CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8670 vs Intel Core i7-8700K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8670 is a mainstream desktop processor designed to deliver balanced performance for both gaming and productivity. As part of the 8th Gen Coffee Lake family, it features six cores and twelve threads, a significant upgrade over the previous generation's quad-core i7 designs. Operating at a base frequency of 3.1 GHz and boosting up to 4.4 GHz, it offers snappy single-threaded performance and solid multi-threaded capabilities. With a standard 65-watt TDP, it strikes an excellent balance between power consumption and heat generation, making it compatible with a wide range of affordable coolers. The inclusion of Intel UHD Graphics 630 allows for basic display functionality without a discrete GPU, though serious gamers and creators will want to pair it with a dedicated graphics card. This processor is tailored for users who demand reliable hexa-core performance for everyday tasks, moderate content creation, and a smooth 60 FPS gaming experience without paying a premium for the highest clock speeds.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
12 threads make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
12 threads and high clocks make quick work of compiling and rendering.
Gaming
Handles modern games easily when paired with a mid-to-high-end GPU.
Still handles modern GPUs and high-refresh-rate gaming with ease.
Virtualization
Capable of running multiple VMs smoothly.
Great for home labs and virtualization.
Efficiency
Good efficiency within the 65W envelope.
Consumes more power than newer generations when overclocked.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Standard CPU inference
- No AI hardware
- Strong CPU inference due to high clocks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Won't bottleneck RTX 3060 or RX 6600 class GPUs
- High turbo boost ensures smooth frame times
- Great for 60Hz and 144Hz gaming
- 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
- Excellent price-to-performance
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Easy to cool (65W)
- Good turbo boost speeds
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Limited upgrade path on LGA 1151
- Marginal improvement over i7-8700
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 i7-8670
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8600Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Much faster single-core and newer platform.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Better performance and modern features.
Cheaper 10th gen alternative with similar performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More cores and better efficiency.
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 well-balanced 65W hexa-core CPU that offers excellent value for 1080p gaming and everyday productivity without the premium of K-series chips.
Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system for 1080p gaming.
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 i7-8670 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 i7-8670 or Intel Core i7-8700K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700K leads with a gaming performance score of 92/100 among Intel Core i7-8670 and Intel Core i7-8700K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-8670 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-8670 (65 W), Intel Core i7-8700K (95 W).
Do Intel Core i7-8670 and Intel Core i7-8700K use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket 1151 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8700K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8670 (14,000), Intel Core i7-8700K (16,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.