Core i7-8700K vs Core i5-10600
Core i7-8700K
Core i5-10600
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-8700K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-10600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-8700K | Core i5-10600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($160) | ✅ More affordable ($159) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Comet Lake (2020−2025) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-8700K | Core i5-10600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($160) | ✅ More affordable ($159) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-8700K and Core i5-10600
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.
Core i5-10600
The Core i5-10600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 April 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake (2020−2025) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 13,573 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-8700K and Core i5-10600 share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-8700K versus 4.8 GHz on the Core i5-10600 — a 2.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-10600 (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i7-8700K uses the Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-10600 uses Comet Lake (2020−2025) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8700K scores 13,572 against the Core i5-10600's 13,573 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-10600. L3 cache: 12288 kB on the Core i7-8700K vs 12 MB (total) on the Core i5-10600.
| Feature | Core i7-8700K | Core i5-10600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz | 4.8 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+12% | 3.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12288 kB | 12 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake-S (2017−2018) | Comet Lake (2020−2025) |
| PassMark | 13,572 | 13,573 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-8700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-10600 uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-8700K | Core i5-10600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1200 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2666 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
The Core i7-8700K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-10600 requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i7-8700K | Core i5-10600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-8700K launched at $359 MSRP, while the Core i5-10600 debuted at $244. At current prices ($160 vs $159), the Core i5-10600 is $1 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-8700K delivers 84.8 pts/$ vs 85.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-10600 — making the Core i5-10600 the 0.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-8700K | Core i5-10600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $359 | $244-32% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $160 | $159 |
| Performance per Dollar | 84.8 | 85.4 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2020 |
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