CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8700B vs Intel Core i7-8700T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8700B is a unique desktop processor featuring a ball grid array (BGA) packaging, designed specifically for integration into compact systems like the Mac mini and small form factor desktop PCs. Part of the 8th Gen Coffee Lake family, it boasts six cores and twelve threads, delivering robust computing power in a space-constrained form factor. It operates at a base clock of 3.2 GHz and can turbo boost up to 4.6 GHz, mirroring the performance of the socketed i7-8700. The 65-watt TDP ensures it runs efficiently within the tight thermal confines of an Apple chassis or similar mini PC. Integrated UHD Graphics 630 provide capable display outputs for everyday tasks and multimedia consumption. This processor was engineered to offer full desktop-class hexa-core performance without the need for a traditional socketed motherboard, allowing manufacturers to create highly integrated, space-saving systems that do not compromise on processing power.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles compiling, rendering, and multitasking effortlessly.
Handles heavy office workloads and multitasking smoothly.
Gaming
Good for gaming if paired with an eGPU or external monitor.
Good gaming performance when paired with a mid-range GPU.
Virtualization
Great for running VMs in a compact server footprint.
Excellent for running multiple light VMs.
Efficiency
Optimized power delivery for BGA designs.
One of the most efficient hexa-core desktop chips of its era.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- 12 threads help with CPU inference
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is decent due to 12 threads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Relies on eGPU or discrete GPU in chassis
- UHD 630 only good for light games
- CPU performance is excellent for gaming
- Best paired with GTX 1660 or RTX 3060 class GPUs
- Low base clock won't bottleneck as much due to high turbo
- Great for SFF gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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- 14nm process is outdated
Pros
- Extremely low 35W TDP
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- High 4.0 GHz turbo boost
- Great for passive cooling
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Lower base clock
- Hard to find retail
- 14nm process is outdated
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-8700B
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700ERival
Compact Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500BRival
Compact Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7700BRival
Compact Desktop
- Intel Core i7-10700BAlt
Successor with 2 more cores.
- Mac Studio M1Alt
Vastly superior performance and efficiency.
- Intel NUC 12 ProAlt
Modern alternative with 12th Gen performance.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800H Mini PCAlt
Better integrated graphics and efficiency.
- Mac mini M2Alt
Current generation, much faster.
Intel Core i7-8700T
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8670TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700ERival
Low Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500TRival
Low Power Desktop
- Intel Core i7-9700TRival
Low Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Much newer and more efficient.
- Intel Core i5-10400TAlt
Similar performance, newer generation.
If you have the cooling for 65W, it's much faster.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 4600GAlt
Better integrated graphics and IPC.
Our Verdict on Each
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 reviewAn outstanding 35W processor that doesn't compromise on core count, perfect for silent builds requiring strong multi-threaded capability.
Best for: Building a Small Form Factor (SFF) PC for silent operation.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8700B or Intel Core i7-8700T?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8700B comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. 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 i7-8700B or Intel Core i7-8700T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700B leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Intel Core i7-8700B and Intel Core i7-8700T.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-8700T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-8700B (65 W), Intel Core i7-8700T (35 W).
Do Intel Core i7-8700B and Intel Core i7-8700T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8700B: Intel BGA 1440, Intel Core i7-8700T: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8700B posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8700B (15,000), Intel Core i7-8700T (13,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.