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Intel Core i7 10700K Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£320
  • Avg. price in US: ~$380
  • PassMark benchmark result: 18531
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.1 GHz

Intel Core i7 10700K review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.9

Technical Score

10.0%

9.7

User score

Good
4.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

5.0

Performance

18.0%

4.1

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.0

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.8

Platform

1.0%

7.2

Integrated Graphics

Poor
9.7

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
(3820)
amazon
4.8
(1647)
amazon
4.6
(248)
amazon
5.0
(10)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 5.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    5.4

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.9

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    7.9

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    3.3

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

  • 4.0
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    4.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    5.2

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    3.3

    L3 cache

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  • intel-core-i7-10700k
  • intel-core-i7-10700k
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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-10700K is a high-performance 10th Gen 'Comet Lake' desktop processor featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, built on a 14nm process for the LGA 1200 socket. It operates at a base frequency of 3.8 GHz and reaches a maximum turbo boost of 5.1 GHz with a 125W TDP and 16 MB of Intel Smart Cache. Main pros include exceptional single-core and gaming performance that rivals top-tier i9 models, an unlocked multiplier for flexible overclocking, and integrated UHD Graphics 630. However, key cons include high power consumption and heat output under load, a lack of PCIe 4.0 support, and the absence of a bundled thermal cooling solution.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 10700K

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

5.0

Performance

18.0%

4.1

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.0

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.8

Platform

1.0%

7.2

Integrated Graphics

4.9
Intel Core i7 10700K has a technical score of 4.94 points, which is lower than that of 55.2% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
(3820)
amazon
4.8
(1647)
amazon
4.6
(248)
amazon
5.0
(10)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.7
Intel Core i7 10700K has a user score of 9.71 points, which is higher than that of 98.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
10
Intel Core i7 10700K has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 88.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.4

Overall score

40.0%

8.8

Price

6.4
Intel Core i7 10700K has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is higher than 49.1% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i7 10700K belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1200
Intel Core i7 10700K uses the LGA1200 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 69.9% of processors and equal to that of 4.5% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, B460, H410, Q470, Q570, W480, W580
Intel Core i7 10700K supports Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, B460, H410, Q470, Q570, W480, W580 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 65.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.6% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i7 10700K uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

8
Intel Core i7 10700K has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 63.4% of processors and equal to 13.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

16
Intel Core i7 10700K offers 16 CPU threads, which is more than 71.1% of processors and equal to 13.9% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i7 10700K offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

5.1 GHz
Intel Core i7 10700K reaches a boost clock of 5.1 GHz which is higher than that of 86.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.1% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

8 x 3.8 GHz
Intel Core i7 10700K has a base clock of 8x3.8 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i7 10700K uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i7 10700K is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

16 MB
Intel Core i7 10700K has an L3 cache of 16 MB which is larger than that of 64.2% of processors and equal to that of 12.7% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

2 MB
Intel Core i7 10700K has an L2 cache of 2 MB which is smaller than that of 51.3% of processors and equal to that of 11.1% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

512 KB
Intel Core i7 10700K has an L1 cache of 512 KB which is larger than that of 63.6% of processors and equal to that of 9.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i7 10700K supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,933 MHz
Intel Core i7 10700K supports memory speeds up to 2,933 MHz, which is higher than that of 46.3% of processors and equal to 5.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2933 MHz
Intel Core i7 10700K supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2,933 MHz, which is higher than that of 46.8% of processors and equal to 4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i7 10700K supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i7 10700K includes integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 630
Intel Core i7 10700K uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 44.3% and equal to that in 8.3%.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i7 10700K has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i7 10700K has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (H
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

125 W
Intel Core i7 10700K has a TDP of 125 W which is higher than that of 92.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.4% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

125 W
Intel Core i7 10700K has a base power of 125 W which is higher than that of 92.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.5% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

229 W
Intel Core i7 10700K has a boost power of 229 W which is higher than that of 95.3% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

