Intel Core i7 7700K Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • PassMark benchmark result: 9636
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.5 GHz

Intel Core i7 7700K 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%

9.4

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%

4.8

Performance

18.0%

4.7

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.2

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

4.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.9

Platform

1.0%

6.5

Integrated Graphics

Poor
9.4

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%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(2982)
amazon
4.3
(124)
amazon
4.2
(8)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 4.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.6

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.5

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    6.1

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 5.3
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    9.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

  • intel-core-i7-7700k
  • intel-core-i7-7700k
intel-core-i7-7700k
intel-core-i7-7700k

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Best rankings

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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 i7-7700K is a high-performance 7th Generation Kaby Lake desktop processor featuring 4 cores and 8 threads, a base clock speed of 4.2 GHz, and a Max Turbo frequency of 4.5 GHz. Built on a 14nm process with a 91W TDP, it includes 8MB of Smart Cache, supports DDR4-2400 or DDR3L-1600 memory up to 64GB, and integrates Intel HD Graphics 630 with 4K support. Its primary advantages include an unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking, high single-core performance ideal for gaming, and improved media codec hardware acceleration for 4K streaming. However, it lacks an included stock cooler, is limited to the LGA 1151 socket, and has been noted by some users to run significantly hotter than its predecessors under heavy loads.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 7700K

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%

4.8

Performance

18.0%

4.7

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.2

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

4.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.9

Platform

1.0%

6.5

Integrated Graphics

4.9
Intel Core i7 7700K has a technical score of 4.92 points, which is lower than that of 55.5% 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%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(2982)
amazon
4.3
(124)
amazon
4.2
(8)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.4
Intel Core i7 7700K has a user score of 9.42 points, which is higher than that of 92.4% 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 7700K 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%

9.9

Price

6.7
Intel Core i7 7700K has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.7 points, which is higher than 61.9% 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 7700K 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

LGA1151
Intel Core i7 7700K uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% 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

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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 7700K 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+

4
Intel Core i7 7700K has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% 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+

8
Intel Core i7 7700K offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% 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 7700K 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

4.5 GHz
Intel Core i7 7700K reaches a boost clock of 4.5 GHz which is higher than that of 56.5% of processors and equal to that of 5.4% 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

4 x 4.2 GHz
Intel Core i7 7700K has a base clock of 4x4.2 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 7700K 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 7700K 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

8 MB
Intel Core i7 7700K has an L3 cache of 8 MB which is larger than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.8% 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

1 MB
Intel Core i7 7700K has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% 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

256 KB
Intel Core i7 7700K has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% 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

DDR3L/DDR4
Intel Core i7 7700K supports DDR DDR3L/DDR4, which is older than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 5.4% 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

2,400 MHz
Intel Core i7 7700K supports memory speeds up to 2,400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.2% of processors and equal to 12.4% 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

2,400 MHz
Intel Core i7 7700K supports JEDEC memory speeds up to 2,400 MHz, which is lower than that of 74.1% of processors and equal to 1.8% 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

64 GB
Intel Core i7 7700K supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.6% 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 7700K 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 HD Graphics 630
Intel Core i7 7700K uses the Intel HD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 73.9% and equal to that in 2.9%.
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 7700K 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 7700K 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), VP8 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode)
Intel Core i7 7700K supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 50.9% of processors.
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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

91 W
Intel Core i7 7700K has a TDP of 91 W which is higher than that of 88.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% 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

91 W
Intel Core i7 7700K has a base power of 91 W which is higher than that of 88.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% 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

91 W
Intel Core i7 7700K has a boost power of 91 W which is higher than that of 66.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% 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

?
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

no
Intel Core i7 7700K does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i7 7700K vs the average processor

  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i7 7700K 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 7700K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i7 7700K 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 7700K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 31.5% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a lower die size than the average processor (122 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i7 7700K has a lower die size than the average processor (122 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².122 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i7 7700K is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).
    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.
    Intel Core i7 7700K is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).10 vs 1
  • 17.8% higher user score
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a higher user score than the average processor (9.42 vs 8,000).
    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.
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a higher user score than the average processor (9.42 vs 8,000).9.42 vs 8
  • 4.7% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.5 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 7700K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 41.1% faster classroom rendering
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,117.4 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the Classroom scene, used to show how quickly the processor can complete a demanding rendering workload.
    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: >1500

