Intel Core i7-7700 vs Intel Core i5-8600K
The Intel Core i5-8600K is the faster chip for gaming by roughly 2%. Here is the full spec-by-spec breakdown.
| Specification | Intel Core i7-7700 | Intel Core i5-8600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 54/100 | 55/100 |
| Tier | C | C |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Cores | 4 | 6 |
| Threads | 8 | 6 |
| Base clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.3 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 65 W | 95 W |
| Release year | 2017 | 2017 |
Which should you buy?
For gaming specifically, the Intel Core i5-8600K is the better buy — it holds a 2% lead in our index, which shows up most at 1080p and in CPU-bound titles like strategy and simulation games. The Intel Core i5-8600K has more cores (6 vs 4), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The Intel Core i7-7700 runs 30W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.