Intel Core i7-8700 vs Intel Core i3-14100

Introduction: The Intel Core i7-8700, based on the Coffee Lake S architecture and manufactured using the 14 nm process, was introduced in the fourth quarter of 2017 as a powerful desktop processor.

It was aimed at demanding users. The Intel Core i3-14100, a current model from the Raptor Lake S Refresh architecture from the first quarter of 2024, targets the mainstream segment for modern everyday and gaming applications.

Manufacturing Process and Cores/Threads: The Intel Core i7-8700 features 6 cores and 12 threads. It is manufactured using the 14 nm process and has 12 MB of L3 cache. The Intel Core i3-14100 offers 4 cores and 8 threads, manufactured using the more advanced 10 nm process, with 5 MB of L2 cache and 12 MB of L3 cache.

The Intel Core i7-8700 has integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 with a maximum memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s; the Intel Core i3-14100 has Intel UHD Graphics 730 with 77 GB/s. Single-Core and Multi-Core Performance in Benchmarks: In Geekbench 6, the Intel Core i3-14100 shows over 70 percent higher single-core performance and over 40 percent higher multi-core performance compared to the Intel Core i7-8700.

In Cinebench R23, however, the Intel Core i7-8700 exhibits significantly higher multi-core performance. Performance in Gaming Scenarios: For gaming, the Intel Core i3-14100 is the better choice thanks to its superior single-core performance and support for PCIe 5.0 (compared to PCIe 3.0 of the Intel Core i7-8700).

This enables faster data transfers for graphics cards and a smoother gaming experience. Power Consumption and TDP: The Intel Core i7-8700 has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 65 Watts. The Intel Core i3-14100 is more energy-efficient with a 60 Watt TDP, due to its modern 10 nm manufacturing and architecture.

Price-Performance Ratio and Market Prices: The Intel Core i7-8700 is an older model primarily found on the used market, where it can offer a good price-performance ratio for budget-conscious upgrades. The Intel Core i3-14100 is newly available and justifies its price with modern performance and features for new purchases.

Summary and Recommendation: The Intel Core i7-8700 is suitable for cost-effective upgrades and older multitasking workloads. The Intel Core i3-14100 is the better choice for modern single-core requirements, gaming, and future-proof new systems.