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.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
12 threads crush office workloads and compiling tasks.
12 threads and high clocks make quick work of compiling and rendering.
Gaming
Capable of handling modern GPUs without significant bottlenecking.
Still handles modern GPUs and high-refresh-rate gaming with ease.
Virtualization
Excellent for home labs and running multiple VMs.
Great for home labs and virtualization.
Efficiency
Highly efficient 65W design for the performance offered.
Consumes more power than newer generations when overclocked.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Good CPU inference due to 12 threads
- No AI hardware
- Strong CPU inference due to high clocks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Handles RTX 3070/3080 class GPUs well
- High turbo boost ensures high frame rates
- Great for 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
- 4.6 GHz turbo boost
- Easy to cool
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
- Platform is dead (LGA 1151)
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
- 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.
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
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 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 i7-8700 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.