.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-8700K
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700XRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- RivalCompare head-to-head
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8600KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600XRival
Desktop Enthusiast
Successor with higher clocks and soldered IHS.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Modern alternative with equal performance and lower price.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAlt
Better efficiency and newer platform.
Similar architecture, higher clocks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DAlt
Vastly superior gaming performance.
Our Verdict on Each
A highly capable 6-core processor that brought hyper-threading back to the i5 lineup, offering excellent value for gamers, though it runs warm.
Best for: Budget upgrade for existing LGA 1200 systems.
Read the full reviewAn iconic processor that brought 6 cores to the mainstream, offering incredible overclocking headroom and gaming performance that holds up today.
Best for: Legacy system upgrade for high-refresh gaming without spending on a new platform.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-10600K or Intel Core i7-8700K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8700K comes out ahead with a score of 9.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-10600K or Intel Core i7-8700K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700K leads with a gaming performance score of 92/100 among Intel Core i5-10600K and Intel Core i7-8700K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-8700K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-10600K (125 W), Intel Core i7-8700K (95 W).
Do Intel Core i5-10600K and Intel Core i7-8700K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-10600K: LGA 1200, Intel Core i7-8700K: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8700K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-10600K (14,500), Intel Core i7-8700K (16,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.