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 i7-7800X vs Core i7-8700 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 i7-7800X vs Core i7-8700: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-7800X

2017

Why buy it

✅75% more PCIe lanes (28 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-8700 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Cinebench R23 multi-core (6,897 vs 7,969).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 33.8 vs 42.1 PassMark/$ ($383 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
❌115.4% higher power demand at 140W vs 65W.

Core i7-8700

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +18.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+45.5% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8.3 MB).
✅Costs $80 less on MSRP ($303 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
✅Delivers 24.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 42.1 vs 33.8 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 140W, a 75W reduction.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8700 better than Core i7-7800X?

Yes. Core i7-8700 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 18.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 15.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-8700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 18.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-8700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 15.5% better Cinebench R23 multi-core, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 45.5% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8.3 MB).

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

Core i7-8700 is the better buy right now. Core i7-8700 comes in $80 cheaper on MSRP at $303 MSRP versus $383 MSRP, and it still gives you a 18.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 24.3% better value on MSRP (42.1 vs 33.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-8700 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 45.5% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8.3 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-7800X vs Core i7-8700 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-7800X

The Core i7-7800X is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 June 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 12,963 points. Launch price was $383.

Core i7-8700

The Core i7-8700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12288 kB. L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 12,747 points. Launch price was $303.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-7800X and Core i7-8700 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-7800X versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i7-8700 — a 14% clock advantage for the Core i7-8700 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-7800X uses the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-8700 uses Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7800X scores 12,963 against the Core i7-8700's 12,747 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i7-7800X. Cinebench R23 multi-core: 6,897 vs 7,969 (14.4% advantage for the Core i7-8700). Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,114 vs 1,535, a 31.8% lead for the Core i7-8700 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 6,951 vs 6,200 (11.4% advantage for the Core i7-7800X). L3 cache: 8.25 MB (total) on the Core i7-7800X vs 12288 kB on the Core i7-8700.

Feature	Core i7-7800X	Core i7-8700
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4 GHz	4.6 GHz+15%
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+9%	3.2 GHz
L3 Cache	8.25 MB (total)	12288 kB+45%
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)	Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018)
PassMark	12,963+2%	12,747
Cinebench R23 Multi	6,897	7,969+16%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,114	1,535+38%
Geekbench 6 Multi	6,951+12%	6,200

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7800X uses the LGA2066 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-8700 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i7-7800X versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i7-8700 — the Core i7-8700 supports 11.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-7800X) vs 2 (Core i7-8700). PCIe lanes: 28 (Core i7-7800X) vs 16 (Core i7-8700) — the Core i7-7800X offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X299 (Core i7-7800X) and 300-series (Core i7-8700).

Feature	Core i7-7800X	Core i7-8700
Socket	LGA2066	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2666+11%
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	4+100%	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	28+75%	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-7800X supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i7-7800X) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-8700). The Core i7-8700 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-7800X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-8700 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-8700 rivals Ryzen 5 2600.

Feature	Core i7-7800X	Core i7-8700
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	UHD Graphics 630
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-7800X was priced at $383, while the Core i7-8700 came in at $303. On launch pricing ($383 vs $303), Core i7-8700 was $80 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-7800X delivers 33.8 pts/$ vs 42.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-8700 — making the Core i7-8700 the 21.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-7800X	Core i7-8700
MSRP	$383	$303-21%
Performance per Dollar	33.8	42.1+25%
Release Date	2017	2017

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