CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8086K vs Core i7-875K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8086K is a special edition enthusiast desktop processor released to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the original Intel 8086 microprocessor. Based on the 8th Gen Coffee Lake architecture, it features six cores and twelve threads, similar to the i7-8700K, but binned for higher clock speeds. It was notably the first mainstream CPU to boast a 5.0 GHz turbo boost frequency out of the box, a significant milestone in Intel's clock speed progression. Operating at a base clock of 4.0 GHz, it delivers blistering single-threaded performance, making it exceptional for high-refresh-rate gaming. The 95-watt TDP and unlocked multiplier cater directly to hardcore enthusiasts and overclockers. Packaged in a distinctive collector's box, the i7-8086K is more than just a CPU; it is a celebration of Intel's legacy. Beneath the commemorative branding lies a ferociously fast processor that pushed the 14nm process to its limits to achieve the historic 5 GHz barrier.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles any productivity task with ease.
Identical to i7-870 at stock, highly responsive when OC'd.
Gaming
Elite single-core performance translates to massive frame rates in CPU-bound games.
Handles old games well but bottlenecks modern titles.
Virtualization
Good for VMs, though 6 cores is slightly limiting for heavy servers.
Good for legacy VMs.
Efficiency
Requires significant power to maintain 5.0 GHz.
95W TDP, but power draw increases heavily when overclocked.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- High clocks help CPU inference
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for modern inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Elite single-core speed
- Perfect for high-refresh-rate monitors
- Won't bottleneck any GPU
- PCIe 2.0 only
- No AVX support
- Requires discrete GPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- First 5.0 GHz stock CPU
- High-quality silicon binning
- Unlocked multiplier
- Collector's item packaging
Cons
- Expensive due to collector status
- Runs hot at 5.0 GHz
- Only 6 cores vs newer 8+ core CPUs
- No PCIe 4.0
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier
- 8MB L3 cache
- High turbo clock
- Historical significance
Cons
- Obsolete platform
- No integrated graphics
- No stock cooler
- DDR3 only
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-8086K
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1900XRival
HEDT
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8600KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800XRival
Desktop Enthusiast
Successor with 8 cores and 5.0 GHz.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAlt
Better efficiency and modern platform.
Similar performance, slightly newer.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3DAlt
Vastly superior gaming performance.
Core i7-875K
- AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black EditionRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Intel Core i7-870Rival
Desktop High-End
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-750Rival
Desktop Mainstream
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-920Rival
Desktop High-End
- AMD Phenom II X6 1090TRival
Desktop Enthusiast
The true successor, massively better OC potential.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Phenom II X4 965 BEAlt
AMD's unlocked alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A historic processor that hit 5.0 GHz out of the box. It's a fantastic collector's item and an exceptional gaming CPU.
Best for: Collectors or enthusiasts upgrading an LGA 1151 system for max gaming FPS.
Read the full reviewA groundbreaking CPU that brought unlocked multipliers to the mainstream, making overclocking accessible. Still obsolete but legendary.
Best for: Legacy LGA 1156 overclocking project.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8086K or Core i7-875K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8086K comes out ahead with a score of 9.2/10. 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 i7-8086K or Core i7-875K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8086K leads with a gaming performance score of 94/100 among Intel Core i7-8086K and Core i7-875K.
Do Intel Core i7-8086K and Core i7-875K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8086K: Intel Socket 1151, Core i7-875K: Intel Socket 1156), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-8086K has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-8086K (6 cores), Core i7-875K (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8086K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8086K (16,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.