CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8670T vs Intel Core i7-8700
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8670T is a low-power desktop processor engineered for small form factor PCs, AIO systems, and space-constrained environments where thermal dissipation is limited. Belonging to the 8th Gen Coffee Lake family, it distinguishes itself with a 35-watt thermal design power, significantly lower than standard desktop chips. Despite its power-saving orientation, it boasts six cores and twelve threads, delivering robust multitasking capabilities. The processor operates at a base frequency of 2.3 GHz and can boost up to 3.7 GHz, ensuring responsive performance for both everyday computing and demanding applications. Integrated UHD Graphics 630 allow it to handle basic display tasks without a discrete GPU, making it ideal for compact office machines. This low-TDP approach allows system builders to create quieter, cooler, and more energy-efficient desktops without heavily sacrificing the core count and multi-threaded performance necessary for modern productivity workloads and moderate content creation. Its ability to fit into Mini-ITX cases with minimal cooling requirements makes it a favorite for HTPC builders and corporate environments prioritizing energy savings.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks and multitasking effortlessly due to 6 cores.
12 threads crush office workloads and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Good for gaming when paired with a discrete GPU, though clock speeds limit high-refresh play.
Capable of handling modern GPUs without significant bottlenecking.
Virtualization
Good for light VMs in a compact form factor.
Excellent for home labs and running multiple VMs.
Efficiency
Exceptional efficiency, runs very cool and quiet.
Highly efficient 65W design for the performance offered.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI accelerators
- Relies on CPU cores
- No AI hardware
- Good CPU inference due to 12 threads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Needs a discrete GPU for serious gaming
- Lower base clock may bottleneck fast GPUs
- Great for SFF gaming builds
- 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
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- Six cores for multitasking
- Quiet operation capability
- Good integrated graphics for media
Cons
- Lower clock speeds
- Locked multiplier
- Harder to find on the used market
- Not ideal for heavy workloads
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
Intel Core i7-8670T
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9400TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Newer, faster, and more efficient.
- Intel Core i5-10400TAlt
Cheaper 10th gen alternative with similar performance.
- Intel Core i7-9700TAlt
Successor with slightly better clocks.
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GAlt
Better integrated graphics and multi-threading.
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
An excellent choice for compact builds, offering six cores within a strict 35W TDP for silent operation and solid productivity performance.
Best for: Building a near-silent Mini-ITX PC for the living room or office.
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, Intel Core i7-8670T 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, Intel Core i7-8670T or Intel Core i7-8700?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700 leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Intel Core i7-8670T and Intel Core i7-8700.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-8670T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-8670T (35 W), Intel Core i7-8700 (65 W).
Do Intel Core i7-8670T and Intel Core i7-8700 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 i7-8700 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8670T (12,500), Intel Core i7-8700 (15,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.