Intel Core i7-8700 Review

The Intel Core i7-8700 is a 7th generation processor from Intel's Coffee Lake series, released in 2017. This hex-core processor was a significant upgrade over its predecessors, offering improved performance and efficiency. Here’s a detailed review of its features, pros, and cons.

Features

• Architecture: Coffee Lake
• Socket: LGA 1151
• Cores/Threads: 6/12
• Base Clock Speed: 3.20 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: Up to 4.30 GHz
• Cache: 12 MB SmartCache
• TDP: 65W
• Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630
• Motherboard Compatibility: Supports 100 Series and 200 Series motherboards

Performance

The Intel Core i7-8700 is known for its robust performance in both gaming and productivity tasks. Its six cores and twelve threads provide excellent multi-threading capabilities, making it suitable for tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and software development. The processor's base clock speed of 3.20 GHz and boost clock speed of up to 4.30 GHz ensure that it can handle demanding workloads efficiently.

Pros

• Multi-threading Performance: The Core i7-8700 excels in multi-threaded applications, making it ideal for tasks that utilize multiple cores.
• Gaming Performance: The processor’s integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 provides decent gaming performance, especially at lower resolutions.
• Power Efficiency: With a TDP of 65W, the Core i7-8700 is relatively power-efficient compared to other high-performance processors.
• Upgrade Path: The LGA 1151 socket allows for easy upgrades to future processors, making it a good choice for those planning to upgrade their system in the future.
• Affordability: At the time of its release, the Core i7-8700 was priced competitively, offering high performance at a lower cost.

Cons

• Single-threaded Performance: While the Core i7-8700 excels in multi-threaded tasks, its single-threaded performance is not as impressive as some of its competitors.
• Integrated Graphics Limitations: The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 is not as powerful as dedicated graphics cards, limiting its performance in high-end gaming.
• Age: Released in 2017, the Core i7-8700 is an older processor and may not support the latest technologies or software updates.

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-8700 is a solid choice for those looking for a balance between performance and power efficiency. Its multi-threading capabilities make it suitable for a variety of tasks, and its integrated graphics provide decent gaming performance at lower resolutions. However, its single-threaded performance and lack of support for the latest technologies are notable drawbacks. If you're looking for a reliable processor for general use and don't require the latest features, the Core i7-8700 is a good option.

Features Table