Intel core i7 8700k vs core i7 8700k at 5 ghz

We continue with our interesting comparisons between processors, this time the only protagonist is the Core i7 8700K, which is going to face itself overclocked at 5 GHz to check if there is a big difference compared to its stock configuration. As always, our tests include both processor-demanding games and applications. Comparison of Core i7 8700K vs Core i7 8700K at 5 GHz in games and applications

Index of contents

Core i7 8700K specifications

The Core i7 8700K is the most advanced processor from Intel for its LGA 1151 platform, it is a chip consisting of six cores and twelve processing threads under the advanced Coffee Lake architecture. This CPU is manufactured in 14nm ++ Tri-Gate and is capable of reaching a base operating frequency of 3.6 GHz, which goes up to 4.7 GHz in turbo mode to improve performance. Its features continue with a 9MB L3 cache , a 95W TDP, and a DDR4-2600 memory controller. Of course, it has the multiplier unlocked for overclocking, something that has allowed us to put it at 5 GHz.

We recommend reading our post on AMD Ryzen 7 2700X vs Intel Core i7 8700K, comparative in games and applications

Core i7 8700K vs Core i7 8700K 5 GHz gaming performance

First off, we compared the Core i7 8700K against itself at 5 GHz in several demanding games. We have used the usual games from our test bench, and three resolutions to have the most realistic vision possible. We highlight that the tests have been done with our GeForce GTX 1080 Ti.

TESTING BENCH
Processor:	Intel Core 7 8700K
Base plate:	Asus Maximus X APEX
RAM:	32GB Corsair LPX 3600 MHz
Heatsink	Corsair H100i V2
HDD	Samsumg 850 EVO.
Graphic card	Nvidia GTX 1080 Ti
Power supply	Corsair RM1000X

Without further delay, we leave you with the charts that collect the results obtained.

Testing at 1080p shows quite a noticeable difference, indicating that games clearly benefit from a higher processor operating frequency. Of course we have to take into account that the Geforce GTX 1080Ti is a very powerful graphics card, so it is easy for the processor to make it a bottleneck, with a less powerful graphics card, the differences would have been much smaller. As we increase the resolution, the difference is reduced, somewhat logical, since the bottleneck becomes the graphics card with increasing force.

Core i7 8700K vs Core i7 8700K 5 GHz application performance

TESTING APPLICATIONS
	AIDA 64 READING	AIDA 64 WRITING	CINEBENCH R15	3D MARK FIRE STRIKE	3D MARK TIME SPY	PC MARK 8
Core i7 8700K	51131	51882	1430	22400	7566	4547
Core i7 8700K 5 GHz	51131	51882	1646	24205	9393	4603

In the case of very demanding applications with the processor, we also see a clear improvement in performance with overclocking, which is logical, since we are making the processor more powerful by increasing its operating frequency. The improvement is especially noticeable in Cinebench R15 and 3D Mark Time Spy.

Final words and conclusion about Core i7 8700K vs Core i7 8700K 5 GHz in games and applications

After seeing the results of the tests, it is time to make a final assessment. First, we will focus on video games. At 1080p there is a clear difference between the Core i7 8700K in its stock configuration and overclocked at 5 GHz, something mainly due to its relatively low base speed. Despite this difference, we are clearly exceeding 100 FPS, so this difference will only be important for users with monitors with a high refresh rate, for example, 144 Hz or 240 Hz. Below these refresh rates, you won't see any difference.

In the case of 1440 and 2160p resolutions, the difference is insignificant, since the processor in its stock configuration can already make more drawing calls than the graphics card can support, that is, the bottleneck is the GPU.

We now focus on demanding applications, in this case performance is also improved with overclocking, something totally logical and expected. If you are going to work with high resolution video rendering, overclocking your Core i7 8700K will save you quite a few minutes in your workday, which can translate into hours at the end of the month. In these cases, overclocking will be especially interesting and recommended, since time is money at work.

Here ends our comparison of Core i7 8700K vs Core i7 8700K at 5 GHz in games and applications, you can leave a comment if you have something else to add.