56 seconds
Intel Core i7 10700K has a turbo duration of 56 seconds which is shorter than that of 96.7% of processors and equal to that of 3.3% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core i7 10700K supports configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 95 W
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Intel Core i7 10700K vs the average processor

  • 18.6% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.5.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 90.2% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (5,292 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (5,292 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.5,292 vs 2,783
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i7 10700K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Has an unlocked CPU multiplier, which makes manual CPU overclocking much easier on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When you plan to push clock speeds beyond stock settings instead of leaving the processor completely at default behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i7 10700K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i7 10700K has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i7 10700K has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.16 vs 8
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i7 10700K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i7 10700K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 69.1% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,105 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,105 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.8,105 vs 4,793
  • 22.4% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,038 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,038 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.3,038 vs 2,483
  • 75.9% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,531 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,531 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.18,531 vs 10,532.5
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 10700K uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1200 vs FP2).
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 10700K includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • 18.6% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 90.2% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (5,292 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i7 10700K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 8 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i7 10700K has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 69.1% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,105 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 22.4% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,038 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 75.9% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,531 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 10700K has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 16.9% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,719 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 2 wider front-end design
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 8.3% higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (524 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 10 higher clock multiplier
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (38 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 2x larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 10700K has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 33.3% larger L1 cache
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (512 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i7 10700K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i7 10700K has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 10700K supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 50.3% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (164.9 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 31.7% slower classroom rendering
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (540.4 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i7 10700K uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 10700K has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 12.4% larger die size
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher die size than the average processor (200 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 20% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (2 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 3.58x higher boost power
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (229 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 2.78x higher base power
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 2.78x higher TDP
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher TDP than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 28 seconds shorter turbo duration
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (56 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i7 10700K uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i7 10700K uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 50.3% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (164.9 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >290

    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (164.9 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.164.9 vs 331.88
  • 3.58x higher boost power
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (229 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (229 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.229 W vs 64 W
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 10700K supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i7 10700K supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 2.78x higher base power
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.125 W vs 45 W
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 10700K has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 10700K has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 2.78x higher TDP
    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher TDP than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i7 10700K has a higher TDP than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.125 W vs 45 W
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 10700K and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
3820 Reviews
amazon
4.8
1647 Reviews
amazon
4.6
248 Reviews
amazon
5.0
10 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i7 10700K?

  • Excellent gaming performance, rivaling the more expensive i9-10900K in many titles
  • High overclocking potential with many users reaching a stable 5.1GHz across all cores
  • Substantial upgrade for users coming from older 4th through 7th Gen Intel platforms
  • Competitive value when found on sale compared to equivalent Ryzen 3000 series chips
  • Reliable stability and snappy performance in everyday tasks and productivity applications
  • Features 8 cores and 16 threads, providing better long-term viability than 6-core alternatives

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 10700K?

  • High power consumption, especially when power limits are removed or when overclocked
  • Does not include a stock CPU cooler, requiring an additional investment in high-end cooling
  • Tends to run hot and requires a robust thermal solution (AIO or high-end air cooler) to avoid throttling
  • Lacks support for PCIe 4.0, which was introduced in competing AMD chips and later Intel generations
  • Based on older 14nm architecture which is less power-efficient than newer 7nm or 10nm processes
  • Requires a newer LGA1200 socket motherboard, making it a more expensive platform upgrade for some

Expert reviews

N
notebookcheck.net
22/10/2020
Intel Core i7-10700K desktop processor review

The Intel Core i7-10700K is a high-end, 14nm Comet Lake desktop processor featuring 8 cores, 16 threads, and Hyper-Threading, offering substantial multi-threaded performance gains over its predecessor. Operating at a 3.8 GHz base and 5.1 GHz boost, it supports straightforward overclocking on Z400-series motherboards for enthusiasts. Performance excels in gaming and creative...Read more

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windowscentral.com
21/08/2020
Intel Core i7-10700K review: A cost-effective substitute for the Core i9-10900K

