CPU Comparison

Core i7-7800X vs Intel Core i7-8700K

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7800X is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor launched in June 2017 as part of the Skylake-X family. Designed for the LGA 2066 socket, this 14nm CPU features 6 cores and 12 threads, providing a substantial multi-threaded upgrade over mainstream quad-core parts of the era. Operating at a base clock of 3.5 GHz and boosting up to 4.0 GHz, it balances frequency with core density for workstation workloads. With a 140W TDP, it requires robust cooling and a capable motherboard. The processor features a unique cache hierarchy with 8.25MB of L3 cache and 1MB of dedicated L2 cache per core. It supports quad-channel DDR4-2400 memory, offering massive memory bandwidth, and includes 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes for extensive expansion capabilities. Lacking integrated graphics, it targets creators and enthusiasts who rely on discrete GPUs. The i7-7800X brought true HEDT features to a more accessible price point, though it faced fierce competition from AMD's Ryzen Threadripper.

Intel · X-Series 7th Gen
Core i7-7800X
6C / 12T4 GHz140 W
7.5
Full review
Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8700K
6C / 12T4.7 GHz95 W
9.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
High-End Desktop
Desktop Enthusiast
Generation
7th Gen X-Series
Core i7 (Coffee Lake)
Launched
2017
2017
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Skylake-X
Coffee Lake
Series
X-Series 7th Gen
Core i7
Family
Skylake-X
8th Generation
Predecessor
Core i7-6800K
Intel Core i7-7700K
Successor
Core i7-7820X
Intel Core i7-9700K

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
6
6
Threads
12
12
Base Clock
3.5 GHz
3.7 GHz
Boost Clock
4 GHz
4.7 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8.25 MB
12 MB
TDP
140 W
95 W
Architecture
Architecture
Skylake-X
Coffee Lake
Process Node
14nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR4
Memory Speed
2400 MT/s
2666 MT/s
Memory Channels
Quad (4)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
128 GB
128 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
LGA 2066
Intel Socket 1151
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
Gen 3
PCIe Lanes
28
16
Integrated GPU
None
Yes
Unlocked
Yes
Yes

Performance Compared

Productivity

Core i7-7800X
Intel Core i7-8700K90

12 threads and high clocks make quick work of compiling and rendering.

Gaming

Core i7-7800X
Intel Core i7-8700K92

Still handles modern GPUs and high-refresh-rate gaming with ease.

Virtualization

Core i7-7800X
Intel Core i7-8700K88

Great for home labs and virtualization.

Efficiency

Core i7-7800X
Intel Core i7-8700K70

Consumes more power than newer generations when overclocked.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Core i7-7800X

No data

Intel Core i7-8700KLimited
  • No AI hardware
  • Strong CPU inference due to high clocks

Content Creation

Core i7-7800X

No data

Intel Core i7-8700KVery Good
Premiere ProBlenderUnreal EngineOBS Studio

Gaming

Core i7-7800X

No data

Intel Core i7-8700KExcellent
  • Won't bottleneck RTX 3080/4080 class GPUs
  • Excellent for 144Hz+ gaming
  • Overclocking increases frame rates further

Industry Impact

Gaming
Low
Very High
Workstations
Moderate
High
Content Creation
Moderate
High
Virtualization
Moderate
High

Best CPU by Use Case

3D Rendering
Very Good
Good
Video Editing
Very Good
144Hz Gaming
Excellent
Overclocking
Excellent
Live Streaming
Very Good
VR Gaming
Excellent

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Targeted
Streamers
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Students

Strengths & Weaknesses

Core i7-7800X

Pros

  • Quad-channel memory support
  • 28 PCIe lanes for expansion
  • Good multi-threaded performance
  • AVX-512 support

Cons

  • High 140W TDP
  • Runs very hot under load
  • Lacks integrated graphics
  • Outdated 14nm process
Intel Core i7-8700K

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

Core i7-7800X

Intel Core i7-8700K

Our Verdict on Each

Core i7-7800XSituational

A solid entry into Intel's HEDT platform, offering good multi-threaded performance and ample expansion, though it runs hot and is outdated by modern standards.

Best for: Cheap used workstation build

Read the full review

An 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 review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Core i7-7800X 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, Core i7-7800X or Intel Core i7-8700K?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700K leads with a gaming performance score of 92/100 among Core i7-7800X and Intel Core i7-8700K.

Which uses less power?

The Intel Core i7-8700K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-7800X (140 W), Intel Core i7-8700K (95 W).

Do Core i7-7800X and Intel Core i7-8700K use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Core i7-7800X: LGA 2066, 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: Core i7-7800X (0), Intel Core i7-8700K (16,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.