Intel Core i7-10700 vs Intel Core i7-8700

The Intel Core i7-8700 (Architecture: Coffee Lake S) was introduced in the fourth quarter of 2017, targeting the mainstream desktop market for PCs that require solid performance for everyday tasks and gaming.

Manufactured using a 14nm process, this processor features 6 cores and 12 threads, giving it good multitasking capability. With a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s and 12 MB of Level 3 cache, it provides a reliable foundation for various applications. It supports PCIe 3.0 and integrates Intel UHD Graphics 630, which handles basic graphics tasks.

The Intel Core i7-10700 (Architecture: Comet Lake S) was launched in the second quarter of 2020 and also targeted the mainstream desktop segment, but offered an advancement over earlier generations.

Also manufactured using a 14nm process, it features 8 cores and 16 threads, representing a significant increase in parallel processing capability. With a maximum memory bandwidth of 47 GB/s and 16 MB of Level 3 cache, it slightly surpasses its predecessor in these aspects. It also supports PCIe 3.0 and integrates Intel UHD Graphics 630.

In terms of single-core performance, the Intel Core i7-8700 and Intel Core i7-10700 show comparable performance, with the newer processor exhibiting slightly higher performance. In multi-core performance, however, the Intel Core i7-10700 demonstrates significantly superior computing capability due to its higher core and thread count.

This performance increase is particularly noticeable in applications that benefit from many cores, such as video editing, 3D rendering, or complex multitasking. For gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i7-10700 generally offers slightly better performance, especially in newer games that can benefit from additional cores and threads, as well as marginally higher clock speeds.

The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 in both processors is not intended for demanding games but primarily serves for display output. For a serious gaming experience, a dedicated graphics card is essential. Regarding power consumption and Thermal Design Power (TDP), it should be noted that the Intel Core i7-10700, with its additional cores, tends to have higher power consumption under full load than the Intel Core i7-8700, even if the nominal TDP of both processors may be similar.

This may require more efficient cooling to consistently deliver full performance. The price-performance ratio of the Intel Core i7-8700 is often more advantageous in the used market, as it offers solid performance at a lower price. It is a good choice for budget-conscious users who do not run extremely demanding multi-threaded workloads.

The Intel Core i7-10700, on the other hand, represents a higher investment but offers better future-proofing and significantly more multi-core performance for professional applications or more intensive multitasking. In summary, the Intel Core i7-8700 offers a cost-effective solution for everyday tasks and gaming.

The Intel Core i7-10700, however, is the better choice for users seeking higher multithreading performance for productivity applications and better overall responsiveness in modern scenarios.