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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.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8700
6C / 12T4.6 GHz65 W
9
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Core i7-10700
8C / 16T4.8 GHz65 W
8.2
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
Desktop
Desktop
Generation
Core i7 (Coffee Lake)
10th Generation Core i7
Launched
2017
2020
Status
End-of-life
Active
Codename
Coffee Lake
Comet Lake
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
8th Generation
10th Gen
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-7700
Intel Core i7-9700
Successor
Intel Core i7-9700
Intel Core i7-11700

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
6
8
Threads
12
16
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
2.9 GHz
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz
4.8 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
12 MB
16 MB
TDP
65 W
65 W
Architecture
Architecture
Coffee Lake
Comet Lake
Process Node
14nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR4
Memory Speed
2666 MT/s
DDR4-2933
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
128 GB
128 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 1151
LGA 1200
PCIe Version
Gen 3
PCIe 3.0
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.

Core i7-1070090

16 threads handle heavy multitasking and office applications flawlessly.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-870088

Capable of handling modern GPUs without significant bottlenecking.

Core i7-10700Best90

Excellent gaming performance when paired with a dedicated GPU.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-8700Best88

Excellent for home labs and running multiple VMs.

Core i7-1070085

8 cores provide ample resources for running multiple VMs.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-8700Best88

Highly efficient 65W design for the performance offered.

Core i7-1070065

14nm process is less efficient than modern competitors under heavy load.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-8700Limited
  • No AI hardware
  • Good CPU inference due to 12 threads
Core i7-10700Limited
  • No AI acceleration hardware
  • Relies on discrete GPU for AI
  • Standard CPU vector processing only

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-8700Very Good
Adobe SuiteDaVinci ResolveBlenderUnreal Engine
Core i7-10700Very Good
Premiere ProPhotoshopOBS StudioUnity

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8700Excellent
  • Handles RTX 3070/3080 class GPUs well
  • High turbo boost ensures high frame rates
  • Great for 144Hz gaming
Core i7-10700Excellent
  • Strong single-core speeds
  • iGPU available for troubleshooting
  • PCIe 3.0 only

Industry Impact

Gaming
High
High
Workstations
High
Moderate
Content Creation
High
Moderate
Virtualization
High
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

1440p Gaming
Excellent
1080p Video Editing
Excellent
Streaming
Very Good
Programming
Excellent
4K Gaming (with high-end GPU)
Good
Office Productivity
Excellent
1080p Gaming
Excellent
Software Development
Excellent
Light 3D Rendering
Good
Media Consumption
Excellent

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Streamers
Targeted
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
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)
Core i7-10700

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

Core i7-10700

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
Core i7-10700Recommended

A 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 review

Frequently 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.