CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-8700 vs Intel Core i7-8700B

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8700 is a highly regarded mainstream desktop processor that brought six-core computing to the masses. Launched as part of the 8th Gen Coffee Lake family, it features six cores and twelve threads, representing a 50% increase in core count over the previous 7th Gen quad-core i7 models. Operating at a base clock of 3.2 GHz with a max turbo of 4.6 GHz, it delivers exceptional performance for both gaming and multi-threaded productivity tasks. Its 65-watt TDP ensures it runs efficiently and coolly under typical loads. The processor includes Intel UHD Graphics 630, providing a safety net for systems without a dedicated GPU. It struck a perfect balance between price and performance, becoming the go-to recommendation for gamers and content creators who didn't need the unlocked overclocking features of the i7-8700K. Its robust multi-threading capabilities make it highly capable of handling modern workloads, including video editing and heavy multitasking.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8700
6C / 12T4.6 GHz65 W
9
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8700B
6C / 12T4.6 GHz65 W
8.8
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
Desktop
Desktop BGA
Generation
Core i7 (Coffee Lake)
Core i7 (Coffee Lake)
Launched
2017
2018
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Coffee Lake
Coffee Lake
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
8th Generation
8th Generation
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-7700
Intel Core i7-7700B
Successor
Intel Core i7-9700
Intel Core i7-10700B

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
6
6
Threads
12
12
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
3.2 GHz
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz
4.6 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
12 MB
12 MB
TDP
65 W
65 W
Architecture
Architecture
Coffee Lake
Coffee Lake
Process Node
14nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR4
Memory Speed
2666 MT/s
2666 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
128 GB
128 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 1151
Intel BGA 1440
PCIe Version
Gen 3
Gen 3
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-870090

12 threads crush office workloads and compiling tasks.

Intel Core i7-8700B90

Handles compiling, rendering, and multitasking effortlessly.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8700Best88

Capable of handling modern GPUs without significant bottlenecking.

Intel Core i7-8700B70

Good for gaming if paired with an eGPU or external monitor.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-8700Best88

Excellent for home labs and running multiple VMs.

Intel Core i7-8700B85

Great for running VMs in a compact server footprint.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-870088

Highly efficient 65W design for the performance offered.

Intel Core i7-8700B88

Optimized power delivery for BGA designs.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-8700Limited
  • No AI hardware
  • Good CPU inference due to 12 threads
Intel Core i7-8700BLimited
  • No AI hardware
  • 12 threads help with CPU inference

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-8700Very Good
Adobe SuiteDaVinci ResolveBlenderUnreal Engine
Intel Core i7-8700BVery Good
Final Cut ProLogic ProPremiere ProBlender

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8700Excellent
  • Handles RTX 3070/3080 class GPUs well
  • High turbo boost ensures high frame rates
  • Great for 144Hz gaming
Intel Core i7-8700BGood
  • Relies on eGPU or discrete GPU in chassis
  • UHD 630 only good for light games
  • CPU performance is excellent for gaming

Industry Impact

Gaming
High
Low
Workstations
High
High
Content Creation
High
High
Virtualization
High
High

Best CPU by Use Case

1440p Gaming
Excellent
1080p Video Editing
Excellent
Streaming
Very Good
Programming
Excellent
4K Gaming (with high-end GPU)
Good
Xcode Development
Excellent
4K Video Editing
Very Good
Home Server
Excellent
Office Productivity
Excellent
Gaming (eGPU)
Good

Target Audience

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

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-8700

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)
Intel Core i7-8700B

Pros

  • Full desktop performance in BGA form
  • 6 cores / 12 threads
  • Excellent for compact systems
  • Good turbo boost speeds

Cons

  • Soldered, cannot be upgraded
  • Hard to find outside pre-builts
  • Locked multiplier
  • 14nm process is outdated

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-8700

Intel Core i7-8700B

  • AMD Ryzen 7 2700E

    Compact Desktop

    Rival
  • Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • Intel Core i5-8500B

    Compact Desktop

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 7 2700U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-7700B

    Compact Desktop

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-10700B
    Alt

    Successor with 2 more cores.

  • Mac Studio M1
    Alt

    Vastly superior performance and efficiency.

  • Intel NUC 12 Pro
    Alt

    Modern alternative with 12th Gen performance.

  • AMD Ryzen 7 5800H Mini PC
    Alt

    Better integrated graphics and efficiency.

  • Mac mini M2
    Alt

    Current generation, much faster.

Our Verdict on Each

One 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 review

A highly capable BGA processor that brought real desktop performance to compact systems like the 2018 Mac mini.

Best for: Purchasing a used 2018 Mac mini for a home server or dev machine.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-8700 or Intel Core i7-8700B?

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 i7-8700 or Intel Core i7-8700B?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700 leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Intel Core i7-8700 and Intel Core i7-8700B.

Do Intel Core i7-8700 and Intel Core i7-8700B use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8700: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core i7-8700B: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.