Is the Intel i7-8700 Still a Gaming Contender? A Deep Dive

Absolutely. The Intel i7-8700, even years after its release, remains a surprisingly capable processor for gaming. While it might not top benchmark charts against the latest CPUs, its six cores and twelve threads, combined with a solid clock speed, provide a more than adequate gaming experience for most titles, especially when paired with a capable graphics card.

The i7-8700: A Retrospective on Performance

Launched in 2017, the i7-8700 represented a significant step forward for Intel in the mainstream desktop space. It marked the arrival of 6-core/12-thread processors in the i7 lineup, offering a tangible performance boost over its quad-core predecessors. Its base clock of 3.2 GHz and a boost clock that can reach 4.6 GHz on a single core (4.3 GHz on all six cores) provide ample processing power for a wide range of tasks, including gaming, content creation, and general productivity.

Gaming Prowess: Still Holding Its Own

The real question, of course, is how well the i7-8700 holds up in modern games. The answer is that it performs admirably, particularly at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. Most modern games are more GPU-bound than CPU-bound, meaning the graphics card has a greater impact on overall frame rates. Therefore, pairing an i7-8700 with a mid-range or high-end GPU like an RTX 3060, RTX 3070, or even an RTX 3080 at higher resolutions will result in a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

While you might see slightly lower average and minimum frame rates compared to newer, more powerful CPUs like the i7-12700K or Ryzen 5 5600X, the difference is often negligible in real-world scenarios. The i7-8700 rarely becomes a bottleneck, especially if you are targeting 60 FPS or higher.

Performance Considerations: Beyond Frame Rates

It’s important to consider more than just raw frame rates. The i7-8700’s ability to handle background tasks while gaming is also a key strength. Its twelve threads allow it to manage streaming, voice chat, and other applications without significantly impacting game performance. This makes it a great choice for gamers who also enjoy content creation or who multitask frequently.

However, in extremely CPU-intensive games, like strategy titles or open-world games with large player counts, the i7-8700 might show its age. In these scenarios, a newer CPU with more cores and higher clock speeds will offer a more noticeable improvement.

Overclocking Potential: Squeezing Out Extra Performance

While the i7-8700 is not unlocked for traditional overclocking like the “K” series CPUs (e.g., i7-8700K), you may be able to achieve some minor performance gains through base clock (BCLK) overclocking on certain motherboards. However, this is generally not recommended for novice users, as it can be unstable and potentially damage the CPU. The risks typically outweigh the small performance gains achieved.

Choosing the Right Components for an i7-8700 Build

If you’re considering building or upgrading a system around the i7-8700, here are a few key components to consider:

• Motherboard: You’ll need a motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket and a chipset compatible with 8th generation Intel CPUs, such as the Z370, H370, B360, or H310. The Z370 chipset offers the most features and is recommended if you plan to push the system to its limits (though not for overclocking the CPU itself, but for RAM and other peripherals).

• RAM: At least 16GB of DDR4 RAM is recommended for modern gaming. Aim for speeds of 2666 MHz or higher to maximize performance.

• Graphics Card: As mentioned earlier, the graphics card is arguably the most important component for gaming. Choose a card that aligns with your target resolution and desired frame rates. An RTX 3060, RTX 3070, or RX 6700 XT are all excellent choices for pairing with the i7-8700.

• Storage: An SSD (Solid State Drive) is essential for fast boot times and game loading. A 500GB or 1TB SSD is recommended for storing your operating system, games, and applications. Consider adding a secondary HDD (Hard Disk Drive) for additional storage of less frequently accessed files.

• Power Supply: Choose a power supply with sufficient wattage to handle all your components. A 650W or 750W power supply is generally recommended for an i7-8700 system with a mid-range to high-end graphics card.

FAQs: All Your i7-8700 Gaming Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about the i7-8700 and its suitability for gaming:

1. Can the i7-8700 handle modern AAA games?

Yes, the i7-8700 can handle modern AAA games at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, especially when paired with a decent graphics card. You might need to lower some settings in particularly demanding titles to maintain a smooth frame rate, but overall, it remains a viable option.

2. How does the i7-8700 compare to newer CPUs like the i5-12400F or Ryzen 5 5600X?

Newer CPUs generally offer better performance per core and more advanced features. An i5-12400F or Ryzen 5 5600X will likely outperform the i7-8700 in most games, but the difference might not be significant enough to warrant an upgrade if you already own the i7-8700.

3. Is the i7-8700 good for streaming while gaming?

Yes, its twelve threads allow it to handle streaming and other background tasks without significantly impacting game performance, making it a suitable choice for streaming.

4. What is the best graphics card to pair with the i7-8700?

The best graphics card depends on your budget and target resolution. An RTX 3060 or RX 6600 XT is a good choice for 1080p gaming, while an RTX 3070 or RX 6700 XT is better suited for 1440p gaming.

5. Does the i7-8700 bottleneck modern GPUs?

In some cases, the i7-8700 might slightly bottleneck high-end GPUs like an RTX 3080 or RTX 3090, especially at lower resolutions. However, the bottleneck is usually minimal and not a major concern. At higher resolutions (1440p and 4K), the GPU will be the limiting factor in most scenarios.

6. Can I overclock the i7-8700?

The i7-8700 is not designed for traditional overclocking like the “K” series CPUs. While you might be able to achieve some minor gains through BCLK overclocking, it’s generally not recommended.

7. How much RAM is needed for gaming with the i7-8700?

At least 16GB of DDR4 RAM is recommended for modern gaming. 32GB may be worth considering for heavy multitasking or very demanding games.

8. What motherboard is compatible with the i7-8700?

You need a motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket and a chipset compatible with 8th generation Intel CPUs, such as the Z370, H370, B360, or H310.

9. Is the i7-8700 still worth buying in 2024?

If you can find it at a very low price used, and you are on a very tight budget, it can be a decent option for budget gaming. Otherwise, spending a little more on a more modern CPU is recommended for a better overall experience and future-proofing.

10. How does the i7-8700 perform in VR gaming?

The i7-8700 is capable of handling VR gaming, but its performance might be limited in more demanding VR titles. Pairing it with a powerful graphics card is crucial for a smooth VR experience.

11. What is the TDP (Thermal Design Power) of the i7-8700?

The i7-8700 has a TDP of 65W, which means it doesn’t require an overly powerful CPU cooler. A decent aftermarket air cooler or a basic liquid cooler will be sufficient.

12. Can the i7-8700 be used for video editing and content creation?

Yes, the i7-8700 is capable of handling video editing and content creation tasks, although it won’t be as fast as newer, more powerful CPUs with more cores and threads. It is still a very reasonable choice for basic to mid-level content creation.

In conclusion, while the i7-8700 is not the newest or fastest CPU on the market, it remains a competent and capable processor for gaming. Its six cores and twelve threads, combined with a decent clock speed, provide a solid foundation for a gaming system. While it may not be the ideal choice for competitive gamers or those seeking the absolute highest frame rates, it’s still a viable option for most gamers, especially when paired with a suitable graphics card.