OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i7-10700K review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£320PassMark multi-core score:18531N. of physical cores:8CPU boost clock speed:5.1 GHzCPU socket:LGA1200TDP (Thermal design power):125 W

Intel Core i7-10700K Review: Compare 74 technical specifications, 22 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i7-10700K
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 56% of models
Score components

40%

6.1

Technical score

25%

8.2

Reviews score

25%

6.1

List score

10%

8.8

Sentiment score

▲Better than 56% of processors
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 60% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

▲Better than 60%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 54% of models
Score components

60%

6.8

Performance

18%

4.0

Architecture

10%

6.0

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.2

Power & Thermal

4%

7.8

Platform

1%

7.2

Integrated graphics

▲Better than 54%
8.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 83% of models

80%

8.0

Average grade

20%

9.2

Popularity

Grades by review (22)
8 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 14 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 83%
6.1

List score

List score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (1)
List score: in 1 of 87 lists (1%)
▲Better than 89%
  • intel-core-i7-10700k
  • intel-core-i7-10700k
  • intel-core-i7-10700k
intel-core-i7-10700k
intel-core-i7-10700k
intel-core-i7-10700k
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i7-10700K

Based on 5 · 13

Reviewers like its strong gaming performance and clear upgrade over its predecessor, but complain it runs hot and needs serious cooling.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i7-10700K

Based on 155 owners sharing their experience in online comments

64%positive19%mixed17%negative

Owners mostly praise fast, smooth gaming and easy overclocking, while high temperatures under load are the clearest frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report temperatures reaching 80 to 100 °C under heavy loads like Prime95 or Cinebench, especially when overclocked.21
  • Some owners see lower frame rates than reviews show, often from weaker memory settings or mismatched GPU pairings.12
  • Owners report overclocks above 5.0 GHz often need 1.35 V or more, and some get crashes or blue screens unless voltage is raised.9
  • Owners report XMP profiles failing to apply and memory speeds above about 2933 to 3000 MHz causing blue screens or no boot.4
  • Owners say the price is high for the gain over the i7-9700K or i5 chips, and it draws far more power than some rivals.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Processors model ranking

Ranked #127 of 558 models in Processors (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7-10700K

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 54% of models
Score components:

60%

6.8

Performance

18%

4.0

Architecture

10%

6.0

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.2

Power & Thermal

4%

7.8

Platform

1%

7.2

Integrated graphics

6.1
Reviews score
8.2
List score
6.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 60% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

7.5
Processor type
desktop
This processor belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 39.5% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA1200
This processor uses the LGA1200 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 68.1% of processors and equal to that of 5.2% of processors.
Chipset
Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, B460, H410, Q470, Q570, W480, W580
This processor supports Z590, H570, B560, H510, Z490, H470, B460, H410, Q470, Q570, W480, W580 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 66% of processors and equal to that of 0.6% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2
This processor supports SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 instruction sets, which is narrower support than 88.2% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of physical cores
8
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 61.2% of processors and equal to 13.9% of processors.
CPU threads
16
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 16 CPU threads, which is more than 69% of processors and equal to 14.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
5.1 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 5.1 GHz which is higher than that of 84.5% of processors and equal to that of 4.3% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
8x 3.8 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 8x3.8 GHz which is higher than that of 84% of processors and equal to that of 1.3% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
18,531
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 18,531 in PassMark, which is higher than 66.1% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
14 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 32.9% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
This processor is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.9% of processors and equal to that of 29% of processors.
L3 cache
16 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 16 MB which is larger than that of 62% of processors and equal to that of 12.6% of processors.
L2 cache
2 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 2 MB which is smaller than that of 52.9% of processors and equal to that of 10.8% of processors.
L1 cache
512 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 512 KB which is larger than that of 62.8% of processors and equal to that of 9.4% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This processor supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 25.2% of processors and equal to that of 31.1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
2,933 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,933 MHz, which is lower than that of 50.3% of processors and equal to 5.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2933 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2933 MHz, which is lower than that of 54% of processors and equal to 4.5% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 59.3% of processors and equal to 22.8% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
Intel UHD Graphics 630
This processor uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 45.6% of processors and equal to that in 8% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
24
Market range: <6 – >64
This processor has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.1% of processors and equal to 20.8% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
350 MHz
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 42.7% of processors and equal to that of 25.4% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (H
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
125 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 125 W which is higher than that of 91.7% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
125 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 125 W which is higher than that of 91.7% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
229 W
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 229 W which is higher than that of 95.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
56 seconds
Market range: <8 seconds – >28 seconds
This processor has a turbo duration of 56 seconds which is shorter than that of 96.1% of processors and equal to that of 3.9% of processors.
Configurable TDP
yes
This processor supports configurable TDP. 46.4% of processors offer this.
cTDP: 95 W
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i7-10700K vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 4 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    8 vs 4
  • 15.9% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.1 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    5.1 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 8 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    16 vs 8
  • 88.7% better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (5,292 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    5,292 vs 2,804.5
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 61.6% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,531 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    18,531 vs 11,469
  • 55.6% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,105 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    8,105 vs 5,209
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x3.8 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    8x3.8 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 22.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 83% of models

