AMD Ryzen 7 2700X vs. Intel Core i7 8700K Specifications Comparison

It’s not been so long since AMD released 2^nd gen Ryzen processors. Every PC enthusiast is looking forward to finding out if they can be a good replacement for Intel’s X series processors. Today, we are comparing two of the best and most powerful processors available out there in the market, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X vs. Intel Core i7 8700K. It has been almost two weeks since second gen AMD Ryzen CPUs were released. Since we have finally got our hands on new AMD Ryzen 7 2700X, here is a brief comparison between these two CPUs. Note, that there are still solid results missing from the architectural features of AMD Ryzen 7 2700x, so we will make sure to update it as we get more Intel and results from trusted testers, bench-markers. For now, here is our comparison:

AMD Ryzen 7 2700X vs. Intel Core i7 8700K

Processor

Cores and Threads:

As shown in the table above, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X has 8 cores and 16 threads. On the other hand, the Intel Core i7 8700K offers 6 cores and 12 threads. It merely implies that Ryzen 7 2700X will be much faster in comparison to i7 8700K; the reason being 2700X is capable of handling 16 parallel processes, and 8700K handles only 12. This difference might seem minor to non-tech guys but note that it makes a significant impact on real-time performance.

Clock Speed:

As per latest benchmarks, Intel Core i7 8700K is capable of delivering 3.7 GHz clock speed. With overclocking this can go up to 4.7 GHz on max turbo. The mighty AMD Ryzen 7 2700X gets close to max turbo speed of i7 8700K in base clock itself. Yes, Ryzen 7 2700X offers 4.35 GHz base clock. However, overclocking compatibility or capacity of AMD Ryzen 7 2700X has not been confirmed yet. Even if it’s overclocking ability turns out to be half of i7 8700K, the Ryzen 7 2700X will exceed Intel i7 8700K on the major scale in term of performance/speed.

Manufacturing Technology:

Intel i7 8700K uses 14nm technology while AMD Ryzen 7 2700X uses 12 nm technology. Here nm stands for nanometer. The less it is, the better. We don’t want to get into the details here but note that the smaller process size, the better it is. 12nm process size was non-existence before AMD offered it in their latest second-gen Ryzen Processors. It would be interesting to see if it works out for them.

Cache Memory:

Cache memory is just like the main memory of the system. However, it is directly attached to CPU chip, so the access is comparatively fast. The more cache memory is there; the more data can be held close to CPU for speedier access. Intel is offering 12 MB of cache memory in their Core i7 8700K, while AMD offers 20 MB in Ryzen 7 2700X. Even if slightly, this will surely give an edge to AMD over Intel in term of performance/speed.

Miscellaneous

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Integrated Graphics

AS shown above, Intel Core i7 8700K comes with Intel UHD Graphics 630 operating at 350 MHz base frequency and 1.2 GHz dynamic frequency. They offer various features such as Quick Sync, Triple display support, Clear Video HD, Intel TRUE 3D technology, etc. AMD Ryzen 7 2700x does not offer any integrated graphics. This does not affect the performance of regular operations. However, it will give an edge to Intel Core i7 8700K when it comes to performing operations that involve graphics.

Summary:

The i7-8700K comes from Intel’s latest 8^th Gen Coffee Lake Processor Family. As mentioned before, it is based on 14nm architecture, which Intel made sure to improve in each generation. Following the trend set by AMD, Intel decided to increase the numbers of cores in their full range of CPUs. In their previous generations, 6 cores CPUs were marketed as mainstream consumer processors. This one is the first 6 cores / 12 threads CPU featuring 4.7 GHz max speed and 12 MB cache. Moreover, it supports two channels of DDR4 RAM. It demands new Z370 chipset so you will have to invest in a new motherboard for upgrading to Intel Core i7 8600K. This is an excellent factor affecting the overall budget. We are expecting Intel to join the arms race (or CPU race) soon as AMD has already released their second gen Ryzen Processors.

2700x, which is the successor of Ryzen 7 1800x, offers 8 cores and 16 threads. It is considered significant for the price being paid. This new generation of Ryzen processors is known as pinnacle ridge processors. It is based on Zen+ architecture an utilizes 12nm lithography unlike the previous iteration, which uses 14nm. Early benchmarks have already confirmed that these processors are comparatively faster compared to 1800x. However, we are still waiting for reliable results to determine precisely how quickly they are. They support both 400 series and older 300 series of motherboards, making them budget efficient for an upgrade. AMD is offering 2700x processors + Wraith Prism cooler for the same price Intel is offering their 8700K processor only. 2700X is a clear winner over 8700K when it comes to multi-core workloads.

Conclusion:

We hope this post helps you to understand what both of these processors have to offer. Moreover, it will make you understand how exactly these CPUs differ from one another. If you have any question, request or suggestion, feel free to use the comment section below, or contact us directly, Thank You!