CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8700K vs Intel Core i7-7740X
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8700K is a legendary enthusiast desktop processor that marked a major leap in mainstream computing power. As the flagship of the 8th Gen Coffee Lake family, it was the first mainstream Intel CPU to feature six cores and twelve threads, breaking the quad-core stagnation that had persisted for years. Operating at a high base clock of 3.7 GHz and boosting up to 4.7 GHz out of the box, it delivered exceptional single-threaded and multi-threaded performance. With an unlocked multiplier, it became a favorite among overclockers, capable of easily hitting 5.0 GHz on all cores with adequate cooling. Its 95-watt TDP reflects its focus on raw performance. Paired with the integrated UHD Graphics 630, it offers a versatile foundation for high-end gaming and content creation. The i7-8700K set a new standard for desktop performance, providing the headroom necessary for smooth 144Hz gaming, real-time streaming, and intensive rendering workloads.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
12 threads and high clocks make quick work of compiling and rendering.
Quad-core limits performance in heavily parallelized applications compared to higher core-count alternatives.
Gaming
Still handles modern GPUs and high-refresh-rate gaming with ease.
Paired with a strong discrete GPU, the high clocks enable smooth high-refresh gaming, though newer platforms offer better efficiency and future-proofing.
Virtualization
Great for home labs and virtualization.
Adequate for light VM workloads, but limited core count and memory channels make it less suitable for heavy virtualization.
Efficiency
Consumes more power than newer generations when overclocked.
112 W TDP for a quad-core results in higher power draw per core than many modern designs.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Strong CPU inference due to high clocks
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- Suited only for CPU-bound inference and older ML frameworks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Won't bottleneck RTX 3080/4080 class GPUs
- Excellent for 144Hz+ gaming
- Overclocking increases frame rates further
- Strong single-threaded core performance keeps frame rates competitive in many titles
- Best paired with mid-to-high-end discrete GPUs
- Modern gaming CPUs with more cores and faster memory often deliver better 1% lows
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- High out-of-box clocks
- Unlocked for overclocking
- X299 platform offers flexible chipset PCIe lanes and storage options
- Strong single-threaded performance for its era
- Can breathe life into idle LGA2066 boards
Cons
- Quad core count limits multi-threaded performance
- Only 16 CPU PCIe lanes
- No integrated graphics
- 112 W TDP for four cores is relatively power-hungry
- Platform is discontinued with limited future upgrade options
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i7-7740X
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600XRival
Gaming & Productivity
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Rival
Creator
- Intel Core i7-7700KRival
Gaming
- Intel Core i5-7640XRival
Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-7820XRival
Workstation
More cores and better value for gaming and productivity.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XAlt
Higher multi-threaded performance and efficiency.
Strong all-round performance on mainstream platforms.
Compare head-to-headMore cores and newer platform features.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Much better performance per watt and platform longevity.
Our Verdict on Each
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 reviewA niche, high-clock quad-core for X299 that delivers strong single-threaded performance but lacks the PCIe and memory bandwidth of Skylake-X siblings, making sense only at low prices for specific reuse scenarios.
Best for: Reusing an existing LGA2066 board for gaming or general tasks when the CPU is acquired at very low cost.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8700K or Intel Core i7-7740X?
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 i7-8700K or Intel Core i7-7740X?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700K leads with a gaming performance score of 92/100 among Intel Core i7-8700K and Intel Core i7-7740X.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-8700K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-8700K (95 W), Intel Core i7-7740X (112 W).
Do Intel Core i7-8700K and Intel Core i7-7740X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8700K: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core i7-7740X: LGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-8700K has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-8700K (6 cores), Intel Core i7-7740X (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8700K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8700K (16,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.