Quick Verdict
An iconic processor that brought 6 cores to the mainstream, offering incredible overclocking headroom and gaming performance that holds up today.
Overview
Launch
Oct 5th, 2017
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
Core i7 (Coffee Lake)
Market
Desktop
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 Intel Core i7-8700K is an 8th Gen Coffee Lake processor with 6 cores and 12 threads. It features a base clock of 3.7 GHz and boosts up to 4.
7 GHz. Unlocked for overclocking, it easily hits 5.0 GHz.
It remains a highly capable gaming CPU, delivering excellent single-core and multi-threaded performance.
Specifications
Performance
12 threads and high clocks make quick work of compiling and rendering.
Great for home labs and virtualization.
Still handles modern GPUs and high-refresh-rate gaming with ease.
Consumes more power than newer generations when overclocked.
- •Won't bottleneck RTX 3080/4080 class GPUs
- •Excellent for 144Hz+ gaming
- •Overclocking increases frame rates further
- •No AI hardware
- •Strong CPU inference due to high clocks
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Coffee Lake
Codename
6C / 12T
Core Config
12 MB
L3 Cache
95 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Built on Intel's 14nm++ Coffee Lake process, the Core i7-8700K features a 6-core, 12-thread design utilizing Intel's Hyper-Threading technology. The architecture incorporates 12 MB of L3 SmartCache for efficient core communication. It utilizes the LGA 1151 socket and supports dual-channel DDR4 memory at 2666 MT/s. A key architectural feature is the unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to tune frequency and voltage for maximum performance. It provides 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for direct GPU and NVMe connectivity. The 95W TDP architecture allows for higher out-of-the-box voltages and clock speeds compared to the 65W variants. Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 aggressively pushes single-core speeds to 4.7 GHz. Additionally, it supports Intel Optane Memory and features an upgraded internal thermal interface material compared to previous generations, though enthusiasts often still 'delid' the processor to replace it with liquid metal for extreme overclocking, highlighting its enthusiast-focused architectural design.
CPU Design
6 cores, 12 threads, unlocked.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4-2666.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Fully unlocked multiplier.
- Two additional cores
- Four additional threads
- Higher turbo frequencies
Key Highlights
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Excellent single-core performance
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Great for high-refresh gaming
- Runs hot under load
- Requires delidding for extreme OC
- Older 14nm process
- No PCIe 4.0
History
Launched in October 2017, the Core i7-8700K was Intel's urgent and powerful response to AMD's highly successful Ryzen 7 launch earlier that year. For nearly a decade, Intel's mainstream Core i7 processors were locked at four cores. AMD's aggressive return to the high-end CPU market forced Intel's hand, resulting in the Coffee Lake architecture bumping the core count to six.
The i7-8700K instantly became the darling of the gaming and enthusiast community. It offered unmatched single-core gaming performance while finally delivering the multi-threaded headroom needed for concurrent streaming and content creation. It dominated benchmarks and recommendations for years, often considered the 'sweet spot' CPU of its generation.
This processor marked the beginning of the core count wars, forcing the entire industry to rapidly scale up core counts. Its legacy is profound, setting the baseline for what consumers expect from a high-end mainstream CPU today.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Two additional cores
- Four additional threads
- Higher turbo frequencies
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Legacy system upgrade for high-refresh gaming without spending on a new platform.
Avoid if…
- Building a brand new system
- Need maximum power efficiency
- Want PCIe 4.0/5.0
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
First mainstream Intel hexa-core CPU.
Easily hits 5.0 GHz with all-core overclocks.
Uses thermal paste between die and IHS, requiring delidding for best temps.
Released in October 2017.
Launch price was $359.
Features a 154 mm² die.
Supports Intel Optane Memory.
Max memory bandwidth is 42.7 GB/s.
Part number SR3QR.
Does not include a stock cooler.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-8700K still good for gaming?
Yes, it remains excellent for 144Hz gaming and won't bottleneck modern GPUs.
Can the i7-8700K be overclocked?
Yes, it has an unlocked multiplier and easily hits 5.0 GHz.
Does the i7-8700K need a cooler?
Yes, it does not include a stock cooler. A high-end air or AIO cooler is recommended.
What is the TDP of i7-8700K?
95 Watts.
Does i7-8700K have integrated graphics?
Yes, Intel UHD Graphics 630.
Does the i7-8700K run hot?
Yes, it uses internal thermal paste, making it run warm under load.
What socket does i7-8700K use?
LGA 1151.
Is it compatible with Windows 11?
Officially not supported, but runs perfectly fine.
Does it support DDR4?
Yes, up to 2666 MT/s natively, but can be overclocked higher.
How many cores does it have?
6 cores and 12 threads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does i7-8700K support PCIe 4.0?
No, it supports PCIe 3.0 only.
Is delidding worth it for i7-8700K?
Yes, replacing the internal TIM with liquid metal significantly lowers temps.
Does it support ECC memory?
No.
What is the all-core turbo?
Approximately 4.3 GHz stock, but can be forced higher.
What chipsets support it?
Intel Z370 and Z390 primarily.
Is it good for streaming?
Yes, 12 threads handle 1080p60 streaming very well.
Can it run 4K video?
Yes, easily.
Does it have Hyper-Threading?
Yes.
What is the base clock?
3.7 GHz.
Does it support Optane?
Yes.