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    9.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (22)
    8 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. 14 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.2 vs 6.7
  • 22.2% higher sentiment score
    8.8 vs 7.2
  • More extensive crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more extensive crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA).
    AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1200 vs FP5).
    LGA1200 vs FP5
  • 4 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    8 vs 4
  • 15.9% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5.1 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    5.1 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 8 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    16 vs 8
  • 88.7% better multi-core performance
    This processor has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (5,292 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    5,292 vs 2,804.5
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 61.6% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (18,531 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    18,531 vs 11,469
  • 55.6% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,105 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    8,105 vs 5,209
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x3.8 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    8x3.8 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 2 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    8 vs 6
  • 18.8% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,038 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    3,038 vs 2,558
  • 12% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,719 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,719 vs 1,535
  • 58.9% faster classroom rendering
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (540.4 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    540.4 vs 340.075
  • 2 wider front-end design
    This processor has a higher front-end width than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
    6 vs 4
  • More advanced Turbo Core
    This processor has a more advanced Turbo Core version than the average processor (3 vs 2).
    Intel Turbo Boost 3
    3.0 vs 2.0
  • 10 higher clock multiplier
    This processor has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (38 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    38 vs 28
  • 77.8% larger L3 cache
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    16 MB vs 9 MB
  • 33.3% larger L1 cache
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (512 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    512 KB vs 384 KB
  • 8.1% more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 21.8% lower list score
    List score
    6.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 87 lists (1%)
    6.1 vs 7.8
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor 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, AMD-V).
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 3.58x higher boost power
    This processor 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
  • 2.78x higher base power
    This processor 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
  • Narrower media codec support
    This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (H vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
    H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (H vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor 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
    This processor 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
  • 21.8% lower list score
    List score
    6.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 87 lists (1%)
    6.1 vs 7.8
  • 28% more expensive
    Intel Core i7-10700K is more expensive than the average processor (£320 vs £250).
    £320 vs £250
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor 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, AMD-V).
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor 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
    This processor 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
  • 33.3% smaller L2 cache
    This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (2 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    2 MB vs 3 MB
  • 13% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (200 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    200 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • Narrower media codec support
    This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (H vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
    H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode), JPEG (H vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
  • 3.58x higher boost power
    This processor 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
  • 2.78x higher base power
    This processor 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
  • 2.78x higher TDP
    This processor 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
  • 28 seconds shorter turbo duration
    This processor has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (56 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
    56 seconds vs 28 seconds

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Kanto Tech
≈ estimated
03/05/2021
Review · gaming benchmarks and full build in 2021
Verdict
Intel Core i7-10700K is an excellent choice for a gaming build, though not needed if you already own it.
9.0
bub hub
≈ estimated
28/09/2020
Hands-on review · benchmarks and real-life gaming and work tests
Verdict
Intel Core i7-10700K is a great processor, but it needs a lower price to compete with AMD Ryzen; recommended if affordable.
9.0
Dannys Tech Channel
≈ estimated
31/05/2020
Upgrade video · performance and temperature notes
Verdict
Intel Core i7-10700K runs well with a clear productivity bump, though temperatures stayed about the same.
8.0
PC Tech Review 101
≈ estimated
22/05/2020
Build review · gaming benchmarks at 1080p and 4K
Verdict
Intel Core i7-10700K delivers strong gaming performance so far, but early temperature readings and BIOS issues need fixing.
6.0
A2K
≈ estimated
20/05/2020
Hands-on review · benchmarks, overclocking and AMD comparison
Verdict
Intel Core i7-10700K is hard to recommend outright: it is strong for gaming with a good cooler, but AMD rivals offer more cores.
8.0
Chill Builds
≈ estimated
13/01/2026
Long-term test · gaming on the 10700K in 2026 titles
Verdict
Intel Core i7-10700K still runs most games well, so an upgrade can wait a couple of years.
7.0
Jarrod'sTech
≈ estimated
07/11/2020
Head-to-head · game and application benchmarks
Verdict
Intel Core i7-10700K is good value for gaming, but the Ryzen wins most tests and is the better all-rounder.
7.0
PC H/W and Tech Unboxings 🔥
≈ estimated
20/10/2020
Head-to-head comparison · benchmarks and gaming FPS tests
Verdict
Intel Core i7-10700K is essentially a tie with the i9-9900KF, but Z490 boards give it a better upgrade path.
6.0
Jarrod'sTech
≈ estimated
30/07/2020
Comparison · gaming, application and overclocking tests
Verdict
Intel Core i7-10700K is overpriced for gaming, though it makes more sense for other workloads.
9.0
Jacob Terkelsen
≈ estimated
12/06/2020
Head-to-head comparison · gaming and streaming benchmarks
Verdict
Intel Core i7-10700K is the faster chip for gaming and streaming with a longer useful life, but the Ryzen 3700X is the better value.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
24/06/2020
Lab test · Desktop processor
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-10700K is a gaming-focused chip that nearly matches the Core i9-10900K in games, though AMD's Ryzen chips are better for productivity work.
10
guru3d.com
✓ explicit
09/07/2020
Feature review · Desktop processor
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-10700K is an unlocked eight-core chip built for overclocking, but it needs a new motherboard and still uses the older 14nm Skylake design.
9.0
windowscentral.com
≈ estimated
21/08/2020
Full review · Desktop processor
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-10700K is a fast, unlocked eight-core chip for gaming and lightly threaded work, but it draws a lot of power and AMD's Ryzen chips are more efficient.
8.5
realhardwarereviews.com
✓ explicit
24/11/2020
Review · Hyper-threaded desktop CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-10700K is an 8-core/16-thread chip with strong overclocking headroom, but it needs high-end cooling and matches the i5-10600K in typical gaming.
7.0
gadgetpilipinas.net
≈ estimated
02/08/2020
Benchmark review · Desktop CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-10700K is a strong gaming chip that keeps up with Ryzen in most workloads but draws far more power than rivals.
8.0
chip.de
≈ estimated
18/01/2021
Lab test · Desktop CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-10700K is an eight-core chip with Hyper-Threading, but it trails the Ryzen 7 5800X in most benchmarks.

Third-party reviews

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 don't like 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

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.

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