CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8600K vs Intel Core i7-8700
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-8600K is an unlocked 6-core, 6-thread desktop processor from the Coffee Lake family, featuring high clock speeds and solid single-core performance for mainstream gamers.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Lacks threads for heavy productivity.
12 threads crush office workloads and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Still performs well in gaming when paired with mid-range GPUs.
Capable of handling modern GPUs without significant bottlenecking.
Virtualization
Not ideal due to 6 thread limit.
Excellent for home labs and running multiple VMs.
Efficiency
Can draw significant power when overclocked.
Highly efficient 65W design for the performance offered.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- No AI hardware
- Good CPU inference due to 12 threads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Excellent single-core speed
- Often hits 5GHz with proper cooling
- Bottlenecked by 6 threads in new games
- Handles RTX 3070/3080 class GPUs well
- High turbo boost ensures high frame rates
- Great for 144Hz gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Soldered IHS for great thermals
- High single-core speed
- Includes integrated graphics
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading
- 95W TDP requires good cooling
- End-of-life platform
- Struggles in modern multi-threaded games
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- 4.6 GHz turbo boost
- Easy to cool
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
- Platform is dead (LGA 1151)
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-8600K
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Rival
Enthusiast Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7600KRival
Enthusiast Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Enthusiast Desktop
- Intel Core i7-7700KRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Rival
Enthusiast Desktop
Successor with slightly higher clocks and better security.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Modern budget king with much better performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAlt
Massive single-core and multi-core upgrade.
Cheaper locked variant if you don't overclock.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-8700
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8600KRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAlt
Faster single-core, newer platform.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Modern alternative with better IPC.
Cheaper, similar performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More cores, better efficiency.
Our Verdict on Each
A legendary overclocker in its era, though its 6-thread limitation shows its age in modern multi-threaded workloads and newer game engines.
Best for: Upgrading an existing Z370/Z390 system
Read the full reviewOne of the best value desktop processors of its generation, offering 95% of the i7-8700K's performance at a lower price and power draw.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1151 system for high-refresh gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-8600K or Intel Core i7-8700?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8700 comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. 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 i5-8600K or Intel Core i7-8700?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700 leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Intel Core i5-8600K and Intel Core i7-8700.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-8700 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-8600K (95 W), Intel Core i7-8700 (65 W).
Do Intel Core i5-8600K and Intel Core i7-8700 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-8600K: LGA 1151, Intel Core i7-8700: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8700 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8700 (15,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.