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 i7-8086K review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£350PassMark multi-core score:14057N. of physical cores:6CPU boost clock speed:5.0 GHzCPU socket:LGA1151TDP (Thermal design power):95 W

Intel Core i7-8086K Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 26 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i7-8086K
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

40%

5.8

Technical score

25%

5.8

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

9.1

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 53% of processors
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 60%
5.8

Technical score

Technical score
5.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

60%

6.2

Performance

18%

4.9

Architecture

10%

5.6

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.0

Power & Thermal

4%

7.6

Platform

1%

6.7

Integrated graphics

â–²Better than 51%
5.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

5.8

Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 7.6 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

6.9

Average grade

20%

9.4

Popularity

Grades by review (26)
19 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 11 estimated from the review. 7 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.
â–¼Worse than 70%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 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 (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • intel-core-i7-8086k
  • intel-core-i7-8086k
  • intel-core-i7-8086k
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intel-core-i7-8086k
intel-core-i7-8086k
intel-core-i7-8086k
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intel-core-i7-8086k
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 i7-8086K

Based on 10 · 7

Reviewers enjoy its overclocking, high turbo speeds and collector appeal, but it runs hot and overall performance feels unremarkable.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i7-8086K

Based on 68 owners sharing their experience in online comments

79%positive8%mixed13%negative

Owners praise its strong overclocking and gaming speed, while the price premium and heat are the main frustrations.

What owners dislike

  • It often costs noticeably more than an 8700K, and some buyers found benchmarks came in lower, so the premium felt wasted.5
  • Stock thermal paste runs hot, peaking near 94 C without delidding, so owners often delid and use better paste or liquid metal.5
  • Memory overclocks often stall around 3200–3800 MHz, even with QVL-listed kits and XMP profiles.3
  • Some chips fail LINX AVX stress tests even at 4.9 GHz, and VRMs can throttle during long runs at 5.3 GHz and high voltage.3

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

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7-8086K

Technical score
Technical score
5.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

6.2

Performance

18%

4.9

Architecture

10%

5.6

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.0

Power & Thermal

4%

7.6

Platform

1%

6.7

Integrated graphics

5.8
Reviews score
5.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

7.2
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
LGA1151
This processor uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 59% of processors and equal to that of 9% of processors.
Chipset
Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310
This processor supports Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 57.3% of processors and equal to that of 4.2% 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
MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES instruction sets, which is narrower support than 71% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Show more
N. of physical cores
6
This processor has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 47.7% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
12
This processor offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 53% of processors and equal to 14.2% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 5 GHz which is higher than that of 78.5% of processors and equal to that of 5.9% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 4.0 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 6x4.0 GHz which is higher than that of 73% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
14,057
This processor scores 14,057 in PassMark, which is higher than 56.1% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
14 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
12 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 9.3% of processors.
L2 cache
1.5 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 1.5 MB which is smaller than that of 63.7% of processors and equal to that of 4.5% of processors.
L1 cache
384 KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 44% of processors and equal to that of 15.7% 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
2,666 MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 56.7% of processors and equal to 7.9% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 59.8% of processors and equal to 7.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
This processor supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 27.2% of processors and equal to 26.1% of processors.
Show more
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
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
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), VP8 (HW decode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode)
This processor supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 54% of processors and equal to 0.2% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
95 W
This processor has a TDP of 95 W which is higher than that of 87.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
95 W
This processor has a base power of 95 W which is higher than that of 87.6% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
130 W
This processor has a boost power of 130 W which is higher than that of 78% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i7-8086K vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 13.6% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    5.0 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 2 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    6 vs 4
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x4 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x4.0 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 4 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    12 vs 8
  • 33.7% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (6,966 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    6,966 vs 5,209
  • 26.4% higher sentiment score
    9.1 vs 7.2
  • 26.4% higher sentiment score
    9.1 vs 7.2
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP5).
    LGA1151 vs FP5
  • 13.6% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    5.0 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 2 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    6 vs 4
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x4 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x4.0 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 4 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    12 vs 8
  • 33.7% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (6,966 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    6,966 vs 5,209
  • 22.6% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (14,057 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    14,057 vs 11,469
  • 10.1% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,816 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    2,816 vs 2,558
  • 11.9% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,717 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,717 vs 1,535
  • 12 higher clock multiplier
    This processor has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (40 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    40 vs 28
  • 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
  • 15.8% smaller die size
    This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (149 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    149 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Coffee Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.11x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    95 W vs 45 W
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 2.03x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (130 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    130 W vs 64 W
  • 13.4% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.8/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    5.8

    Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 7.6 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    6.9

    Average grade

    20%

    9.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (26)
    19 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 11 estimated from the review. 7 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.
    5.8 vs 6.7
  • 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
  • 2.11x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    95 W vs 45 W
  • 13.4% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.8/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    5.8

    Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 7.6 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    6.9

    Average grade

    20%

    9.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (26)
    19 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 11 estimated from the review. 7 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.
    5.8 vs 6.7
  • 40% more expensive
    Intel Core i7-8086K is more expensive than the average processor (£350 vs £250).
    £350 vs £250
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES 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, MPX, 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, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • More limited crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 2 years older release date
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2018 vs 2020).
    June 2018
    2018 vs 2020
  • 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
  • 50% smaller L2 cache
    This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    1.5 MB vs 3 MB
  • 39.4% fewer transistors
    This processor has fewer transistors than the average processor (3 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
    3 billion vs 4.95 billion
  • 16.7% lower memory speed
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    2,666 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • 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
  • 11.3% lower memory bandwidth
    This processor has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (41.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    41.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR4-2666 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR4-2,666 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • Narrower media codec support
    This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode) 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), VP8 (HW decode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.11x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    95 W vs 45 W
  • 2.03x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (130 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    130 W vs 64 W
  • 2.11x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    95 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

