Intel Core i7 8700 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£250
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • PassMark benchmark result: 12746
  • N. of physical cores: 6
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.6 GHz

Intel Core i7 8700 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.7

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%

5.3

Technical Score

10.0%

9.4

User score

Good
5.3

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

60.0%

5.0

Performance

18.0%

5.1

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.6

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.7

Platform

1.0%

6.9

Integrated Graphics

Good
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
(1486)
amazon
4.5
(76)
amazon
4.3
(12)
amazon
3.4
(3)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 4.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.4

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.2

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    6.4

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.7

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

  • 5.8
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    9.0

    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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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 i7-8700 is an 8th Generation Coffee Lake desktop processor featuring 6 cores and 12 threads with a 65W TDP. It operates at a 3.20 GHz base frequency and can reach a max turbo frequency of 4.60 GHz, supported by 12 MB of Intel Smart Cache and integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630. Main pros include its strong multi-threaded performance for productivity tasks like video editing, its inclusion of a stock cooler, and its high power efficiency compared to unlocked 'K' variants. Major cons include a locked multiplier that prevents overclocking, a reliance on the older 14nm++ process, and a stock cooler that often struggles to maintain peak performance under heavy sustained loads.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 8700

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

60.0%

5.0

Performance

18.0%

5.1

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.6

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.7

Platform

1.0%

6.9

Integrated Graphics

5.3
Intel Core i7 8700 has a technical score of 5.29 points, which is higher than that of 51.2% of products in this category.
User score

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

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

Score components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(1486)
amazon
4.5
(76)
amazon
4.3
(12)
amazon
3.4
(3)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.4
Intel Core i7 8700 has a user score of 9.43 points, which is higher than that of 92.6% 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 8700 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%

5.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

6.8
Intel Core i7 8700 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.8 points, which is higher than 65.9% 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 8700 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 8700 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 8700 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 8700 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 8700 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 8700 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 8700 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

4.6 GHz
Intel Core i7 8700 reaches a boost clock of 4.6 GHz which is higher than that of 62.4% of processors and equal to that of 4.5% 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 3.2 GHz
Intel Core i7 8700 has a base clock of 6x3.2 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 8700 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 8700 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 8700 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 8700 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 8700 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 8700 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 8700 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 8700 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

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

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i7 8700 supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i7 8700 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 8700 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 8700 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 8700 has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
Intel Core i7 8700 supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 72.1% of processors and equal to 2.9% 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

65 W
Intel Core i7 8700 has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% 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

65 W
Intel Core i7 8700 has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% 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

?
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 8700 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 8700 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i7 8700 vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i7 8700 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i7 8700 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i7 8700 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 8700 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i7 8700 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    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

    Intel Core i7 8700 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 7% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 8700 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.6 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 8700 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.4.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 4 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i7 8700 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 8700 has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.12 vs 8
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i7 8700 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 8700 is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).10 vs 1
  • 25.8% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 8700 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,500 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i7 8700 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,500 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.3,500 vs 2,783
  • 17.8% higher user score
    Intel Core i7 8700 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.43 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 8700 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.43 vs 8,000).9.43 vs 8
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 8700 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
  • 7% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 8700 has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 4 more CPU threads
    Intel Core i7 8700 has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 25.8% better multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 8700 has a higher multi-core performance than the average processor (3,500 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 13.5% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 8700 has a lower die size than the average processor (154 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 50% larger L3 cache
    Intel Core i7 8700 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 8700 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 8700 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i7 8700 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i7 8700 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • 3 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 8700 has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
    October 2,017
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 8700 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 8700 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, 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).
  • 32.3% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 8700 has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (224.8 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 8700 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 8700 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 8700 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.
  • 9.2% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 8700 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 8700 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.
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i7 8700 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 8700 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i7 8700 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 32.3% slower Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 8700 has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (224.8 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >290

    Intel Core i7 8700 has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (224.8 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.224.8 vs 331.88
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 8700 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 8700 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
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i7 8700 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 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 8700 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 8700 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 8700 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 8700 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 8700 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 3 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 8700 has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
    October 2,017
    What it is: The launch date of the processor.
    When it matters: When you want a newer platform or longer expected support life.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2022

    Intel Core i7 8700 has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).2017 vs 2020
  • 40% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 8700 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 8700 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
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i7 8700 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 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 8700 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 8700 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i7 8700?

  • Excellent multitasking performance due to 6 cores and 12 threads with Hyper-Threading technology.
  • Strong gaming performance that closely matches the pricier i7-8700K at stock speeds.
  • Efficient power consumption with a relatively low 65W TDP compared to 'K' series models.
  • Great value for users who do not plan on overclocking their system.
  • Significant performance leap over previous quad-core generations like the i7-7700.
  • Reliable for productivity tasks such as photo and 4K video editing.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 8700?

  • Locked multiplier prevents any manual overclocking for enthusiasts.
  • The included stock Intel cooler is widely considered inadequate and often leads to thermal throttling under heavy loads.
  • Requires a 300-series chipset motherboard, offering no backward compatibility with older LGA 1151 boards.
  • Can run quite hot during intensive tasks, often necessitating the purchase of an aftermarket cooling solution.
  • Limited RAM speed support (officially up to 2666MHz) on certain motherboard chipsets.

