Core i7-8700K
Coffee Lake · 6C/12T · 95 W · LGA1151
Ryzen 7 1800X
Zen 1 · 8C/16T · 95 W · AM4
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Core i7-8700K lands at 62 and Ryzen 7 1800X at 62. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Core i7-8700K if…
- ✓Strong per-core performance
- ✓Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- ✓Wide platform availability
Pick Ryzen 7 1800X if…
- ✓AM4/AM5 longevity
- ✓Multi-thread value
- ✓Unlocked multipliers
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testGaming
Core i7-8700KFrame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed
Core i7-8700K leads on single (64 vs 58).
Creators & productivity
TieRendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Power efficiency
Ryzen 7 1800XPerformance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost
Ryzen 7 1800X leads on efficiency (80 vs 72).
Value for money
Core i7-8700KSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Core i7-8700K more score per dollar ($359 vs $499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Core i7-8700K | Ryzen 7 1800X |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Coffee Lake | Zen 1 |
| Cores | 6 | ▲ 8 |
| Threads | 12 | ▲ 16 |
| TDP | 95 W | 95 W |
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM4 |
| Release year | 2017 | 2017 |
Core i7-8700K
- +Strong per-core performance
- +Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
- +Wide platform availability
- −Power draw on top SKUs
- −Frequent socket changes
- −Arrow Lake gaming regressions
Ryzen 7 1800X
- +AM4/AM5 longevity
- +Multi-thread value
- +Unlocked multipliers
- −DDR5 required on AM5
- −iGPU optional
- −X3D variants better for gaming
FAQ: Core i7-8700K vs Ryzen 7 1800X
Which is better, Core i7-8700K or Ryzen 7 1800X? +
Both score 62 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Core i7-8700K worth the price? +
At $359, Core i7-8700K delivers a Specdex score of 62 — strongest in efficiency.
Is Ryzen 7 1800X worth the price? +
At $499, Ryzen 7 1800X delivers a Specdex score of 62 — strongest in efficiency.
Does Core i7-8700K or Ryzen 7 1800X last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for gaming, Core i7-8700K or Ryzen 7 1800X? +
Core i7-8700K — leads on single (64 vs 58). Frame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed.
Which is better for power efficiency, Core i7-8700K or Ryzen 7 1800X? +
Ryzen 7 1800X — leads on efficiency (80 vs 72). Performance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost.