CPU Comparison

Core i7-7700K vs Intel Core i7-8700K

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7700K is a high-performance desktop processor launched in January 2017, representing the flagship of the Kaby Lake mainstream lineup. Built on the 14nm+ process, this quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, delivering 8 concurrent threads. It operates at an aggressive base clock of 4.2 GHz and boosts up to 4.5 GHz out of the box, providing exceptional single-threaded performance. The K suffix denotes an unlocked multiplier, making it a favorite among enthusiasts for overclocking, often pushing beyond 5.0 GHz with adequate cooling. With a 91W TDP, it demands robust cooling, especially since it uses thermal paste instead of solder between the die and IHS, a point of criticism among the community. It features 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR4-2400 memory. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 630 offers basic display capabilities, though its primary market is gamers relying on discrete GPUs. The i7-7700K marked the pinnacle of Intel's quad-core dominance before market pressures forced a core count increase.