There was a time when my computer felt like it was constantly gasping for air. Lag spikes during gaming, excruciating render times for video projects, and frustrating slowdowns when multitasking made me realize I desperately needed a CPU upgrade. This wasn’t just an inconvenience; it meant missed opportunities for creative work and a significantly less enjoyable computing experience. Solving this bottleneck was crucial to reclaim both my productivity and my passion for gaming, and that’s precisely why a high-performance processor like the Intel Core i7-8700K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.7GHz Turbo Unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W would have been a game-changer back then.
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets
- 6 Cores / 12 Threads
Key Considerations Before Your Processor Purchase
Before diving headfirst into buying any component for your PC, especially something as central as a CPU, it’s vital to understand what you truly need. A processor is the brain of your computer, solving complex calculations that allow your operating system, applications, and games to run smoothly. Without a capable CPU, even the most powerful graphics card can be held back, leading to a frustrating user experience. People typically seek a new processor to upgrade an aging system, build a new high-performance machine, or specifically target demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, or heavy multitasking.
The ideal customer for a high-end desktop processor like the Intel Core i7-8700K is someone who needs serious processing power. This includes avid gamers who want high frame rates, streamers who juggle gameplay and broadcasting, content creators working with video, audio, or complex graphics, and power users who demand snappy performance across multiple applications simultaneously. This processor is also perfect for enthusiasts who enjoy overclocking and fine-tuning their systems for maximum performance.
Conversely, if you primarily use your computer for basic tasks like web browsing, email, word processing, or light media consumption, a CPU of this caliber might be overkill and an unnecessary expense. For such users, a more budget-friendly Intel Core i3 or i5, or even an entry-level AMD Ryzen processor, would suffice. Similarly, if your existing motherboard doesn’t support the LGA 1151 socket and Intel 300 Series Chipsets, you’d need to factor in a new motherboard, which could significantly increase your overall upgrade cost.
When considering a CPU purchase, always think about:
* Socket Compatibility: Does it fit your current or planned motherboard?
* Core and Thread Count: How many cores/threads do your primary applications utilize?
* Clock Speed: Is single-core performance or multi-core performance more critical for your workload?
* Overclocking Capability: Do you want the flexibility to push performance further?
* Power Consumption (TDP): How much heat will it generate, and what kind of cooling will you need?
* Integrated Graphics: Do you need onboard graphics, or will you rely solely on a dedicated GPU?
* Budget: What’s your overall spending limit for the CPU and any necessary supporting components?
- Can deliver fast 100 plus FPS performance in the world's most popular games, discrete graphics card required
- Built for the Next Generation of Gaming. Game and multitask without compromise powered by Intel’s performance hybrid architecture on an unlocked processor.
- The world’s fastest gaming processor, built on AMD ‘Zen5’ technology and Next Gen 3D V-Cache.
Introducing the Intel Core i7-8700K: What You Need to Know
The Intel Core i7-8700K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.7GHz Turbo Unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W is an 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, a powerhouse designed for desktop computing. It promises exceptional performance, particularly in gaming and demanding applications, thanks to its combination of high clock speeds and multiple cores. When you purchase this processor, you typically receive just the CPU itself in its retail packaging; unlike non-K series processors, it does not come with a stock cooler, underscoring its enthusiast-grade nature and the expectation that users will opt for a more robust aftermarket cooling solution.
At its release, this processor was a significant step up from its 7th generation predecessors, offering two additional physical cores, which greatly enhanced its multitasking and multi-threaded application performance. While not directly competing with AMD’s multi-core Ryzen chips on raw core count, the i7-8700K excelled with its superior single-core performance and impressive boost clocks, often giving it an edge in many games that primarily favored fewer, faster cores.
This specific Intel Core i7 is tailor-made for users building a high-performance system for gaming, live streaming, or content creation. It’s for those who demand responsiveness and the ability to run multiple intensive applications without compromise. It’s also an ideal choice for PC enthusiasts looking to extract every bit of performance through overclocking. It is *not* for someone on a strict budget for a casual use PC, nor for users who aren’t willing to invest in a dedicated cooling solution, as its unlocked nature and high performance potential necessitate better cooling than a basic stock cooler.
Here’s a quick overview of its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Excellent single-core performance, ideal for gaming.
* Unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking.
* 6 Cores / 12 Threads provide strong multitasking capabilities.
* High turbo clock speeds right out of the box.
* Supports Intel Optane Memory for faster storage.
Cons:
* Runs quite hot, especially when overclocked, often requiring delidding for optimal temperatures.
* Requires a compatible Intel 300 Series chipset motherboard (e.g., Z370, Z390).
* Does not include a stock cooler, necessitating an additional purchase.
* Higher power consumption than some competitors.
