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Intel Core i7 8086K Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£350
  • PassMark benchmark result: 14057
  • N. of physical cores: 6
  • CPU boost clock speed: 5.0 GHz

Intel Core i7 8086K review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.5

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%

5.1

Technical Score

10.0%

8.6

User score

Good
5.1

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

60.0%

5.1

Performance

18.0%

4.9

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.6

Platform

1.0%

6.7

Integrated Graphics

Good
8.6

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%

7.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(154)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 4.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.9

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.9

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    7.6

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

  • 3.3
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.6

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    4.0

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

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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 i7-8086K 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.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 8086K

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

60.0%

5.1

Performance

18.0%

4.9

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.5

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

3.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.6

Platform

1.0%

6.7

Integrated Graphics

5.1
Intel Core i7 8086K has a technical score of 5.11 points, which is lower than that of 52% 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%

7.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(154)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.6
Intel Core i7 8086K has a user score of 8.55 points, which is higher than that of 86.4% 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.
7.0
Intel Core i7 8086K has a popularity of 7 points, which is higher than 85% 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%

5.5

Overall score

40.0%

8.7

Price

6.4
Intel Core i7 8086K has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is higher than 49.1% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i7 8086K 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 8086K 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

Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310
Intel Core i7 8086K supports Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 57.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i7 8086K 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+

6
Intel Core i7 8086K has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 49.9% of processors and equal to 13.4% 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+

12
Intel Core i7 8086K offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 55.1% of processors and equal to 14.1% 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 8086K offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

5.0 GHz
Intel Core i7 8086K reaches a boost clock of 5.0 GHz which is higher than that of 80.3% of processors and equal to that of 5.7% 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

6 x 4.0 GHz
Intel Core i7 8086K has a base clock of 6x4.0 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 8086K 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 8086K 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

12 MB
Intel Core i7 8086K has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 54.4% of processors and equal to that of 9% 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

1.5 MB
Intel Core i7 8086K has an L2 cache of 1.5 MB which is smaller than that of 62.5% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% 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

384 KB
Intel Core i7 8086K has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 45% of processors and equal to that of 15.8% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i7 8086K supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,666 MHz
Intel Core i7 8086K supports memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2666 MHz
Intel Core i7 8086K supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55.3% of processors and equal to 7.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

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

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

64 GB
Intel Core i7 8086K 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 8086K includes integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 630
Intel Core i7 8086K uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 44.3% and equal to that in 8.3%.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i7 8086K 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 8086K 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), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i7 8086K supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), VP8 (HW decode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 52.8% of processors and equal to 0.3% 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

95 W
Intel Core i7 8086K has a TDP of 95 W which is higher than that of 88.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% 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

95 W
Intel Core i7 8086K has a base power of 95 W which is higher than that of 88.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% 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

130 W
Intel Core i7 8086K has a boost power of 130 W which is higher than that of 81.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i7 8086K has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i7 8086K does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i7 8086K vs the average processor

  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i7 8086K 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 8086K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (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 8086K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.5.0 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i7 8086K 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 8086K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 4 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i7 8086K has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i7 8086K has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.12 vs 8
  • 45.3% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (6,966 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (6,966 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.6,966 vs 4,793
  • 13.4% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,816 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 8086K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,816 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.2,816 vs 2,483
  • 16.7% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,717 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,717 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.1,717 vs 1,471
  • 7.04x more popular
    Intel Core i7 8086K is more popular than the average processor (7.04 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 8086K is more popular than the average processor (7.04 vs 1,000).7.04 vs 1
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 8086K uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i7 8086K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 16.3% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 4 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i7 8086K has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 45.3% higher multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (6,966 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 13.4% better single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,816 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 16.7% higher single-core score
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,717 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 33.5% higher PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (14,057 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 12 higher clock multiplier
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (40 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 16.3% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a lower die size than the average processor (149 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 50% larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (12 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 8086K 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 8086K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 8086K 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).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 8086K does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 8086K has an older release date than the average processor (2018 vs 2020).
    June 2,018
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 8086K 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.
  • 40% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 39.4% fewer transistors
    Intel Core i7 8086K has fewer transistors than the average processor (3 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • 9.2% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (41.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 2.11x higher base power
    Intel Core i7 8086K 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.
  • 2.03x higher boost power
    Intel Core i7 8086K 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.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 8086K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 2.11x higher TDP
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher TDP than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 2.11x higher base power
    Intel Core i7 8086K 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.
    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 8086K 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
    Intel Core i7 8086K 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.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i7 8086K 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
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 8086K 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 8086K 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
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 8086K 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).
    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 8086K 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).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
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 8086K 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 8086K 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
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 8086K 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 8086K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 2.11x higher TDP
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a higher TDP than the average processor (95 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 8086K 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
  • 40% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 8086K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 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 8086K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
Total
Overall
Platform
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 8086K and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
154 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

