The Intel Core i7-8700K has been a popular choice among gamers and PC enthusiasts for quite some time. Released in 2017, it was considered one of the best gaming CPUs on the market, offering incredible performance and overclocking capabilities. However, with the rapid advancement of technology and the introduction of newer, more powerful processors, the question remains: is the 8700K still a good choice for gamers?
Understanding the 8700K’s Capabilities
To determine whether the 8700K is still a viable option for gaming, it’s essential to understand its capabilities and features. The 8700K is a part of Intel’s 8th generation Core i7 series, featuring six cores and 12 threads. It has a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz, with a turbo boost frequency of up to 4.7 GHz. Additionally, it comes with 12MB of cache memory, which is relatively high for a processor of its class.
The 8700K is built on the 14nm process node, which allows for efficient power consumption and heat dissipation. It has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 95W, making it a relatively power-hungry processor. However, this is compensated by its excellent performance and overclocking capabilities.
Overclocking Capabilities
One of the key selling points of the 8700K is its exceptional overclocking capabilities. With the right cooling system and motherboard, the 8700K can be pushed to incredible speeds, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts and gamers who want to squeeze every last bit of performance from their system.
Hyper-Threading
Another significant feature of the 8700K is its Hyper-Threading technology, which allows each core to handle two threads simultaneously. This results in improved multi-threaded performance, making it an excellent choice for tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and other content creation tasks.
Gaming Performance
So, how does the 8700K fare in terms of gaming performance? In short, it’s still an excellent choice for most modern games. With its high clock speeds and multiple cores, the 8700K can handle even the most demanding games with ease.
However, it’s essential to note that the 8700K’s gaming performance is largely dependent on the game itself. Games that are heavily optimized for multi-core processing will naturally benefit more from the 8700K’s six cores and Hyper-Threading technology.
| Game | Average FPS (1080p) | Average FPS (1440p) | Average FPS (4K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortnite | 120-150 | 80-100 | 40-50 |
| PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) | 80-100 | 60-80 | 30-40 |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 60-70 | 40-50 | 20-30 |
As you can see from the table above, the 8700K can handle most modern games with ease, even at higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K. However, it’s essential to note that the FPS figures mentioned above are approximate and may vary depending on the specific system configuration and graphics settings.
Comparison to Newer Processors
So, how does the 8700K compare to newer processors in terms of gaming performance? In general, the 8700K still holds its own against newer processors like the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and the Intel Core i5-11600K.
However, the 8700K’s power consumption and heat generation are significantly higher than its newer counterparts. This can make it more challenging to cool and may require a more robust cooling system.
Is the 8700K Still a Good Choice for Gamers?
Considering its excellent gaming performance, overclocking capabilities, and features like Hyper-Threading, the 8700K is still a good choice for gamers who want a high-performance processor without breaking the bank.
However, it’s essential to consider the following factors before making a purchase:
- Power consumption: The 8700K’s high power consumption may be a concern for those who want to build an energy-efficient system.
- Heat generation: The 8700K’s high heat generation may require a more robust cooling system, which can add to the overall cost of the system.
- Older architecture: The 8700K is based on an older architecture, which may not be as efficient as newer processors.
Who Should Consider the 8700K?
The 8700K is an excellent choice for the following types of users:
- Gamers who want high-performance gaming: If you’re looking for a processor that can handle demanding games at high resolutions, the 8700K is an excellent choice.
- Content creators who need multi-threaded performance: The 8700K’s Hyper-Threading technology and multiple cores make it an excellent choice for content creators who need to handle tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and more.
- Enthusiasts who want overclocking capabilities: If you’re an enthusiast who wants to push your system to its limits, the 8700K’s excellent overclocking capabilities make it an attractive option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Intel Core i7-8700K is still a good choice for gamers who want high-performance gaming and content creation. While it may not be the most power-efficient or feature-rich processor on the market, its exceptional performance, overclocking capabilities, and Hyper-Threading technology make it an attractive option for those who want a high-performance processor without breaking the bank.
However, it’s essential to consider the factors mentioned above and weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase. With the right system configuration and cooling system, the 8700K can be an excellent addition to any gaming or content creation setup.
Is the Intel Core i7-8700K still a viable option for gamers in 2023?