* No longer Intel’s latest generation, meaning newer options exist for some.
Deep Dive into Performance: Features and Advantages
Having used the Intel Core i7-8700K for an extended period, I can attest to its enduring capabilities. It’s been the backbone of my system for years, handling everything I throw at it with remarkable grace. Let’s break down the features that make it such a formidable processor.
6 Cores / 12 Threads: Multitasking Mastery
One of the most significant upgrades with the 8700K over previous generations was the bump to 6 physical cores and 12 threads (thanks to Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology). This configuration truly transformed my computing experience. Before this, juggling a game, Discord, a web browser with multiple tabs, and perhaps a background download would often lead to stuttering or slowdowns. With the 8700K, those days became a distant memory.
During intense gaming sessions, where the game itself might primarily utilize 4-6 cores, the additional threads ensure that background applications and system processes don’t interfere. For content creation, this is even more critical. When I’m editing video in Adobe Premiere Pro or rendering a 3D model, the software can effectively utilize all 12 threads, significantly reducing render times compared to a 4-core processor. I’ve seen complex projects that would have taken hours on my old system complete in a fraction of the time, directly translating to more efficient workflows and less waiting around. Streaming live gameplay also benefits immensely; the game gets its dedicated cores, while the streaming encoder (Intel Core i7-8700K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.7GHz Turbo Unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W) handles the encoding without impacting game performance. This core/thread count struck a perfect balance for enthusiasts at its time, providing a substantial leap in multi-threaded performance without sacrificing the single-core prowess that Intel was known for.
High Clock Speed (3.7 GHz Base, 4.7 GHz Max Turbo): Blazing Fast Responsiveness
The base clock speed of 3.7 GHz is already impressive, but it’s the Max Turbo Frequency of 4.7 GHz that really makes the Intel Core i7-8700K shine. This means that when an application demands peak performance, individual cores can dynamically boost to almost 5 GHz. For gaming, which often benefits more from higher clock speeds on fewer cores rather than a massive core count, this results in incredibly smooth gameplay and high frame rates, especially when paired with a capable GPU.
I’ve played countless hours of CPU-intensive games, from competitive shooters to expansive open-world titles, and the responsiveness has always been superb. Applications launch almost instantaneously, and even heavy computational tasks feel snappier. This high clock speed not only boosts gaming but also accelerates any single-threaded application, which many programs still rely on. The immediate feedback and lack of perceptible delay when interacting with my system is a huge benefit to overall user experience and productivity.
Unlocked Multiplier (K-series): The Overclocker’s Dream
As a “K” series processor, the Intel Core i7-8700K comes with an unlocked multiplier. This feature is a playground for enthusiasts like myself. The ability to push the clock speed beyond the advertised turbo frequency allows for a significant performance bump, squeezing even more power out of the chip. I’ve personally run mine stably at 4.8 GHz on all cores, and with careful tuning and sufficient cooling, some users even reach 4.9 GHz or 5.0 GHz.
However, a crucial point for anyone considering this processor and planning to overclock is its thermal performance. Out of the box, the thermal interface material (TIM) Intel used between the CPU die and the integrated heat spreader (IHS) wasn’t the best. This means that for serious overclocking, or even just to manage temperatures under heavy load more effectively, many users (including myself) found it almost a necessity to “delid” the CPU. Delidding involves carefully removing the IHS, replacing the factory TIM with liquid metal, and then reattaching the IHS (or running it naked with a direct-die cooler). While a somewhat daunting task for beginners, the temperature drops of 10-20°C after delidding are undeniable and make extreme overclocking much more feasible and stable. Without delidding, you’ll need a very robust air cooler or an All-in-One (AIO) liquid cooler to keep temperatures in check, especially when pushing frequencies past 4.7 GHz.
LGA 1151 Socket & 300 Series Chipset Compatibility: The Foundation
The Intel Core i7-8700K Desktop Processor requires an LGA 1151 socket motherboard, specifically one based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets (like Z370 or Z390). This is a critical detail, as it won’t work with older 100 or 200 series LGA 1151 boards. When I built my system, ensuring this compatibility was the first step. I opted for a Z370 motherboard, which provided the necessary power delivery and features for overclocking and utilizing the full potential of the CPU.
Choosing the right motherboard is almost as important as the CPU itself, as it dictates connectivity, upgrade paths, and the stability of your overclock. The 300 series chipsets offer features like increased USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, improved storage options, and robust power delivery crucial for a high-performance, overclockable processor. DDR4 SDRAM support is also standard, allowing for faster memory speeds that complement the CPU’s high clock rates, further enhancing overall system performance.