    Intel Core i7 7700K has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,117.4 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.1,117.4 vs 791,745
  • 8.9% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,703 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 7700K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,703 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.2,703 vs 2,483
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 7700K uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i7 7700K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 4.7% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 8.9% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,703 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 41.1% faster classroom rendering
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,117.4 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
  • 14 higher clock multiplier
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (42 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 8.6% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,597 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 31.5% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a lower die size than the average processor (122 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 7700K 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.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i7 7700K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 7700K supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 3 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 7700K has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
    January 2,017
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 7700K does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 7700K has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 18.9% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (2,257 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 3.7% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (466 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 7700K 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.
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 64.6% fewer transistors
    Intel Core i7 7700K has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.8 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i7 7700K supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4 vs DDR4).
  • 18.2% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 16.2% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (38.4 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 50% less memory per DIMM
    Intel Core i7 7700K has fewer memory per DIMM than the average processor (16 GB vs 32 GB). The average processor supports 32 GB of memory per DIMM.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i7 7700K supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i7 7700K uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 630 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 2.02x higher base power
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 7700K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 2.02x higher TDP
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a higher TDP than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 42.2% higher boost power
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (91 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 7700K has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU 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+

    Intel Core i7 7700K has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 2.02x higher base power
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (91 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 7700K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.91 W vs 45 W
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 7700K 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 7700K 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 7700K 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 7700K 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
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    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

    Intel Core i7 7700K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.1 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 7700K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    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

    Intel Core i7 7700K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 7700K supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES 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 7700K supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 2.02x higher TDP
    Intel Core i7 7700K has a higher TDP than the average processor (91 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 7700K has a higher TDP than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.91 W vs 45 W

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 7700K and other processors

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i7 7700K?

  • Excellent single-core performance, making it a top-tier choice for high-refresh-rate gaming at launch.
  • Higher out-of-the-box clock speeds (4.2GHz base / 4.5GHz boost) compared to its predecessor, the i7-6700K.
  • Integrated hardware support for 4K HEVC and VP9 video decoding, enabling smooth 4K streaming (e.g., Netflix).
  • Strong overclocking headroom, with many users reporting stability at 4.8GHz to 5.0GHz with adequate cooling.
  • Compatible with existing Z170 motherboards (via BIOS update) as well as the newer Z270 chipset.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 7700K?

  • Significant thermal issues, with frequent reports of high temperature spikes and overheating even under light loads.
  • Poor-quality internal Thermal Interface Material (TIM) often requires users to 'delid' the CPU to achieve acceptable temperatures.
  • Stagnant core count (4 cores/8 threads) at a time when competitors began offering higher core counts for similar prices.
  • Minimal IPC (instructions per clock) improvements over the previous generation, with gains mostly coming from higher clock speeds.
  • Motherboards often applied excessive default voltages (Vcore), necessitating manual undervolting to prevent thermal throttling.

Expert reviews

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gamersnexus.net
30/12/2018

Gamers Nexus revisited the Intel i7-7700K, finding that while its high clock speeds (up to 5.0 GHz) maintain strong single-core performance in frequency-bound games, the 4-core/8-thread configuration is a major con that causes it to struggle in modern, multi-threaded titles. Compared to the 8-core i7-9700K and i9-9900K, the 7700K suffers from lower 0.1% lows and reduced productivity...Read more

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techspot.com
21/06/2019

Two years after launch, TechSpot’s re-evaluation shows the AMD Ryzen 7 1800X significantly outperforming the Intel Core i7-7700K in productivity, with 55% faster multi-threaded performance and better scaling in applications like Premiere Pro and Blender. While the i7-7700K maintains a roughly 22% advantage in single-core performance, its quad-core design struggles with modern,...Read more

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uk.pcmag.com
20/01/2017

The PCMag review highlights the Intel Core i7-7700K as a high-performance "Kaby Lake" flagship, boasting a 4.2GHz stock clock speed and specialized hardware support for 4K streaming and HDR. While it represents the fastest consumer CPU in its class, the processor offers only a marginal 12% performance increase over the preceding i7-6700K, focusing on refinement rather than a...Read more

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pcgamer.com
24/01/2017

The Intel Core i7-7700K serves as a refined, incremental update to the Kaby Lake generation, offering high out-of-the-box clock speeds (4.2GHz base/4.5GHz turbo) and strong overclocking potential to 5.0GHz, alongside a new media engine for 4K HEVC/VP9 decoding. However, the chip lacks significant architectural improvements over the Skylake predecessor, with identical clock-for-clock...Read more

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digitalfoundry.net
23/01/2017

Digital Foundry describes the Intel Core i7-7700K as a highly polished, "magnificent" final iteration of the 14nm architecture, pushing speeds up to 4.5GHz turbo out of the box. A major advantage is its high frequency paired with excellent media capabilities, including full hardware HEVC and VP9 decode for 4K streaming. However, the review notes that the chip is architectural...Read more

