CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8650K vs Intel Core i7-8700K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-8650K is an unlocked 6-core, 6-thread desktop processor from the Coffee Lake family, offering 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 and high clocks make quick work of compiling and rendering.
Gaming
Still performs well in gaming when paired with mid-range GPUs.
Still handles modern GPUs and high-refresh-rate gaming with ease.
Virtualization
Not ideal due to 6 thread limit.
Great for home labs and virtualization.
Efficiency
Can draw significant power when overclocked.
Consumes more power than newer generations when overclocked.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- No AI hardware
- Strong CPU inference due to high clocks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Excellent single-core speed
- Often hits 5GHz with proper cooling
- Bottlenecked by 6 threads in new games
- 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
- 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
- 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 i5-8650K
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600XRival
Enthusiast Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8600KRival
Enthusiast Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Enthusiast Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700Rival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700Rival
Enthusiast Desktop
Successor with better security mitigations.
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 i7-8700K
- 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 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 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 i5-8650K 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 i5-8650K or Intel Core i7-8700K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700K leads with a gaming performance score of 92/100 among Intel Core i5-8650K and Intel Core i7-8700K.
Do Intel Core i5-8650K and Intel Core i7-8700K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-8650K: LGA 1151, 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 i7-8700K (16,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.