The Intel Core i7-10700K is identified as a mid-range performance leader, offering 8 cores and 16 threads with strong gaming performance that rivals the higher-end Core i9-10900K. It boasts high boost frequencies up to 5.1GHz, an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, and represents a more cost-effective choice for enthusiasts, according to the Windows Central review. However, the...Read more

G
guru3d.com
09/07/2020
Intel Core i7-10700K processor review - Guru3d

The Guru3D review finds the Intel Core i7-10700K to be a high-performance 8-core/16-thread processor, offering similar performance to the previous flagship i9-9900K at a better price point, bolstered by soldered heat spreader technology. Key advantages include exceptional gaming performance and a 5.1 GHz boost clock, although it requires a new LGA1200 motherboard, which lacks native...Read more

T
tomshardware.com
24/06/2020
Intel Core i7-10700K Review: Taking the Gaming Shine Off Core i9

The Intel Core i7-10700K (8C/16T) is a gaming-focused CPU that largely renders the i9-10900K unnecessary by providing near-identical, high-end performance at a lower price point. Key strengths include excellent overclocking capabilities (e.g., reaching 5.1 GHz) and the inclusion of Turbo Boost Max 3.0 for superior single-threaded speed, making it a top choice for frame-rate-obsessed...Read more

R
realhardwarereviews.com
24/11/2020
Intel Core i7-10700K and Core I5-10600K Review

The Real Hardware Reviews highlights the Intel Core i7-10700K and i5-10600K as powerful 10th Gen, hyper-threaded options, with the i5-10600K standing out for its 6-core/12-thread 5GHz capability. The i7-10700K functions as an improved, accessible 8-core/16-thread alternative to previous i9s. Pros include significant, hyper-threading-enabled performance gains over the 9th Gen, high...Read more

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tweakpc.de
12/06/2020
Intel Core i7-10700K and Core i9-10900K Review - TweakPC

The TweakPC review highlights the Intel Core i9-10900K as a 10-core flagship offering top-tier gaming performance, but it suffers from excessive power consumption (nearly 300W under load) and demanding cooling requirements. The Core i7-10700K is presented as a better value 8-core alternative that matches the i9 in gaming, though it lacks the advanced Thermal Velocity Boost and...Read more

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C
chip.de
18/01/2021
Intel Core i7-10700K Review - CHIP

The Intel Core i7-10700K is a high-performance 8-core, 16-thread processor that bridges the gap between mid-range and top-tier enthusiast chips, offering exceptional gaming performance and single-core efficiency. Key advantages include boost clock speeds up to 5.1 GHz, significant overclocking headroom via an unlocked multiplier, and native support for faster DDR4-2933 memory,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.biz
11/07/2020
Intel Core i7-10700K Review: Desktop Processor

The Intel Core i7-10700K is an 8-core, 16-thread Comet Lake desktop processor that reintroduces Hyper-Threading, offering 3.8 GHz base clocks and 5.1 GHz boost speeds on a 14nm process. It provides performance comparable to the previous-generation i9-9900K, making it a strong, cost-effective option for high-end gaming and productivity tasks, according to the review. While the chip...Read more

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C
cowcotland.com
24/06/2020
Intel Core i5-10400F and Core i7-10700K Review: There's still life in the 14nm yet

According to Cowcotland's review, the Intel Core i5-10400F and Core i7-10700K represent strong 10th-generation performers, demonstrating the continued viability of the 14nm process. The i5-10400F is presented as a high-value, 6-core/12-thread option for mid-range gaming, while the 8-core/16-thread i7-10700K targets high-end performance with higher clock speeds. Pros include...Read more

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C
comptoir-hardware.com
20/05/2020
Review: Intel Core i9-10900K / i7-10700K / i5-10600K / i5-10400F & Z490 / B460

The Comptoir-Hardware review of Intel’s 10th Gen "Comet Lake" processors, including the i9-10900K, i7-10700K, i5-10600K, and i5-10400F, highlights their continued dominance in gaming performance, utilizing up to 10 cores and 5.3 GHz speeds on an optimized 14nm process. Key pros identified include excellent gaming capabilities, the adoption of Hyper-Threading across the stack, and...Read more

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H
hardwarecooking.fr
13/07/2020
Intel Core i7-10700K Review: An 8-Core, 16-Thread Gaming CPU!