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 dislike 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

Expert reviews

H
hexus.net
13/06/2018
Review: Intel Core i7-8086K (14nm) - CPU

The Hexus review characterizes the Intel Core i7-8086K as a speed-binned version of the i7-8700K celebrating the 40th anniversary of the original 8086, featuring 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 95W TDP. It is the first Intel processor to hit 5.0GHz out of the box, offering superior overclocking headroom with lower voltage requirements than the 8700K. However, the chip offers only a...Read more

T
techradar.com
20/07/2018
Intel Core i7-8086K review

The Intel Core i7-8086K is a limited-edition, 40th-anniversary processor capable of reaching a 5.0GHz turbo frequency out of the box, essentially acting as a "cherry-picked" version of the i7-8700K. It features the same six-core, 12-thread architecture, offering superior stability for extreme overclocking, with testing showing stable speeds up to 5.3GHz, making it an excellent...Read more

L
lanoc.org
24/08/2018
Intel i7-8086K Review HEXUS.net

The LanOC review identifies the Intel i7-8086K as a highly binned, limited-edition version of the i7-8700K, marking Intel's 40th anniversary with a stock 5.0 GHz boost clock. While offering industry-leading single-core speeds and superior overclocking potential for enthusiasts, the performance gains over the 8700K are marginal in real-world applications, and the processor runs...Read more

H
hothardware.com
11/07/2018
Core i7-8086K 40th Anniversary CPU Review: Intel X86 Hits 5GHz

The Intel Core i7-8086K, reviewed by HotHardware, is a 40th-anniversary limited edition 6-core/12-thread CPU that acts as a "speed-binned" version of the 8700K, featuring a 4GHz base and 5GHz single-core turbo boost. It guarantees superior "golden batch" silicon for high-frequency operation out of the box, offering higher overclocking headroom and better efficiency, though it lacks...Read more

P
phoronix.com
06/07/2018
Intel Core i7 8086K Linux Performance Review

The Phoronix review characterizes the Intel Core i7-8086K as a highly-binned, limited-edition 6-core/12-thread Coffee Lake processor, designed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 8086 with a 5.0GHz single-core turbo. Under Linux, it offers excellent out-of-the-box support, delivering peak performance for single-threaded tasks and gaming. Key pros include superior,...Read more

P
pcmag.com
02/10/2018
Intel Core i7-8086K Limited Edition Review

The Intel Core i7-8086K Limited Edition, a 6-core/12-thread "Coffee Lake" CPU released for the x86 architecture's 40th anniversary, is a speed-binned 8700K featuring a 4.0GHz base clock and a 5.0GHz turbo frequency. It provides superior single-core performance and acts as a "ready overclocker," appealing to enthusiasts and collectors. While performance is excellent in gaming, the...Read more

O
overclockers.com
27/07/2018
Intel Core i7-8086K 40th Anniversary CPU Review

The Overclockers.com review highlights the Intel Core i7-8086K as a high-performance, limited-edition chip celebrating the 40th anniversary of x86 architecture, acting as a highly binned i7-8700K with 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 5.0 GHz boost clock. It offers superior single-core performance, ideal for gaming, and boasts a roughly 60% higher probability of reaching stable 5.2 GHz...Read more

F
forbes.com
06/07/2018
Intel Core i7-8086K Limited Edition Review: Should You Buy Its First 5GHz Processor? Would you like to see a comparison table of the benchmark results...

The Intel Core i7-8086K Limited Edition is a 40th-anniversary, high-binned variant of the Core i7-8700K, marking Intel's first mainstream 5GHz boost clock processor. As a 50,000-unit limited release, it offers superior silicon for enhanced overclocking and top-tier single-threaded performance for gaming, justifying its value for collectors and enthusiasts. However, its significant...Read more

D
digit.in
01/08/2023
Intel Core i7-8086K Review : Joining the 50K exclusive club

The Intel Core i7-8086K, a limited-edition 6-core/12-thread processor celebrating the 40th anniversary of x86, is a "better-binned" i7-8700K featuring a 4.0 GHz base clock and a 5.0 GHz single-core boost. Benchmarks show marginal performance gains over the 8700K in real-world scenarios due to the shared 95W TDP, despite higher single-threaded speed. While offering excellent...Read more

L
lanoc.org
24/08/2018
Intel i7-8086K - LanOC Reviews

The Intel i7-8086K is a limited-edition, six-core Coffee Lake processor designed for the 40th anniversary of the 8086, featuring a 4.0 GHz base clock and a 5.0 GHz boost speed. Essentially a high-binned i7-8700K, it offers top-tier single-core performance suitable for gaming and emulation, alongside improved overclocking potential. However, the chip suffers from poor value at a $425...Read more

