i5-8600K vs i7-8700K

As you can see, the threads are what set these two CPUs apart. While both CPUs have 6 cores, the i5-8600K has six threads. The i7-8700K has 12 threads. The hyperthreading set up on i7-8700K means that it can process two threads per core.

In normal computing tasks like document editing and browsing, you won’t see a performance difference. But when it comes to gaming, and professional video editing, the difference comes to light.

When the CPU is pushed to the limit, more threads mean that the workload can be spread further. Hence reducing the CPU usage. The result is a processor that can perform flawlessly. Even with open background programs running alongside a demanding game.

Looking at the speeds, i7-8700K has faster frequency compared to the i5-8700K. It has a base frequency of 3.7 GHz. It can reach clock speeds of 4.3 GHz on all six cores, 4.4 GHz on three or four cores, 4.6 GHz on two cores, and 4.7 GHz on a single core.

The i5-8600K can reach 4.1 GHz on six cores, 4.2 GHz on two or four cores, and 4.3 GHz on a single core. The i7-8700K is not only faster. But it also has a higher improvement margin because of hyperthreading.  More so, with games that take advantage of the raw performance of hyperthreading and added frequency.

This is not to say that i5-8600K is not a fine CPU. It performs great for most tasks. But it is not as competitive in intense gaming. The i7 has room for more apps and programs in advanced gaming. But this only happens in games like AAAs that can take advantage of hyperthreading.

If a game is not designed to fully support hyperthreading, then it won’t matter if you are playing on the i5 or i7. The performance of that game will be similar on both CPUs.

Which one for Gaming- i5-8600K or i7-8700K

Unfortunately, it’s not black and white - the better of the two in gaming. If you are building a budget gaming PC, I’d say grab the i5-8600K. At least, you can spend a huge chunk of your cash on a nice GPU. This is opposed to spending more on the i7-8700K if you will end up dealing with a bottlenecked CPU because of using a middling GPU.

The i7-8700K is clearly for those not strapped for cash. It needs to be paired with a high-end GPU and an equally solid motherboard. Speaking of the motherboard, this is something you will need to upgrade. And that’s including the RAM too. More about the upgrades you need below.

Another reason you will want to choose the i7 over the i5 is for futureproofing. We are talking about advanced gaming and the fact that you will not need to upgrade your CPU for a couple of years.

i7 is also VR gaming-ready.

VR gaming needs lots of processing power and higher frame rates. You don’t want to strain the i5 five years from now. But the i7 will still hold up thanks to the hyperthreading, high frequency, and frame rates. It provides better VR gaming performance.

Upgrades Required with the i5-8600K and i7-8700K

ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero

Before you bring your CPU of choice home, it must work with your system. This means you have to make a few upgrades that go with the i5 and i7 processors.

First up is the motherboard. You will require a motherboard based on the 300 series chipsets. These motherboards are for 8th and 9th gen Coffee Lake Processors. If you currently have a 100 or 200 series motherboard for Skylake and Kaby Lake chips, it won’t work with current Intel CPUs.

8th and 9th gen processors have more cores and different power requirements.

Here are some specifications of the Z370 Motherboard

Z370 motherboards are designed for enthusiast PCs. They support memory and CPU overclocking. These features are important for a gaming rig that has multiple graphics cards. They offer high-speed I/O lanes and the most PCI-E lanes. With the entry of the Z390 motherboards, Z370 motherboards are now affordable. They set the standard for modern gaming rigs thanks to their increased horsepower.

After thorough research, we agree that the ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero is the best Z370 motherboard. Paired with a nice water cooler, you can get overclocked speeds of up to 5.1 GHz. You’ll also need to perform some voltage changes with the i7-8700K. It comes complete with onboard controls. These include a clear BIOS switch and a POST code display.

On a budget, we’d go for the MSI Arsenal Gaming. It has fewer features but performs great for the price.

Upgrading RAM

Intel has different supported memories for various processor families. In our 8th and 9th gen case, you are looking at DDR4 memory. The 300-series motherboard supports DDR4 RAM only. Which is why you will need to upgrade RAM.

DDR4 RAM supports 2133 to 4266MHz frequency. A high RAM speed can make a measurable difference in gaming performance. Another reason why DDR4 RAM is for enthusiastic PCs.

You will want to buy a single complete kit instead of mixing and matching components. Having different components spells trouble. This happens when components don’t share a similar frequency, timings, and voltages.

When you install RAM of different frequencies, the motherboard will slow the faster RAM to match the slower RAM.

Also, you need to consider the capacity you need for RAM.

Not long ago, we used to view 8GB as the sweet spot for gaming RAM. But with the entry of more sophisticated games, 16GB is now recommended. For those who need to future-proof their RAM needs, 32GB is already on the scene. However, you are likely to start ripping the benefits in a couple of years.

The differences between the i5-8600K and i7-8700K can blur in normal computing tasks. But not in gaming. The hyperthreading ability of the i7-8700K makes it a nice catch for advanced gaming. But only if you can afford a high-end GPU to match.

On a budget, you are better off with the i5-8600K now the i5-9600K. It is at par with modern gaming and more so with any AAA title.

Remember you have to perform some upgrades with these CPUs if you are running an old CPU. That’s why the price per performance is important before investing in either the i5-9600K or i7-8700K.