Intel UHD Graphics 630: Integrated Intelligence
While anyone buying an Intel Core i7-8700K likely has a powerful discrete graphics card, the inclusion of Intel UHD Graphics 630 is still a valuable feature. It’s not designed for serious gaming or demanding graphical tasks – that’s what your dedicated GPU is for. However, it serves several crucial purposes.
Firstly, it provides a fallback. If your dedicated graphics card ever fails or you’re troubleshooting a system issue, having integrated graphics means your system can still display an image, allowing you to diagnose problems or continue light use. Secondly, for professional users, it can be beneficial for specific applications that leverage Intel’s Quick Sync Video technology for faster video encoding/decoding, freeing up the dedicated GPU for other tasks. While I rarely used it directly, knowing it was there for troubleshooting provided peace of mind, saving me from being completely dead in the water if my main GPU had issues.
Intel Optane Memory Supported: Storage Acceleration
The Intel Core i7-8700K supports Intel Optane Memory, a technology designed to accelerate traditional hard drives. While modern NVMe SSDs have largely taken over as the preferred fast storage solution, Optane Memory offers a way to breathe new life into slower, high-capacity HDDs by acting as a high-speed cache.
For users with large media libraries or extensive game installations on mechanical drives, Optane Memory can significantly reduce load times and improve overall system responsiveness for frequently accessed files. While my primary drive is an NVMe SSD, the ability to potentially accelerate a secondary storage drive for games or large project files is a neat trick that adds versatility to the platform.
12 MB Cache: Faster Data Access
A substantial 12 MB of Smart Cache directly benefits the Intel Core i7-8700K’s performance. The cache acts as a super-fast memory buffer for the CPU, storing frequently accessed data so the processor doesn’t have to wait for slower RAM or storage. This is particularly important for tasks where the CPU needs quick access to data, such as complex calculations, large database operations, or intricate game environments.
The larger cache size contributes to the processor’s overall efficiency, reducing latency and ensuring that the cores have data readily available. This directly translates to smoother application performance, quicker task completion, and an overall more responsive computing experience, especially when dealing with data-intensive workloads.
95W TDP: Power and Cooling Considerations
With a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 95 watts, the Intel Core i7-8700K is a relatively power-hungry chip, especially when pushed beyond its stock frequencies. This is an important consideration because it directly impacts your choice of cooling solution and power supply. As mentioned, a stock cooler is not included, and for good reason. Even at stock settings, a decent aftermarket air cooler or an AIO liquid cooler is highly recommended to keep temperatures within optimal ranges and prevent thermal throttling.
When overclocking, the heat output can increase significantly, making robust cooling an absolute necessity. I initially started with a high-end air cooler, which performed admirably, but eventually moved to a 280mm AIO liquid cooler for even better thermal headroom, especially after delidding. Neglecting proper cooling for this processor would be a disservice to its performance potential and could lead to system instability or a shortened lifespan.
Voices from the Community: What Users Are Saying
Having scoured the internet and spoken to many fellow PC enthusiasts, the general sentiment around the Intel Core i7-8700K remains overwhelmingly positive. Many users echo my experiences, highlighting its exceptional performance for gaming and demanding applications. One enthusiast noted how they comfortably run their system at 4.8 GHz, maintaining cool temperatures even under load, which they primarily attribute to a good cooling solution and careful setup. Another user, having upgraded from an older i7, was simply blown away by the speed and fluidity of their new system, noting how multitasking felt effortless even while gaming and streaming simultaneously. There was also particular praise for its single-core strength, providing a noticeable boost in specific games and programs. While some acknowledged the common knowledge about Intel chips running a bit warm, especially when overclocked, most found that with adequate cooling, the performance payoff was well worth the investment, solidifying its reputation as a “beast” of a processor.
Final Verdict: Is This Processor Right for You?
If you’re a gamer, a content creator, or simply someone who demands a highly responsive and powerful desktop experience, you know the frustration of a sluggish system. Stuttering gameplay, endless rendering bars, and slow application launches can seriously hinder your enjoyment and productivity. Resolving these bottlenecks is essential for a fluid and efficient workflow, and for pure enjoyment.
The Intel Core i7-8700K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.7GHz Turbo Unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W remains a fantastic option to solve these problems. Firstly, its combination of 6 cores and 12 threads provides ample horsepower for demanding applications and multitasking, ensuring your system doesn’t bog down under pressure. Secondly, its high base and turbo clock speeds deliver exceptional single-core performance, making it a gaming powerhouse even years after its release. Finally, the unlocked multiplier offers enthusiasts the freedom to push performance even further through overclocking, giving you more bang for your buck if you’re willing to invest in robust cooling.
For those looking for a tried-and-true, high-performance CPU that still holds its own, the Intel Core i7-8700K is an excellent choice. Click here to check the product out and see if this formidable processor is the right upgrade for your system.
Last update on 2025-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API