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tweaktown.com
03/01/2017

The Intel Core i7-7700K (Kaby Lake) is a refined 14nm+ "refresh" of the Skylake architecture, delivering higher stock clock speeds (4.2GHz/4.5GHz) and improved, stable 5GHz overclocking potential [TweakTown]. While IPC remains identical to the 6700K, the increased frequency provides slight performance gains in high-end gaming and threaded applications, alongside enhanced media...Read more

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techspot.com
03/01/2017

TechSpot's review characterizes the Intel Core i7-7700K and i5-7600K as a "Skylake refresh" on a 14nm+ process, offering only modest performance gains of 1% to 9% through higher stock frequencies, with no instructions per clock (IPC) improvement. Pros include higher out-of-the-box speeds (up to 4.5GHz boost), better overclocking potential, and new 4K streaming capabilities, while...Read more

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hexus.net
03/01/2017

The HEXUS review of the Intel Core i7-7700K "Kaby Lake" highlights an iterative 14nm+ process, delivering performance gains over Skylake primarily through higher 4.2GHz base/4.5GHz boost clock speeds. While architecture remains identical to the 6700K, the 7700K is praised for excellent overclocking headroom, with stable 4.85GHz+ speeds achievable on good samples. Additional pros...Read more

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trustedreviews.com
03/01/2017

The Intel Core i7-7700K, as reviewed by Trusted Reviews, is the 7th-gen "Kaby Lake" flagship, offering 4.2GHz base and 4.5GHz turbo speeds on an optimized 14nm+ process. It delivers an 8-9% performance boost over its predecessor for tasks like 4K video editing and high-end gaming, with pros including strong single-core performance, improved overclocking, and a new media engine for...Read more

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pcper.com
03/01/2017

The Intel Core i7-7700K represents a refinement of the 14nm process ("14nm+"), delivering higher base (4.2 GHz) and boost (4.5 GHz) frequencies compared to the Skylake i7-6700K. The architecture features an updated media engine with full hardware acceleration for 4K HEVC 10-bit and VP9, offering significant advantages for streaming and content creation, although IPC remains...Read more

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tomshardware.com
03/01/2017

The Tom’s Hardware review characterizes Intel’s 7th-gen Kaby Lake processors, including the i7-7700K and i5-7600K, as a refined Skylake architecture featuring high out-of-the-box clock speeds up to 4.5 GHz. While delivering strong, high-refresh-rate gaming performance and introducing the Z270 chipset with native 4K HEVC 10-bit support, the chips deliver no IPC improvements over the...Read more

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guru3d.com
03/01/2017

The Guru3D review defines the Intel Core i7-7700K as a refined 14nm+ "respin" of the Skylake architecture, delivering higher 4.2–4.5 GHz speeds within a 91W TDP and supporting existing LGA 1151 sockets. Key advantages include impressive overclocking headroom to 5.0 GHz on liquid cooling and updated media capabilities, specifically hardware acceleration for 10-bit HEVC and VP9...Read more

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pcgamesn.com
05/01/2018

The PCGamesN review characterizes the Intel Core i7-7700K as a "hugely uninspiring" optimization of the Skylake architecture, offering only a 6-7% performance increase via higher clock speeds and a 2% gaming improvement. While superior in gaming to early Ryzen chips and boasting excellent overclocking potential to 5.0GHz, the chip is criticized for its minimal gains over the 6700K....Read more

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popzara.com
24/05/2017

The Popzara review describes the Intel Core i7-7700K as a refined, 4.2 GHz Kaby Lake flagship offering superior gaming performance for new builds on the LGA 1151 socket. While delivering a significant boost over older hardware, it represents an incremental improvement over the Skylake generation. Pros include better 3D performance and native HEVC/VP9 support, though it faces...Read more

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au.pcmag.com
21/01/2017

The Intel Core i7-7700K "Kaby Lake" processor is a high-performance, 4.2GHz (4.5GHz boost) desktop CPU delivering a roughly 12% performance increase over its predecessor. Pros include dedicated hardware for 4K and HDR video streaming, improved transistor-level efficiency, and compatibility with the Z270 chipset. However, the review notes that the performance gains are incremental...Read more

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pcmag.com
20/01/2017

The PCMag review characterizes the Intel Core i7-7700K as a highly capable, albeit incremental, upgrade in the "Kaby Lake" generation, featuring impressive stock clock speeds of 4.2GHz base and 4.5GHz boost. A key advantage is its native, hardware-level support for 10-bit HEVC and VP9 decoding, delivering smooth 4K and HDR streaming. The primary downside is the limited performance...Read more

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gamespot.com
03/01/2017

The GameSpot review of the Intel Core i7-7700K describes it as a 14nm+ "souped-up" Skylake, offering the highest stock-clocked performance for a 2017 consumer quad-core chip with 4.2GHz base/4.5GHz turbo speeds. It provides a roughly 7.5% performance increase over the 6700K across benchmarks, with specialized gains up to 22% in certain CPU-bound scenarios. Pros include its status as...Read more

