Intel Core i7-8700 Evaluation: The Standard Cooler Underperforms

ZAH Computers Tech Editorial

ZAH Computers Hardware Research Desk

The Intel Core i7-8700 incorporates the advantages of the Coffee Lake architecture within a 65W power envelope, featuring six Hyper-Threaded cores, the enhancements of 14nm++ manufacturing technology, and improved Turbo Boost clock speeds compared to its predecessors. While it is somewhat limited by a locked ratio multiplier, which may disappoint enthusiasts aiming for overclocks exceeding 5 GHz, the Core i7-8700 still offers operating frequencies that are nearly on par with the flagship -8700K model. Consequently, its performance in practical applications is frequently comparable. Moreover, the standard -8700 is, making it an advantageous choice for those who do not intend to engage in overclocking. The impressive benchmark performance and competitive pricing of the Core i7-8700 position it as a formidable competitor to AMD's updated Ryzen 7 series. In particular, it faces competition from the Ryzen 7 2700, which boasts eight cores, 16 threads, an unlocked multiplier, cost-effective motherboard compatibility, and an efficient cooling solution. Notably, Intel's offering falls short in terms of cooling capabilities. Intel's thermal design power specification is relevant to the base frequency of its CPUs. However, the processors can surpass this rating when they operate at elevated Turbo Boost levels. Our analysis indicates that the Core i7-8700 can exceed the capabilities of Intel's included heat sink and fan under specific heavily-threaded workloads, which can lead to a decline in performance. To achieve the highest Turbo Boost frequencies of the Core i7-8700, it is essential to invest in a more effective thermal solution. Consequently, the CPU's appeal diminishes as a result.

Intel Core i7-8700

The Core i7-8700 might be overshadowed by the -8700K variant. Nevertheless, it boasts an identical configuration of six cores, 12MB of L3 cache, and a memory controller that supports DDR4-2666. Similar to all Intel Core i7, i5, and i3 processors, the i7-8700 is equipped with an integrated UHD Graphics 630 engine, providing Intel with a competitive advantage over rival Ryzen 7 and 5 processors that lack integrated graphics. Regrettably, the absence of backward compatibility in Coffee Lake necessitates the use of a 300-series motherboard when upgrading from a previous platform. Intel is well-known for its strategic segmentation of product offerings, which involves reducing clock speeds, reserving overclocking features for higher-end models, toggling Hyper-Threading capabilities, and disabling processor cores to produce more affordable variants. This approach was also evident in the company's seventh-generation Core processors. For instance, the Core i7-7700 was designed with a locked multiplier, while the -7700K version was aimed at enthusiasts. However, Intel limited the maximum Turbo Boost frequency of the -7700 to only 4.2 GHz. In contrast, the Core i7-8700 exhibits fewer restrictions, with a maximum frequency of 4.4 GHz for four active cores and 4.3 GHz for six active cores, similar to the Core i7-8700K. In many scenarios, the 500 MHz difference in base frequency between the Core i7-8700 and the -8700K becomes negligible as Turbo Boost engages.