What To Know
- Choosing the right CPU can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with powerful options like the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 7980XE.
- While the Intel Core i9 7980XE boasts a higher core count and clock speed, the Intel Core i7 8700 holds its own in various performance benchmarks.
- The choice between the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 7980XE ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
Choosing the right CPU can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with powerful options like the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 7980XE. Both processors boast impressive performance, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comprehensive comparison will dive deep into their specifications, performance, and real-world applications to help you make an informed decision.
A Tale of Two Architectures: Coffee Lake vs Skylake-X
The Intel Core i7 8700 is built on the Coffee Lake architecture, while the Intel Core i9 7980XE belongs to the Skylake-X family. These architectures differ significantly in their core count, clock speeds, and overall design.
Coffee Lake: The Intel Core i7 8700 features six cores and 12 threads, a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Intel Core i7 7700. It boasts a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.6 GHz, making it a formidable performer for mainstream tasks.
Skylake-X: The Intel Core i9 7980XE, on the other hand, is a behemoth with 18 cores and 36 threads, designed for extreme performance. The base clock speed is 2.6 GHz, and it can boost up to 4.4 GHz. This high core count and boost capability make it an ideal choice for demanding workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations.
Performance: Benchmarking the Powerhouses
While the Intel Core i9 7980XE boasts a higher core count and clock speed, the Intel Core i7 8700 holds its own in various performance benchmarks.
Gaming: In gaming, the Intel Core i7 8700 generally outperforms the Intel Core i9 7980XE. This is because most games are optimized for lower core counts and rely heavily on single-core performance. The Intel Core i7 8700’s higher clock speed translates to faster frame rates and a smoother gaming experience.
Productivity: For tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and software development, the Intel Core i9 7980XE shines. Its massive core count allows it to handle complex multi-threaded workloads with ease, resulting in significantly faster rendering times and shorter compile times.
Overall: The Intel Core i9 7980XE excels in multi-threaded applications, while the Intel Core i7 8700 shines in single-threaded tasks and gaming. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Power Consumption and Thermal Considerations
The Intel Core i9 7980XE is a power-hungry beast, consuming significantly more power than the Intel Core i7 8700. Its high core count and clock speeds demand a robust cooling solution to prevent thermal throttling. This translates to higher energy bills and potentially louder fans.
The Intel Core i7 8700, on the other hand, sips power, making it a more energy-efficient option. Its lower core count and more modest clock speeds allow it to operate at lower temperatures, requiring less cooling and resulting in quieter operation.
Price and Value: Balancing Performance and Budget
The Intel Core i7 8700 is significantly more affordable than the Intel Core i9 7980XE. This price difference is a major factor for many users, especially those on a budget. The Intel Core i7 8700 offers excellent value for its price, providing high performance for gaming, productivity, and general computing.
The Intel Core i9 7980XE, while offering unmatched performance, comes at a premium price. Its high price point restricts its appeal to professionals and enthusiasts who demand extreme performance for their demanding workloads.
Choosing the Right Processor: A Practical Approach
The choice between the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 7980XE ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
Intel Core i7 8700: This processor is ideal for gamers, content creators, and general users looking for a powerful and efficient processor at an affordable price. Its high clock speed, six cores, and 12 threads offer excellent performance for a wide range of tasks.
Intel Core i9 7980XE: This processor is a powerhouse for professionals and enthusiasts who require extreme performance for demanding workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations. Its 18 cores and 36 threads provide unmatched processing power, but at a premium price.
A Final Verdict: The Right Tool for the Job
Both the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 7980XE are exceptional processors, each excelling in different areas. The Intel Core i7 8700 offers a balance of performance and value, while the Intel Core i9 7980XE delivers unparalleled power for demanding applications. The key is to choose the processor that best aligns with your specific needs and budget.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Is the Intel Core i7 8700 still a good CPU in 2023?
A: Yes, the Intel Core i7 8700 remains a solid choice even in 2023. It offers excellent performance for gaming, productivity, and general computing tasks. While newer processors offer advancements, the Intel Core i7 8700 still holds its own in many scenarios.
Q: What are the best motherboards for the Intel Core i7 8700?
A: The Intel Core i7 8700 is compatible with motherboards based on the Intel 300 series chipset. Look for motherboards with a Z370 or B360 chipset for optimal performance and features.
Q: Can I upgrade the Intel Core i7 8700 to the Intel Core i9 7980XE?
A: No, you cannot upgrade from the Intel Core i7 8700 to the Intel Core i9 7980XE. They are incompatible due to different socket types and architectures.
Q: Is the Intel Core i7 8700 or the Intel Core i9 7980XE better for streaming?
A: Both processors can handle streaming, but the Intel Core i9 7980XE offers a more comfortable margin for demanding streaming setups with high-resolution video encoding and multiple applications running simultaneously. However, the Intel Core i7 8700 can still deliver good streaming performance for most users.
Q: What is the difference between the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 9900K?
A: The Intel Core i9 9900K is a newer processor based on the Coffee Lake Refresh architecture, offering slightly higher clock speeds and improved performance compared to the Intel Core i7 8700. It also features a higher core count (8 cores) and thread count (16 threads). However, the Intel Core i9 9900K is a more expensive option.
