Intel Core i7-8700 Buyer's Guide
Positioning and generation
The Intel Core i7-8700 is an 8th Gen desktop processor based on the Coffee Lake architecture. On FrameScope's tier scale it sits in the modern mainstream band. It is a desktop part with integrated graphics, so it can output a picture even without a dedicated graphics card installed.
By today's standards it is not the newest chip, but it still clears the official requirements of most games. For most players it is a dependable mid-range processor for mainstream titles rather than a choice for maximum frame rates.
If you already own one, there is usually no need to replace it just for gaming unless you see clear stuttering and are confident the processor is the bottleneck.
Key specs explained
This processor offers 6 cores and 12 threads. More cores let the chip handle game logic, background tasks and streaming at the same time without strain. For modern games, 6 cores with 12 threads is a sensible baseline and meets the official recommended requirements of many titles.
The Coffee Lake architecture belongs to the 8th Gen and pairs with 300-series motherboards using the LGA1151 socket. For gaming, newer generations generally offer better single-core performance and efficiency, so this chip is acceptable in its class but not one of the standouts.
Integrated graphics means you can get basic display output without a graphics card. Its graphics performance is limited, though, so demanding games still need a dedicated GPU.
Suitable games and resolutions
Against official requirements, this processor can be assessed for 416 of the 439 catalogued games that publish requirements. It reaches the recommended level for 130 of them, is well above the recommended level for 217, and meets only the minimum for 63. Six titles sit below the official minimum, including DOOM: The Dark Ages, Monster Hunter Wilds and ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN.
Games such as Big Ambitions, Timberborn and Gothic 1 Remake reach the recommended tier. Palworld and Scrap Mechanic fall at the minimum tier, so they run but with less headroom.
For resolution, 1080p is the practical target. Paired with a mid-range or better graphics card, this processor will rarely be the main limit at that resolution, while at higher resolutions the graphics card becomes the main constraint.
Compared with similar hardware
On FrameScope's scale, the Intel Core i7-8700 sits close to the AMD Ryzen 5 3500X and AMD Ryzen 7 2700X, all in the same modern mainstream band. The Intel Core i5-10400 sits a little higher and is a newer-generation option.
Below it, the Intel Core i7-10750H is a laptop processor, while the AMD Ryzen 5 4500 and Intel Core i5-9600K sit nearby but slightly weaker overall.
These comparisons only reflect relative position on our scale. Real differences depend on your platform, motherboard and how you use the machine.
Buying new or used
Check motherboard compatibility before buying. This processor uses the LGA1151 socket and needs a motherboard with a 300-series chipset.
The boxed version includes a basic stock cooler; tray units do not.
This processor uses a land grid design: the pins are in the motherboard socket, so take care not to touch them when installing it.
Its multiplier is locked, so it cannot be manually overclocked.
If buying used, inspect it for physical damage and ask for proof of purchase and warranty status. When buying new, choose a seller that offers a full warranty.
Upgrade advice
If your goal is better gaming performance, the upgrade options to look at are the Intel Core i7-10700F, AMD Ryzen 5 5500 and AMD Ryzen 7 3700X. These offer clear gains in performance and generation.
Before upgrading, identify the real bottleneck. If the graphics card is already the main limit, a new processor will help little, and a graphics card or more memory may be the better spend. Conversely, a strong GPU held back by this processor makes a processor upgrade more worthwhile.
Balance memory and graphics together so neither lags far behind; that is how you get the most from any upgrade.