CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8700 vs Core i7-10700
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.
16 threads handle heavy multitasking and office applications flawlessly.
Gaming
Capable of handling modern GPUs without significant bottlenecking.
Excellent gaming performance when paired with a dedicated GPU.
Virtualization
Excellent for home labs and running multiple VMs.
8 cores provide ample resources for running multiple VMs.
Efficiency
Highly efficient 65W design for the performance offered.
14nm process is less efficient than modern competitors under heavy load.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Good CPU inference due to 12 threads
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Relies on discrete GPU for AI
- Standard CPU vector processing only
Content Creation
Gaming
- Handles RTX 3070/3080 class GPUs well
- High turbo boost ensures high frame rates
- Great for 144Hz gaming
- Strong single-core speeds
- iGPU available for troubleshooting
- PCIe 3.0 only
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
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- Includes UHD 630 integrated graphics
- 65W base TDP
- Excellent value in the used market
- Wide motherboard compatibility
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- 14nm process runs hot under boost
- PCIe 3.0 only
- UHD 630 is very weak for gaming
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.
Core i7-10700
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10400Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-9700Rival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-10700FAlt
Cheaper if you already own a dedicated GPU.
- Intel Core i5-12400Alt
Newer architecture with better IPC and efficiency.
11th Gen with PCIe 4.0 and AVX-512.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewA highly reliable 8-core desktop CPU with integrated graphics, offering great value for general computing and mid-range gaming.
Best for: Building a budget office PC or upgrading an older LGA 1200 system.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8700 or Core i7-10700?
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 Core i7-10700?
For gaming, the Core i7-10700 leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core i7-8700 and Core i7-10700.
Do Intel Core i7-8700 and Core i7-10700 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8700: Intel Socket 1151, Core i7-10700: LGA 1200), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-10700 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-8700 (6 cores), Core i7-10700 (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8700 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8700 (15,000), Core i7-10700 (14,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.