Intel Core i7-2600K vs Intel Core i7-8700K

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Only show differences

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Share comparison

Core i7-2600K compared with Core i7-8700K

	IntelCore i7-2600K	IntelCore i7-8700K
Overview
Released
Released	January 2011	October 2017
Cores and clocks
Cores
Cores	4	6 (better)
Threads
Threads	8	12 (better)
Base clock
Base clock	3.4 GHz	3.7 GHz
Boost clock
Boost clock	3.8 GHz	4.7 GHz (better)
L3 cache
L3 cache	8 MB	12 MB (better)
Cores
Cores	Four cores with Hyper-Threading; Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. Expert Reviews and TechRadar confirm the unlocked CPU multiplier.	6 cores and 12 threads; Coffee Lake architecture; multiplier unlocked.
Clocks
Clocks	Maximum turbo is a single-core frequency; sustained clocks depend on cooling. Intel's 5 January launch notice gives 9 January availability for quad-core systems.	3.7 GHz base; up to 4.7 GHz Intel Turbo Boost 2.0.
Graphics and AI
Built-in graphics
Built-in graphics	Yes	Yes
Graphics
Graphics	Intel HD Graphics 3000; 850 MHz base, up to 1.35 GHz; two displays; Quick Sync Video.	Intel UHD Graphics 630; 350 MHz base, up to 1.2 GHz; Quick Sync Video; up to three displays.
Platform
Socket
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1151
Base power
Base power	95 W	95 W
Unlocked
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
Cooler in the box
Cooler in the box	–	No
Memory support
Memory support	Up to 32 GB; two channels; DDR3-1066/1333; 21 GB/s maximum bandwidth as Intel publishes; ECC not supported.	Up to 128 GB on the current Intel specification page; two channels; DDR4-2666; 41.6 GB/s; ECC not supported.
PCIe
PCIe	PCIe 2.0; 16 CPU lanes.	PCIe 3.0; 16 CPU lanes: 1 × 16, 2 × 8 or 1 × 8 + 2 × 4. This excludes chipset lanes.
Chipsets
Chipsets	–	Intel 300-series motherboards; Z370 at launch. Older 100- and 200-series boards are incompatible despite sharing the LGA1151 socket (TechPowerUp and PC Gamer).
Process
Process	32 nm; Sandy Bridge; 37.5 × 37.5 mm package; 72.6°C maximum case temperature, not junction temperature.	14 nm; 37.5 × 37.5 mm package; 100°C maximum junction temperature.
Cooler
Cooler	LGA1155 is incompatible with LGA1156. TechRadar describes the launch P67 chipset as supporting CPU overclocking and H67 as supporting the integrated graphics output; chipset choice affects available features. Intel publishes no separate maximum turbo-power figure.	No fan or heatsink included with the boxed processor (Intel specifications).