The HardwareCooking review of the Intel Core i7-10700K describes the 8-core, 16-thread processor as a powerful 14nm solution designed for high-end gaming and multitasking, with a 3.8 GHz base clock and 5.1 GHz Turbo Boost. It offers performance nearly equal to the flagship i9-10900K, making it an attractive, more accessible option for enthusiasts. Key pros include exceptional...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.it
25/10/2020
Intel Core i7-10700K Desktop Processor - Analysis and Tests

The Intel Core i7-10700K is an 8-core, 16-thread desktop processor based on the 14nm Comet Lake architecture, offering 3.8 GHz base and 5.1 GHz boost clocks with a 125W TDP. It excels in gaming and single-core tasks, with HyperThreading significantly boosting multi-threaded performance, making it a responsive option for heavy workloads. While offering strong overclocking potential,...Read more

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hardware.info
09/07/2020
Intel Core i5-10400 & Core i7-10700K Review - Gaming: The Division 2

The Hardware Info review analyzes the Intel Core i7-10700K and i5-10400, highlighting the i7-10700K (8C/16T) as a top-tier gaming performer with high clock speeds suitable for enthusiast builds. Conversely, the i5-10400 (6C/12T) is identified as a superior value-for-money option for gamers, offering excellent performance in GPU-bound scenarios like The Division 2 at a lower price...Read more

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T
tweakers.net
27/12/2021
Processor Best Buy Guide - The best CPUs in December 2021

The December 2021 Tweakers Processor Best Buy Guide, released following the launch of Intel’s 12th Gen "Alder Lake" architecture, shifted the competitive landscape by favoring Intel in gaming against AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series. The review highlighted the Intel Core i5-12600K as a top, balanced choice for gamers due to high single-core performance and support for new technologies like...Read more

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tweakers.net
09/04/2021
Processor Best Buy Guide - The best CPUs in April 2021

In April 2021, the Tweakers processor guide identified the AMD Ryzen 5000 series, specifically the 5600X, as the top gaming choice for its high performance and 65W efficiency, though market availability was poor. For budget builders, the 11th Gen Intel Core i5-11400 was recommended for its value, availability, and integrated graphics, despite higher power consumption and limited...Read more

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T
tweakers.net
10/08/2020
Intel Core i7-10700K Review

The Intel Core i7-10700K is an 8-core, 16-thread processor functioning as a more affordable, high-performance alternative to the i9-9900K, featuring a 3.8 GHz base clock and up to 5.1 GHz boost speeds. It offers exceptional gaming performance and strong value compared to the i9-10900K, with high overclocking potential (5.0-5.1 GHz on all cores) and functional UHD 630 integrated...Read more

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H
hardware.info
17/07/2020
Intel Core i5 10400 & Core i7 10700K review - Mainstream ammunition

The Hardware Info review highlights the Intel Core i5-10400 as a high-value, efficient 6-core/12-thread option for mainstream users, boasting a low price and power consumption. Pros include excellent value, though cons involve a locked multiplier and lower 4.3 GHz boost clock. The Core i7-10700K is positioned as a 5.1 GHz 8-core/16-thread gaming powerhouse, effectively serving as an...Read more

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nl.hardware.info
17/07/2020
Intel Core i5 10400 & Core i7 10700K review: Mainstream ammunition

The Hardware Info review highlights the Intel Core i5-10400 as a strong, value-oriented "mainstream ammunition" choice featuring 6 cores and 12 threads. A major pro is its significant performance improvement over predecessors, particularly in gaming, although a notable con is the platform limitation, where B460 boards limit memory to 2666 MHz. The Intel Core i7-10700K is presented...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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