CPU Comparison
Core i7-7700 vs Intel Core i7-8700
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7700 is a mainstream desktop processor launched in early 2017 as part of the Kaby Lake lineup. Designed for the LGA 1151 socket, this 14nm quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 8 threads simultaneously. Operating at a base frequency of 3.6 GHz and boosting up to 4.2 GHz, it delivered excellent single-threaded performance for its time, making it a popular choice for gamers and general consumers. With a 65W TDP, it is highly power-efficient and easy to cool, often running adequately on the stock cooler. The processor includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR4-2400 memory. It also features Intel HD Graphics 630, providing competent display outputs and hardware video decoding for systems without a dedicated GPU. While it has been superseded by modern architectures, the i7-7700 remains a capable chip for budget builds and legacy system upgrades.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
12 threads crush office workloads and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Capable of handling modern GPUs without significant bottlenecking.
Virtualization
Excellent for home labs and running multiple VMs.
Efficiency
Highly efficient 65W design for the performance offered.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- No AI hardware
- Good CPU inference due to 12 threads
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- 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
- Low 65W TDP
- Good single-core performance
- Includes integrated graphics
- Wide compatibility with LGA 1151 motherboards
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Limited multi-threaded performance by modern standards
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
Core i7-7700
- AMD Ryzen 5 1500XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7600KRival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6700Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Intel Core i7-7700KAlt
Unlocked for overclocking and higher base clocks.
More budget-friendly 4-core option.
Compare head-to-headNext-gen upgrade with 6 cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Much newer architecture with better IPC.
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 solid quad-core processor from 2017 that still handles everyday tasks and older games well, though it struggles with modern multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1151 system on a tight budget
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, Core i7-7700 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, Core i7-7700 or Intel Core i7-8700?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700 leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Core i7-7700 and Intel Core i7-8700.
Do Core i7-7700 and Intel Core i7-8700 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-7700: LGA 1151, Intel Core i7-8700: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-8700 has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-7700 (4 cores), Intel Core i7-8700 (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8700 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-7700 (0), Intel Core i7-8700 (15,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.