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

6.0
RandomGaminginHD
≈ estimated
25/08/2026
Hands-on review · gaming benchmarks versus a newer six-core CPU
Verdict
Intel Core i7-8086K is a fun collectible with overclocking potential, but a poor choice for serious gaming builds today.
8.0
Gamers Nexus
≈ estimated
13/07/2018
Overclocking stream recap · frequencies, voltages and memory tests
Verdict
Intel Core i7-8086K reaches a strong core overclock of 5.35 GHz, but its memory controller holds back further gains.
3.0
BPS Customs
≈ estimated
18/06/2018
Hands-on review · benchmarks and overclocking tests
Verdict
Intel Core i7-8086K matches the 8700K at stock speeds, its overclock is unstable, and it isn't worth the extra cost.
7.0
Jezy
≈ estimated
08/03/2020
Hands-on review · gaming tests and value comparison
Verdict
Intel Core i7-8086K is a good chip if you can afford it, but the Ryzen 1700X is better value.
Overview video
Overview video
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
20/07/2018
Review · Overclocking CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K performs like the Core i7-8700K out of the box, but its strong overclocking suits enthusiasts who push chips hard.
7.0
hexus.net
≈ estimated
13/06/2018
Benchmark test · Limited edition CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K holds high overclocks well, but its main difference from the Core i7-8700K is a 5.0GHz single-core speed.
8.0
overclockers.com
≈ estimated
27/07/2018
Lab test · Overclocking and power
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K is a limited anniversary chip that runs slightly faster than the 8700K and overclocks well, but it draws more power and runs hotter.
7.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
02/10/2018
Review · Limited edition chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K is slightly faster than the 8700K and overclocks well, but mainly suits enthusiasts who are willing to tune it and have a strong liquid cooler.
8.0
hothardware.com
✓ explicit
11/07/2018
Review · Anniversary CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K looks just like the Core i7-8700K, and its single-core turbo is the main thing that should make it faster.
6.0
lanoc.org
≈ estimated
24/08/2018
Benchmark review · Single-core speed
Verdict
The Intel i7-8086K pulls ahead in single-core tasks, while in multi-core and encoding tests it stays within a few points of the 8700K.
6.0
digit.in
≈ estimated
01/08/2023
Review · Overclocking focus
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K suits overclockers and collectors, while the Ryzen 7 2700X remains the better CPU overall.
9.1
hardwareinside.de
✓ explicit
25/12/2018
Review · Overclocking and power draw
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K is a slightly faster Core i7 with overclocking headroom and efficient power draw, suiting enthusiasts who want a collector's piece.
4.0
hardwareluxx.de
≈ estimated
09/08/2018
Lab test · Stock versus overclock
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K is essentially a lightly revised 8700K, with gains only in single-thread work and no advantage in games, so it is mainly a collector's piece.
8.8
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
11/08/2018
Review · Benchmarks and overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K is mostly an 8700K with higher clocks, so the gain over it is barely noticeable.
7.6
hardzone.es
✓ explicit
04/09/2018
Review · CPU-Z and overclock tests
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K is practically an 8700K, but its higher single-core speed and 5.2 GHz overclock make it a chip for enthusiasts and collectors.
8.0
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
06/08/2018
Review · Overclocking and history
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K is a strong overclocker that reaches 5.1 GHz and suits enthusiasts, though its six cores still trail AMD's eight-core chips in multi-core work.
6.0
tomshw.it
≈ estimated
28/06/2018
Review · Limited edition CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K appeals to collectors and gamers who want speed, and it overclocks well, but it is only a small step up from the Core i7-8700K.
8.0
hwready.it
≈ estimated
15/09/2018
Lab test · Overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K is essentially an 8700K with a 5 GHz single-core turbo, so it mainly appeals to collectors and overclockers.
7.0
hardware.info
≈ estimated
13/06/2018
Benchmark test · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K is the best gaming processor tested, but its speed edge over the Core i7-8700K is slim enough that the 8700K makes more sense.
5.0
tweakers.net
≈ estimated
26/06/2018
Lab test · Anniversary chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-8086K is a 5GHz anniversary chip that beats the 8700K only in single-threaded work and medium-setting games, with near-identical results in most other tests.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7-8086K

  • Highest-quality binned Coffee Lake silicon with better stability at high frequencies
  • First consumer processor to reach 5.0 GHz single-core turbo boost out of the box
  • Excellent overclocking headroom, often reaching 5.1-5.3 GHz with adequate cooling
  • Top-tier single-threaded performance for gaming and productivity applications
  • Limited edition collector's appeal, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the x86 architecture
  • Strong gaming performance, remaining one of the fastest chips for its generation

What customers don't like about Intel Core i7-8086K

  • Premium pricing for performance that is nearly identical to the cheaper i7-8700K at stock settings
  • Does not include a stock cooling fan, requiring a high-end heatsink or liquid cooler
  • Significant power consumption and high operating temperatures when overclocked
  • Minimal real-world gains in multi-threaded tasks compared to standard 8th Gen flagships
  • Strictly limited production run of 50,000 units makes it difficult to find at MSRP
  • Outperformed in multi-core workloads by contemporary Ryzen competitors with higher core counts

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-8086K is a limited-edition 8th Generation processor released in 2018 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the x86 architecture. Built on the 14nm++ Coffee Lake architecture, it features 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 12MB Smart Cache, operating with a 95W TDP on the LGA 1151v2 socket. Its main characteristics include being the first mainstream Intel CPU to reach a 5.0 GHz single-core Turbo frequency out of the box, paired with a 4.0 GHz base clock. The primary pros are its status as a highly binned version of the i7-8700K, which offers superior overclocking headroom for enthusiasts and industry-leading single-threaded performance for gaming and Adobe-style applications at its launch. However, its main cons include a significant price premium for marginal performance gains over the standard i7-8700K and the absence of a bundled thermal solution, necessitating high-end aftermarket cooling to manage temperatures during heavy workloads.

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