The Intel Core i7-8700K is still a powerful processor, but its viability for gamers in 2023 depends on several factors. While it may not be the latest and greatest, it can still provide excellent performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming. However, if you’re looking to play at 4K resolutions or take advantage of newer features like PCIe 4.0, you may want to consider more modern options.
That being said, the 8700K is still a great choice for those on a budget or looking to upgrade from an older system. It’s widely available and often discounted, making it a more affordable option compared to newer processors. Additionally, many games are still optimized to take advantage of the 8700K’s six cores and 12 threads, so you can expect excellent performance in many popular titles.
How does the 8700K compare to newer Intel processors like the i9-12900K?
The Intel Core i9-12900K is a much more powerful processor than the 8700K, with a higher number of cores, threads, and a significantly higher boost clock. The 12900K also supports newer features like PCIe 4.0 and DDR5 memory, which can provide improved performance in certain workloads. However, the 12900K is also much more expensive than the 8700K, and may not be necessary for many gamers.
If you’re primarily gaming at 1080p or 1440p, the 8700K may still be a better value. However, if you’re looking to take advantage of newer features or play at 4K resolutions, the 12900K may be a better choice. It’s also worth considering that the 12900K requires a more expensive motherboard and cooler, which can add to the overall cost.
Can the 8700K bottleneck high-end graphics cards like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080?
The Intel Core i7-8700K can potentially bottleneck high-end graphics cards like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 at very high resolutions. The 8700K’s six cores and 12 threads are still plenty powerful, but they may not be able to keep up with the RTX 3080’s massive bandwidth and compute resources. This can result in reduced frame rates and performance.
However, at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, the 8700K is still a great match for the RTX 3080. The processor’s high single-threaded performance and decent multi-threaded performance are well-suited for most modern games, and the RTX 3080’s power is rarely fully utilized at these resolutions. If you’re gaming at 4K or higher, a more modern processor like the i9-12900K may be a better choice.
Is the 8700K still compatible with modern motherboards and RAM?
The Intel Core i7-8700K is an older processor, and as such, it’s limited to older motherboards and RAM. The 8700K uses the Z370 chipset, which is no longer supported by Intel. This means you won’t be able to use newer features like PCIe 4.0 or DDR5 memory. However, there are still many Z370 motherboards available that support the 8700K, and many of them are still plenty capable.
You’ll need to ensure that your motherboard is compatible with the 8700K, and that you’re using DDR4 memory that’s rated for the processor’s maximum speed of 2666MHz. Additionally, some newer features like Wi-Fi 6 and high-quality audio may not be available on older motherboards.
How does the 8700K compare to AMD’s Ryzen 5 5600X?
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a more modern processor than the 8700K, and it offers several advantages. The 5600X has a higher number of cores and threads, and it supports newer features like PCIe 4.0 and DDR4 memory. The 5600X also has a lower TDP than the 8700K, which can make it more attractive for those looking to build a more efficient system.
That being said, the 8700K is still a great performer, and it’s often available at a lower price point than the 5600X. If you’re primarily gaming, the 8700K may still be a better value. However, if you’re looking for a more modern processor with newer features and better multi-threaded performance, the 5600X may be a better choice.
Can the 8700K be overclocked to improve performance?
Yes, the Intel Core i7-8700K can be overclocked to improve performance. The 8700K has a high turbo boost clock of 4.7GHz, but it can be pushed even higher with the right cooling and motherboard. Overclocking can provide significant gains in gaming performance, especially at lower resolutions.
However, overclocking can also increase power consumption and heat generation, which can be a concern for those looking to build a more efficient system. Additionally, overclocking can void your warranty, so be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and take necessary precautions.
Is the 8700K still a good choice for content creators?
The Intel Core i7-8700K is still a great choice for content creators who primarily work with applications that rely on single-threaded performance, such as photo and video editing. The 8700K’s high turbo boost clock and decent multi-threaded performance make it well-suited for these types of workloads.
However, for more demanding workloads like 3D modeling, animation, and streaming, a more modern processor like the i9-12900K may be a better choice. The 12900K’s higher number of cores and threads provide significantly better multi-threaded performance, which can greatly benefit these types of applications.