Unveiling the Powerhouse: Intel Core i7 8700 vs Intel Core i9 7980XE Face-Off

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when you’re dealing with high-performance processors like the Intel Core i7 8700 and the Intel Core i9 7980XE. Both processors offer impressive power and capabilities, but they cater to different user profiles and workloads. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two CPUs, helping you make an informed decision for your next PC build.

Core i7 8700: The Versatile Workhorse

The Intel Core i7 8700 is a powerhouse in its own right, offering a perfect blend of performance and efficiency. Released in 2017, it features a six-core, 12-thread design with a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.6 GHz. This processor is built on the Coffee Lake architecture, known for its improved performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessors.

Core i9 7980XE: The Extreme Performance King

The Intel Core i9 7980XE is a behemoth in the world of CPUs, designed for extreme performance and demanding workloads. Released in 2017, it boasts a whopping 18 cores and 36 threads, running at a base clock speed of 2.6 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.5 GHz. This processor is based on the Skylake-X architecture, renowned for its high core count and exceptional multi-threaded performance.

Architectural Differences: Coffee Lake vs Skylake-X

The Core i7 8700 utilizes the Coffee Lake architecture, while the Core i9 7980XE leverages the Skylake-X architecture. These architectures differ significantly in their design and capabilities.
Coffee Lake:

• Focus on mainstream performance: This architecture prioritizes performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and content creation.
• Improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock): Coffee Lake offers better performance per clock cycle compared to previous generations.
• Lower core count: It typically features fewer cores than high-end CPUs, but provides efficient multi-threading capabilities.

Skylake-X:

• Extreme performance for demanding tasks: This architecture is designed for high-end workloads like scientific simulations, video editing, and 3D rendering.
• High core count and thread count: It boasts a significant number of cores and threads, enabling parallel processing for complex tasks.
• Higher power consumption: The high core count and performance come at the cost of higher power consumption.

Performance Comparison: A Detailed Look

Gaming:

• The Core i7 8700 is generally preferred for gaming due to its high clock speeds and efficient performance.
• The Core i9 7980XE, with its high core count, can also handle demanding games well, but its performance may not be significantly better than the Core i7 8700.

Multitasking and Productivity:

• The Core i9 7980XE excels in multitasking and productivity workloads, thanks to its massive core count and thread count.
• The Core i7 8700 can also handle multitasking effectively, but it may struggle with highly demanding applications.

Content Creation:

• The Core i9 7980XE is a powerhouse for content creation, especially for video editing, 3D rendering, and other demanding tasks that benefit from parallel processing.
• The Core i7 8700 can handle basic content creation tasks, but it may not be ideal for professional-level work.

Key Features Comparison

Cache:

• The Core i7 8700 has a 9 MB L3 cache, while the Core i9 7980XE boasts a massive 24.75 MB L3 cache.
• The larger cache on the Core i9 7980XE helps improve performance in multi-threaded applications and reduces the need to access slower memory.

Overclocking:

• Both CPUs are overclockable, but the Core i7 8700 is typically easier to overclock due to its simpler architecture.
• The Core i9 7980XE can also be overclocked, but it requires more advanced knowledge and experience.

Integrated Graphics:

• The Core i7 8700 features Intel UHD Graphics 630, while the Core i9 7980XE has Intel HD Graphics 630.
• These integrated graphics are suitable for basic tasks like web browsing and light gaming, but they are not designed for demanding graphics applications.

Power Consumption and Thermal Performance

The Core i9 7980XE consumes significantly more power than the Core i7 8700 due to its higher core count and performance. This can lead to higher heat generation and the need for more robust cooling solutions.
Core i7 8700:

• TDP: 65W
• Typical power consumption: Around 80-100W

Core i9 7980XE:

• TDP: 165W
• Typical power consumption: Around 200-250W

Price and Value

The Core i9 7980XE is significantly more expensive than the Core i7 8700 due to its higher core count and advanced features. While it offers exceptional performance, its high price tag may not be justifiable for all users.
Core i7 8700:

• Price: Around $300-350

Core i9 7980XE:

• Price: Around $1000-1200

The Final Verdict: Which CPU is Right for You?

The best CPU for you depends on your specific needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Core i7 8700 if:

• You prioritize a balance of performance and efficiency.
• You mainly use your PC for gaming, everyday tasks, and light content creation.
• You have a limited budget.

Choose the Core i9 7980XE if:

• You need extreme performance for demanding workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations.
• You have a high budget.
• You’re willing to invest in a powerful cooling solution to manage heat generation.

Beyond the Comparison: Looking Ahead

Both the Core i7 8700 and the Core i9 7980XE are powerful processors that have aged gracefully. However, newer CPUs have emerged with improved performance and features. If you’re looking for the latest and greatest, consider exploring the latest generation of Intel CPUs, such as the 12th Gen Intel Core processors, which offer significant performance gains and advanced features.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Are these CPUs still relevant in 2023?
A: While these CPUs are older, they can still provide excellent performance for many tasks. However, newer CPUs offer significant performance improvements and features, so consider your budget and needs before making a decision.
Q: Which CPU is better for gaming?
A: The Core i7 8700 is generally preferred for gaming due to its higher clock speeds and efficient performance.
Q: Can I upgrade my motherboard to support a newer CPU?
A: It depends on your motherboard’s socket type and chipset. Check the compatibility with newer CPUs before making any upgrades.
Q: What are the best cooling solutions for these CPUs?
A: Both CPUs require efficient cooling solutions. Consider a high-quality CPU cooler with adequate heat dissipation capabilities.
Q: Which CPU is better for video editing?
A: The Core i9 7980XE is better for video editing due to its high core count and thread count, which enable parallel processing and faster rendering times.