B
bit-tech.net
29/06/2018
Intel Core i7-8086K Limited Edition Review

The bit-tech review of the Intel Core i7-8086K Limited Edition highlights this processor as a celebratory, speed-binned version of the i7-8700K designed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 8086, featuring a notable 5GHz single-core turbo frequency. While offering excellent single-core performance, the chip's all-core boost remains at 4.3GHz, identical to its predecessor,...Read more

T
tomshardware.com
27/06/2018
Intel Core i7-8086K Review: 40 Years Of x86

The Intel Core i7-8086K, a limited-edition processor celebrating 40 years of x86 architecture, features six cores/12 threads with a notable 5.0 GHz single-core Turbo Boost, yet offers only marginal performance gains over the i7-8700K at stock settings. Pros include superior silicon quality for overclockers aiming for 5.1 GHz+ across all cores, high gaming performance, and value as a...Read more

C
computerbase.de
11/06/2018
Intel Core i7-8086K: The Limited Edition for Hunters and Collectors

The Intel Core i7-8086K is a 40th-anniversary limited edition CPU that acts as a highly-binned, higher-clocked variant of the i7-8700K, offering 4.0 GHz base and 5.0 GHz boost speeds. While providing exceptional single-threaded performance and superior overclocking potential, the processor offers only marginal 1-2% performance gains in multi-core applications over the standard...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hardware-mag.de
05/03/2019
Intel Core i7-8086K Limited Edition Review

The Hardware-Mag review of the Intel Core i7-8086K Limited Edition describes it as a 6-core/12-thread commemorative processor based on the 8th Gen Coffee Lake architecture, celebrating 40 years of x86, with an unlocked multiplier. It is noted as a highly binned version of the i7-8700K capable of reaching a 5.0 GHz turbo frequency out of the box. While offering excellent single-core...Read more

(Translated)Show original
G
gamestar.de
24/07/2018
Intel Core i7-8086K Review: Anniversary Edition with a Catch

The Intel Core i7-8086K is a limited-edition 6-core/12-thread processor commemorating the 40th anniversary of the x86 architecture, featuring a 5.0 GHz single-core boost based on the Coffee Lake architecture. Primarily a highly binned version of the i7-8700K, it offers superior overclocking potential, excellent single-threaded performance for gaming, and compatibility with existing...Read more

(Translated)Show original
P
profesionalreview.com
11/08/2018
Intel Core i7-8086K Review (Full Analysis)

The Intel Core i7-8086K, a 40th-anniversary limited-edition 6-core/12-thread chip, delivers 5.0 GHz single-core boost speeds and superior silicon binning compared to the i7-8700K. It offers elite single-threaded performance for gaming, though real-world gains over the standard 8700K are minimal (1–5%). While offering improved overclocking potential, its high price and significant...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hwready.it
15/09/2018
Intel Core i7-8086K Limited Edition: The first 5GHz Turbo CPU – Review

The Intel Core i7-8086K Limited Edition is a 6-core, 12-thread 8th-generation processor designed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of x86, functioning as a high-quality "binned" version of the 8700K. It features a 4.0 GHz base clock and is the first consumer CPU to achieve a 5.0 GHz turbo frequency out of the box. Pros include excellent single-core speed, strong performance in...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tomshw.it
28/06/2018
Intel Core i7-8086K Review: The Limited Edition CPU

The Intel Core i7-8086K Limited Edition is a 6-core, 12-thread processor celebrating the 40th anniversary of the x86 architecture, acting as a highly binned Core i7-8700K that hits 5 GHz Turbo out of the box. It offers superior single-threaded performance and excellent overclocking headroom, often reaching 5.1–5.3 GHz on all cores, though multi-threaded gains over the 8700K are...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hardware.info
13/06/2018
Intel Core i7-8086K review: the best gaming CPU, but not the best value

The Intel Core i7-8086K review on Hardware.info characterizes the processor as a celebratory, high-performance "bin" of the i7-8700K, marking the 40th anniversary of the original 8086. It is praised as a top-tier gaming CPU due to achieving a 5.0 GHz boost clock out of the box, offering superior single-threaded speed, yet the review notes a minimal performance advantage over the...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
26/06/2018
Intel's Core i7-8086K tested - Review - Tweakers

The Intel Core i7-8086K, reviewed by Tweakers, is a limited-edition processor celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 8086 chip, acting as a highly binned version of the i7-8700K to guarantee higher performance. It is notably the first Intel consumer CPU to reach a 5.0GHz single-core turbo boost out of the box, with a base clock speed increased to 4.0GHz. Pros of this processor...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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