Core i7-1260U vs Core i7-8700K

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-1260U vs Core i7-8700K FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-1260U vs Core i7-8700K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-1260U

2022

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 10W instead of 95W, a 86W reduction.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1781 with DDR5 support instead of LGA1151 and DDR4.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-8700K

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (13,572 vs 13,614).
❌Launch MSRP is still $359 MSRP, while Core i7-1260U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌900% higher power demand at 95W vs 9.5W.
❌Older platform position on LGA1151 with DDR4, while Core i7-1260U moves to FCBGA1781 and DDR5.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-1260U better than Core i7-8700K?

Yes. Core i7-1260U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-1260U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 10 cores and 12 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-1260U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-1260U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $359 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-8700K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (37.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-1260U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2022 vs 2017), a healthier platform with FCBGA1781 and DDR5 instead of LGA1151, and more multi-core headroom with 10 cores / 12 threads instead of 6/12. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-1260U vs Core i7-8700K Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i7-1260U

The Core i7-1260U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1781. Thermal design power (TDP): 9.5 MB + 12 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 13,614 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-8700K

The Core i7-8700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 October 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12288 kB. L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 13,572 points. Launch price was $359.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-1260U packs 10 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-8700K offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Core i7-1260U has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-1260U versus 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-8700K — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.1 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i7-1260U uses the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Core i7-8700K uses Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-1260U scores 13,614 against the Core i7-8700K's 13,572 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-1260U. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-1260U vs 12288 kB on the Core i7-8700K.

Feature	Core i7-1260U	Core i7-8700K
Cores / Threads	10 / 12+67%	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.7 GHz	4.7 GHz
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	3.7 GHz+236%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12288 kB
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	Intel 7 nm-50%	14 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-U (2022)	Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018)
PassMark	13,614	13,572
Cinebench R23 Multi	8,381	—
Geekbench 6 Single	2,294	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	8,140	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-1260U uses the FCBGA1781 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-8700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i7-1260U versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-8700K — the Core i7-1260U supports 80% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-8700K supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 14 (Core i7-1260U) vs 16 (Core i7-8700K) — the Core i7-8700K offers 2 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core i7-1260U) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-8700K).

Feature	Core i7-1260U	Core i7-8700K
Socket	FCBGA1781	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-4800+80%	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	128 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	14	16+14%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-1260U) / not specified (Core i7-8700K). Both include integrated graphics — Iris Xe Graphics (96 EU) (Core i7-1260U) and Intel UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-8700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-1260U targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i7-1260U rivals Core i7-1165G7.

Feature	Core i7-1260U	Core i7-8700K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Iris Xe Graphics (96 EU)	Intel UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Productivity	—