CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-8700 vs Intel Core i7-8700K

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.

Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8700
6C / 12T4.6 GHz65 W
9
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
Desktop
Desktop Enthusiast
Generation
Core i7 (Coffee Lake)
Core i7 (Coffee Lake)
Launched
2017
2017
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 i7-7700K
Successor
Intel Core i7-9700
Intel Core i7-9700K

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
6
6
Threads
12
12
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
3.7 GHz
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz
4.7 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
12 MB
12 MB
TDP
65 W
95 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 Socket 1151
PCIe Version
Gen 3
Gen 3
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
Yes

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-870090

12 threads crush office workloads and compiling tasks.

Intel Core i7-8700K90

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

Gaming

Intel Core i7-870088

Capable of handling modern GPUs without significant bottlenecking.

Intel Core i7-8700KBest92

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

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-870088

Excellent for home labs and running multiple VMs.

Intel Core i7-8700K88

Great for home labs and virtualization.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-8700Best88

Highly efficient 65W design for the performance offered.

Intel Core i7-8700K70

Consumes more power than newer generations when overclocked.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-8700Limited
  • No AI hardware
  • Good CPU inference due to 12 threads
Intel Core i7-8700KLimited
  • No AI hardware
  • Strong CPU inference due to high clocks

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-8700Very Good
Adobe SuiteDaVinci ResolveBlenderUnreal Engine
Intel Core i7-8700KVery Good
Premiere ProBlenderUnreal EngineOBS Studio

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

Industry Impact

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

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Targeted
Streamers
Targeted
Targeted
Office / Productivity
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 i7-8700K

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

Intel Core i7-8700

Intel Core i7-8700K

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

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, Intel Core i7-8700 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 i7-8700 or Intel Core i7-8700K?

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

Which uses less power?

The Intel Core i7-8700 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-8700 (65 W), Intel Core i7-8700K (95 W).

Do Intel Core i7-8700 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 i7-8700 (15,000), Intel Core i7-8700K (16,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.