Expert reviews

O
openbenchmarking.org
Q4 2017

The Intel Core i7-8700 is a 6-core, 12-thread processor that serves as a capable workhorse, boasting a 50% performance increase over previous quad-core models due to enhanced multi-core efficiency and a manageable 65W TDP. While showing high performance in specific tasks like Gzip compression (86th percentile) and GraphicsMagick (85th percentile), its aging architecture can...Read more

R
rockpapershotgun.com
04/07/2019

The Rock Paper Shotgun review frames the 6-core, 12-thread Intel Core i7-8700 as a powerful, 65W, non-overclockable processor that offers excellent multi-tasking and superior performance over AMD counterparts of its era. While it excels in productivity, the review notes a significant drawback in its value proposition, with the locked, non-overclockable nature of the chip making it...Read more

T
tekeverything.com
26/01/2018

The Intel Core i7-8700 review on TekEverything highlights the processor as a powerful, non-K, six-core, 12-thread CPU that offers high-end performance for gaming and productivity, often challenging the more expensive 8700K. A major pro is its versatility as a lower-cost alternative that delivers massive, roughly 50% performance improvements over previous quad-core generations like...Read more

T
tomshardware.com
25/06/2018

The Intel Core i7-8700 is a high-performance six-core, 12-thread processor that delivers near-flagship performance, often matching the overclockable i7-8700K in stock gaming and productivity scenarios, according to Tom's Hardware. While it lacks a multiplier for overclocking, it presents a high-value alternative for users looking to avoid the premium cost of K-series chips and...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
29/03/2026

The Intel Core i7-8700 (3.20GHz) is a six-core, 12-thread Coffee Lake processor delivering strong multi-threaded performance with a 65W TDP, often equaling the "K" series at stock speeds. Its high 4.60 GHz turbo frequency offers a roughly 50% performance increase over previous generations, making it an efficient, capable choice for gaming and workstation tasks. Key advantages...Read more

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
01/03/2026

The Intel Core i7-8700 is a high-end, 6-core/12-thread 8th Gen Coffee Lake processor that delivers exceptional single, quad, and multi-core performance, boasting a 3.2 GHz base clock and up to 4.6 GHz turbo boost. According to UserBenchmark, this 65W TDP chip provides high-end performance similar to the unlocked i7-8700K at stock speeds, while offering superior power efficiency. Key...Read more

P
pcgameshardware.de
05/10/2017

The Intel Core i7-8700 (Coffee Lake) is a six-core, 12-thread processor offering significant multi-threading performance for the mainstream LGA 1151 platform, operating with a 65W TDP that provides high efficiency compared to its "K" counterpart. Key advantages include a substantial performance boost over older quad-core models, high 1% low frame rates in gaming, and an excellent...Read more

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tomshardware.fr
05/10/2017

The Intel Core i7-8700K and i7-8700 (Coffee Lake) introduce a six-core, 12-thread architecture to the mainstream market, utilizing a refined 14nm++ process to deliver high clock speeds. With aggressive 4.7 GHz Turbo Boost, these processors offer significant performance gains over previous generations, directly challenging AMD's Ryzen lineup. The review praises the i7-8700K as a...Read more

T
tech.everyeye.it
31/01/2018

The Intel Core i7-8700K delivers a significant performance leap, offering six cores and 12 threads that provide roughly 25% better gaming and up to 45% faster professional application performance than its predecessor. Key advantages include high-frequency Turbo Boost, excellent multitasking capabilities, and strong overclocking potential, making it a competitive choice against AMD's...Read more

R
rehwolution.it
28/03/2018

The Intel Core i7-8700K ("Coffee Lake") shifts to six cores and 12 threads, offering superior single-core performance (up to 4.7 GHz) and enhanced multi-threaded capabilities. Key advantages include industry-leading gaming performance and excellent overclocking headroom, often reaching 5.0 GHz. Productivity gains are significant, showing a 40-50% improvement over previous...Read more

T
tomshw.it
27/06/2018

The Intel Core i7-8700 review from Tom's Hardware highlights a significant shift, with the 6-core (12-thread) processor offering 50% higher multi-core performance than previous quad-core models, while operating close to the speed of the unlocked i7-8700K at stock settings. A major pro is its high value and efficiency for non-overclockers, often outperforming competitors in gaming,...Read more

H
hardware.info
15/05/2026

The Intel Core i7-8700 brings 6-core/12-thread performance to the mainstream market with a 3.2 GHz base clock and 4.6 GHz max turbo frequency. It delivers high-end gaming and multitasking capabilities nearly identical to the unlocked i7-8700K in stock conditions, but requires 300-series motherboards. While offering strong, efficient performance for power users, the processor is...Read more

G
gamecomputers.nl
15/05/2026

The Intel Core i5-8700 (Coffee Lake) introduced 6 physical cores to the mainstream, delivering a substantial multi-threaded performance boost for gaming and productivity over previous 4-core, 14nm architectures. With a low 65W TDP, it offers excellent power efficiency for mid-range systems, while providing reliable performance for demanding tasks such as 1080p video editing and...Read more

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