Question 1

Is the Core i7-8700K a worthwhile upgrade from the Core i7-7700K?

Accepted Answer

The Core i7-8700K is a substantial upgrade for heavily threaded applications and newer games because it increases the configuration from 4 cores and 8 threads to 6 cores and 12 threads. Reviews found roughly 18% to 21% higher gaming performance in demanding titles and about 40% to 50% higher performance in several multi-threaded workloads. The upgrade is practical only if you also move to an Intel 300-series motherboard, because the i7-8700K is not supported by the 100- or 200-series boards commonly used with the i7-7700K.

Question 2

Is the Core i7-8700K worth choosing over the Core i5-8600K?

Accepted Answer

Choose the Core i7-8700K for video encoding, streaming, rendering, compiling, and heavier multitasking because it has 6 cores and 12 threads compared with the i5-8600K's 6 cores and 6 threads. Choose the Core i5-8600K for a gaming-focused system when the lower cost matters and workloads will rarely use more than six threads; gaming performance is often relatively close when both processors are used with the same graphics card.

Question 3

Should I choose the Core i7-8700K or Ryzen 5 3600 for a budget gaming and productivity PC?

Accepted Answer

Choose the Core i7-8700K when you already have a compatible Intel 300-series motherboard, need integrated graphics or Quick Sync, or prioritize high-refresh gaming performance. Choose the Ryzen 5 3600 when you are building around an AMD platform and want competitive multi-threaded performance with a newer mainstream platform. Testing shows the i7-8700K remains competitive in gaming, while the Ryzen 5 3600 can match or exceed it in some productivity workloads depending on the application.

Question 4

Should I buy the Intel Core i7-8700K or the Core i7-9700K?

Accepted Answer

Choose the Core i7-9700K when you want higher overall CPU performance from a newer compatible platform. It has 8 physical cores and generally performs about 5% to 11% faster in multi-threaded and single-threaded testing. Choose the Core i7-8700K when its lower acquisition cost, 12-thread design, or Intel Quick Sync support is more important. Both require a compatible Intel 300-series platform and an aftermarket CPU cooler.

Question 5

Will this processor work with my motherboard?

Accepted Answer

It is compatible only with motherboards using an Intel 300 Series chipset and an LGA1151 socket. A motherboard with an older or newer chipset may not support it, even if it also uses an LGA1151-style socket.

Question 6

What type of RAM does this processor support?

Accepted Answer

It supports DDR4 system memory. The exact supported speed, capacity, and number of memory modules depend on the compatible motherboard and its firmware settings, so those specifications should be checked before purchase.

Question 7

Does the Intel Core i7-8700K include a CPU cooler?

Accepted Answer

No. This processor does not include a CPU cooler, so a compatible air or liquid cooler must be purchased separately. Cooling is especially important if you plan to use its unlocked overclocking capability.

Question 8

Can this processor be overclocked?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Core i7-8700K is unlocked for overclocking, but the result depends on the motherboard, cooling system, power delivery, and system settings. Overclocking is not automatic and may increase heat and power consumption.

Question 9

Can I use this processor without a dedicated graphics card?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it includes Intel UHD Graphics 630, so it can provide basic display output when installed in a compatible motherboard with video outputs. A dedicated graphics card is still recommended for demanding gaming, 3D rendering, or GPU-intensive workloads.

Question 10

Can the i7-8700K bottleneck a newer graphics card?

Accepted Answer

It can, depending on the game, resolution, target frame rate, and graphics card. Bottlenecks are more likely in CPU-heavy games and at 1080p or high refresh rates; at higher resolutions, the GPU is more often the limiting component.

Questions & Answers