Quick Verdict
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.
Overview
Launch
Oct 5th, 2017
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
Core i7 (Coffee Lake)
Market
Desktop
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 Intel Core i7-8700 features 6 cores and 12 threads, operating at 3.2 GHz with a 4.6 GHz turbo boost.
Its 65W TDP makes it highly efficient. It remains a popular choice for budget upgrades on the LGA 1151 platform, offering excellent multi-threaded performance for gaming and content creation.
Specifications
Performance
12 threads crush office workloads and compiling tasks.
Excellent for home labs and running multiple VMs.
Capable of handling modern GPUs without significant bottlenecking.
Highly efficient 65W design for the performance offered.
- •Handles RTX 3070/3080 class GPUs well
- •High turbo boost ensures high frame rates
- •Great for 144Hz gaming
- •No AI hardware
- •Good CPU inference due to 12 threads
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Coffee Lake
Codename
6C / 12T
Core Config
12 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-8700 is manufactured on Intel's 14nm Coffee Lake process. The architecture features a 6-core, 12-thread configuration, utilizing Intel's Hyper-Threading technology to maximize parallel processing efficiency. It includes 12 MB of L3 SmartCache, allowing cores to access shared data rapidly. The chip utilizes the LGA 1151 socket and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory at 2666 MT/s. With 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes, it supports a single high-end GPU and fast NVMe storage. The architecture is tuned for a 65W TDP, balancing power draw and thermal output for mainstream desktop use. While the multiplier is locked, Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 allows the CPU to dynamically increase its clock speed up to 4.6 GHz on a single core, and up to 4.3 GHz across all cores. The integrated UHD 630 graphics feature dynamic frequency adjustment, offering robust multimedia decoding and smooth multi-display support without requiring a dedicated graphics card.
CPU Design
6 cores, 12 threads, locked.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4-2666.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Not supported.
- Two additional cores
- Four additional threads
- Higher turbo frequencies
Key Highlights
- Excellent price-to-performance
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- 4.6 GHz turbo boost
- Easy to cool
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
- Platform is dead (LGA 1151)
History
Launched in October 2017, the Core i7-8700 marked a pivotal moment in Intel's desktop CPU strategy. For years, the mainstream Core i7 segment was dominated by quad-core designs. However, AMD's Ryzen 7 release earlier in 2017 disrupted the market by offering 8-core processors at competitive prices.
Intel responded urgently with Coffee Lake, pushing the i7 lineup to six cores. The i7-8700 was the standard bearer of this new direction. It delivered the increased multi-threaded performance users demanded for modern gaming and streaming, without the price premium of the K-series.
This launch fundamentally shifted the desktop landscape, making hexa-core the new baseline for high-end mainstream computing. It was widely adopted by OEMs and enthusiasts alike, praised for offering 'i7-8700K-like' performance at a lower price point and power draw, solidifying its legacy as one of the most efficient and well-balanced processors of its era.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Two additional cores
- Four additional threads
- Higher turbo frequencies
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Upgrading an existing LGA 1151 system for high-refresh gaming.
Avoid if…
- Building a brand new system
- Overclocking
- Need PCIe 4.0/5.0
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It was the first mainstream i7 to feature 6 cores.
Can hit 4.3 GHz on all cores out of the box.
Includes a bundled stock cooler in retail boxes.
Supports Intel Optane Memory.
Features a 154 mm² die.
Released in October 2017.
Max memory bandwidth is 42.7 GB/s.
Can output 4K @ 60Hz via integrated graphics.
Consumes 30W less than the i7-8700K.
Part number SR3QS.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-8700 good for gaming?
Yes, it remains excellent for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
Can the i7-8700 be overclocked?
No, the multiplier is locked. Buy the 8700K for overclocking.
Does the i7-8700 come with a cooler?
Yes, it includes a stock Intel cooler.
What is the TDP of i7-8700?
65 Watts.
Does i7-8700 have integrated graphics?
Yes, Intel UHD Graphics 630.
What socket does i7-8700 use?
LGA 1151.
Does it support DDR4?
Yes, up to 2666 MT/s.
How many cores does it have?
6 cores and 12 threads.
Is it compatible with Windows 11?
Officially not, but it runs perfectly fine.
What is the max turbo frequency?
4.6 GHz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does i7-8700 support PCIe 4.0?
No, it only supports PCIe 3.0.
Is the stock cooler enough for i7-8700?
It's okay for basic use, but an aftermarket cooler is recommended for gaming.
Does it support ECC memory?
No.
What is the all-core turbo?
Approximately 4.3 GHz.
What chipsets support it?
Intel 300 series (B360, H370, Z390).
Can it run 4K video?
Yes, smoothly.
Is it good for streaming?
Yes, 12 threads handle 1080p60 streaming well.
Does it have Hyper-Threading?
Yes.
What is the base clock?
3.2 GHz.
Does it support Optane?
Yes.