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tomshardware.com
03/01/2017

Tom's Hardware explores Intel’s 7th-generation Kaby Lake processors, specifically the Core i7-7700K and i5-7600K, highlighting an "optimization" phase with a refined 14nm+ process and high clock speeds. While offering strong out-of-the-box performance and impressive 5 GHz overclocking potential, the chips suffer from high thermal output due to internal thermal paste and lack...Read more

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ginjfo.com
03/01/2017

The Intel Core i7-7700K represents a refined 14nm+ iteration of the Skylake architecture, boasting increased factory clock speeds of 4.2 GHz base and 4.5 GHz boost, which translate to a 7-12% performance uplift over the i7-6700K. Key advancements include a new media engine with 4K HEVC and VP9 hardware decoding and compatibility with Z170 and Z270 motherboards. However, the review...Read more

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comptoir-hardware.com
03/01/2017

The Comptoir-Hardware review of Intel’s 7th Gen "Kaby Lake" processors, specifically the Core i7-7700K and i5-7600K on the Z270 chipset, highlights an optimized 14nm architecture rather than a major architectural leap. Performance gains are driven by higher base and boost clocks (4.5 GHz for i7, 4.2 GHz for i5) rather than significant IPC improvements. The Core i7-7700K is noted as...Read more

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tomshardware.fr
01/12/2016

The Tom's Hardware France preview of the Intel Core i7-7700K Kaby Lake highlights that this processor is a refined "optimization" of the previous Skylake architecture, featuring higher base (4.2 GHz) and boost (4.5 GHz) frequencies for improved performance. The CPU boasts significant overclocking capabilities, with many units reaching 4.8 GHz to 5.0 GHz, offering a tangible...Read more

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technoblitz.it
18/03/2017

The Intel Core i7-7700K "Kaby Lake" review from Technoblitz.it identifies the processor as a powerful, yet incremental, update to the Skylake architecture, boasting a 4.2 GHz base clock and 4.5 GHz boost. It features an improved 14nm+ process and hardware support for 4K HEVC and VP9 video decoding, ideal for content creation. Pros include top-tier single-core gaming performance and...Read more

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tomshw.it
02/01/2017

Intel's 7th-gen Kaby Lake processors (i7-7700K, i5-7600K) are a 14nm+ optimized, higher-clocked update to Skylake, offering modest 7-11% performance gains. Key pros include superior overclocking headroom—many samples hitting 5.0 GHz on standard cooling—and updated media engines with 10-bit HEVC and VP9 support for 4K streaming. However, significant cons include high operating...Read more

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hwupgrade.it
03/01/2017

The Intel Core i7-7700K "Kaby Lake" review by Hardware Upgrade highlights that this processor is an evolutionary refinement of the "Skylake" architecture, offering a 7–10% performance increase over the i7-6700K due to higher clock speeds (4.2 GHz base/4.5 GHz boost) on an optimized 14nm+ process. Key pros include it being the fastest consumer quad-core processor at launch, ideal for...Read more

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nl.hardware.info
03/01/2017

The Hardware Info review of the Intel Core i7-7700K and i5-7600K (Kaby Lake) identifies them as an optimized 14nm+ "refresh" of Skylake, focusing on higher clock speeds up to 4.5 GHz turbo for the i7. Performance benchmarks show a 7-10% increase over the previous generation, almost entirely due to higher frequencies rather than IPC improvements, with significant gains in integrated...Read more

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hardware.info
03/01/2017

The Intel Core i7-7700K and i5-7600K (Kaby Lake) review outlines a refinement of the 14nm process, offering roughly 7-8% better performance than Skylake due to higher clock speeds, with the i7-7700K boosting to 4.5 GHz. Notable pros include excellent overclocking capabilities (reaching 5.0 GHz+), native DDR4-2400 support, and enhanced 4K media acceleration. However, the chips show...Read more

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tweakers.net
03/01/2017

The Tweakers review characterizes the Intel Core i7-7700K (Kaby Lake) as a modest, iterative refinement over the i7-6700K (Skylake), utilizing a refined 14nm+ process to deliver higher factory clock speeds (4.2 GHz base/4.5 GHz boost). While performance increases by 7–10% in synthetic tests, the underlying IPC remains identical to its predecessor, and poor internal thermal interface...Read more

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tweakers.net
25/06/2017

The Intel Core i7-7700K review on Tweakers.net identifies the processor as a solid, high-frequency successor to the i7-6700K that offers only minor performance gains, rather than a significant architectural leap. A major downside is that the chip runs extremely hot, often reaching 95°C under load due to poor internal thermal interface material (TIM), leading the reviewer to suggest...Read more

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