Quick Verdict
A well-balanced 65W hexa-core CPU that offers excellent value for 1080p gaming and everyday productivity without the premium of K-series chips.
Overview
Launch
Jan 1st, 2018
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
Core i7 (Coffee Lake)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i7-8670 is a mainstream desktop processor designed to deliver balanced performance for both gaming and productivity. As part of the 8th Gen Coffee Lake family, it features six cores and twelve threads, a significant upgrade over the previous generation's quad-core i7 designs. Operating at a base frequency of 3.1 GHz and boosting up to 4.4 GHz, it offers snappy single-threaded performance and solid multi-threaded capabilities. With a standard 65-watt TDP, it strikes an excellent balance between power consumption and heat generation, making it compatible with a wide range of affordable coolers. The inclusion of Intel UHD Graphics 630 allows for basic display functionality without a discrete GPU, though serious gamers and creators will want to pair it with a dedicated graphics card. This processor is tailored for users who demand reliable hexa-core performance for everyday tasks, moderate content creation, and a smooth 60 FPS gaming experience without paying a premium for the highest clock speeds.
The Intel Core i7-8670 is an 8th Gen Coffee Lake processor with 6 cores and 12 threads. It features a base clock of 3.1 GHz and a boost of 4.
4 GHz. With a 65W TDP, it is an efficient and affordable choice for mid-range gaming and productivity builds.
Specifications
Performance
12 threads make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Capable of running multiple VMs smoothly.
Handles modern games easily when paired with a mid-to-high-end GPU.
Good efficiency within the 65W envelope.
- •Won't bottleneck RTX 3060 or RX 6600 class GPUs
- •High turbo boost ensures smooth frame times
- •Great for 60Hz and 144Hz gaming
- •No AI hardware
- •Standard CPU inference
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Coffee Lake
Codename
6C / 12T
Core Config
12 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Built on Intel's 14nm Coffee Lake architecture, the Core i7-8670 integrates six physical cores and twelve threads via Hyper-Threading. It shares 12 MB of L3 SmartCache, ensuring efficient data access across the core complex. The processor fits into the LGA 1151 socket and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory at 2666 MT/s. It provides 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for discrete graphics and NVMe storage. The architecture is optimized for the 65W TDP bracket, balancing voltage and frequency to maintain high sustained boost clocks. Unlike the 'K' series, the 8670 has a locked multiplier, meaning overclocking is not supported. However, Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 dynamically pushes single-core frequencies up to 4.4 GHz to handle bursty workloads. The integrated UHD Graphics 630 handles standard multimedia decoding and multi-display setups. This architecture represents the sweet spot of Intel's 8th Gen desktop lineup, maximizing core count efficiency without the thermal demands of unlocked variants.
CPU Design
6 cores, 12 threads, locked multiplier.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4-2666.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Not supported.
- Two additional cores
- Four additional threads
- Larger cache
Key Highlights
- Excellent price-to-performance
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Easy to cool (65W)
- Good turbo boost speeds
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Limited upgrade path on LGA 1151
- Marginal improvement over i7-8700
History
Released in January 2018, the Core i7-8670 launched slightly after the initial Coffee Lake rollout as a mid-cycle refresh option for the desktop market. Its introduction came at a time when the PC industry was rapidly adopting six-core processors as the new standard for mainstream users. AMD's Ryzen 5 lineup had disrupted the market by offering affordable hexa-core CPUs, forcing Intel to respond by expanding their own core counts.
The i7-8670 filled the gap between the Core i5 and the flagship i7-8700. By offering slightly lower clock speeds and a more affordable price point, it provided system builders and OEMs with a cost-effective way to deliver i7-level multi-threading. It became a popular choice in pre-built gaming PCs and office workstations, cementing the transition from quad-core to hexa-core computing in the mainstream segment and offering consumers excellent value for mid-range computing needs.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Two additional cores
- Four additional threads
- Larger cache
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system for 1080p gaming.
Avoid if…
- Building a new system from scratch
- Overclocking
- Need cutting-edge efficiency
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It is an OEM-focused chip, rarely found in retail boxed form.
Consumes significantly less power than the i7-8700K.
Supports Intel TSX-NI.
Features UHD Graphics 630.
Can handle 4K video playback natively.
Released in January 2018.
Uses the FC-LGA1151 package.
Supports dual-channel memory.
Max memory bandwidth is 42.7 GB/s.
Includes AES-NI for fast encryption.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-8670 good for gaming?
Yes, it is excellent for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
Can the i7-8670 be overclocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the TDP of i7-8670?
65 Watts.
Does i7-8670 have integrated graphics?
Yes, Intel UHD Graphics 630.
What socket does i7-8670 use?
LGA 1151.
Is i7-8670 better than i7-8700?
The i7-8700 is slightly faster due to higher clock speeds.
Does it support DDR4?
Yes, up to 2666 MT/s.
How many cores does it have?
6 cores and 12 threads.
Can it run Windows 11?
Officially not supported, but runs fine.
What is the max turbo frequency?
4.4 GHz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does i7-8670 come with a cooler?
OEM versions usually come with a stock cooler.
Does it support ECC memory?
No.
What is the L3 cache?
12 MB.
Is it good for streaming?
Yes, 12 threads handle 1080p streaming well.
What chipsets support it?
Intel 300 series (B360, H310, Z390, etc.).
Can it output 4K?
Yes, via UHD 630.
Is it unlocked?
No.
Does it have Hyper-Threading?
Yes.
What is the base clock?
3.1 GHz.
Does it support Optane?
Yes.