[SOLVED] Does my i3 8100 really use equally as much power as an i7 8700 (non k)?

[metselaarsam]

When I chose the parts for my current PC I kept upgrading in mind, and I've been doing for the past half year.

Currently rocking an i3 8100 with a GTX 1660ti and 16 gigs on RAM. (graphics card was later added to the build and my RAM has been upgraded.)

Now for my next upgrade I was planning on getting an i7 8700 which should satisfy my CPU needs for now and the upcoming years. I checked Intel's website to see the power of both my current CPU and hopefully my future CPU draw and it seems to be the same 65W, which seems odd to me because the i7 8700 is way more powerful and therefore I would assume it draws more power.

Should I believe Intel's website or is my own theory correct?

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Rated TDPs from Intel are not always realistic for heavy usage. Intel's TDPs are rated at the chips base clock. When a turbo-equipped cpu boost up in games, it will consume much more power than the rated TDP.

According to this website, the I7 8700 draws nearly 120w under load, nearly double its rated TDP. https://tekeverything.com/intel-core-i7-8700-review-benchmarks/

 

[metselaarsam]

Rated TDPs from Intel are not always realistic for heavy usage. Intel's TDPs are rated at the chips base clock. When a turbo-equipped cpu boost up in games, it will consume much more power than the rated TDP.

According to this website, the I7 8700 draws nearly 120w under load, nearly double its rated TDP. https://tekeverything.com/intel-core-i7-8700-review-benchmarks/

Thank you. Will definitely go for a beefier PSU now that I know this. I think my current system is pushing the limit of my poor 450w PSU

 

[NightHawkRMX]

What PSU do you have? A good quality PSU should be fine with only 450w.

 

[metselaarsam]

What PSU do you have? A good quality PSU should be fine with only 450w.

It's not a good PSU and I should've replaced it already. Some kind of Xilence brand or whatever. Really wanna get rid of it, but I haven't because I'm honestly scared to change out the PSU. Always feel like I'm gonna break my componments or get lost or something

 

[PC Tailor]

If you've read this from the "TDP" specification - just remember this is not directly a relation of how much power the processor consumes - TDP is technically power that's dissipated as heat - which is pretty closely related, but not exactly the same - but higher power = higher heat wastage. (I also believe AMD and Intel measure TDP differently) And quite often actual power consumption is above this as there are a huge number of variables - especially in overclocks.

TDP is usually more related to selecting an appropriate cooler, not PSU.

And as remix has stated I believe Intel still only measure at base clocks (there is a key word of Thermal Design power). So you'll find more threads, higher turbo, different architecture etc will all affect actual power consumption.

 

[metselaarsam]

If you've read this from the "TDP" specification - just remember this is not directly a relation of how much power the processor consumes - TDP is technically power that's dissipated as heat - which is pretty closely related, but not exactly the same as higher power = higher heat wastage. (I also believe AMD and Intel measure TDP differently) And quite often actual power consumption is above this as there are a huge number of variables - especially in overclocks.

TDP is usually more related to selecting an appropriate cooler, not PSU.

And as remix has stated I believe Intel still only measure at base clocks (there is a key word of Thermal Design power). So you'll find more threads, higher turbo, different architecture etc will all affect actual power consumption.

Did not know that, thanks. considering my case doesn't have the best airflow, and therefore my CPU does run quite hot under load, I will definitely have to get a better PSU

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Yea, with that brand Id change the PSU.
A better PSU won't lower your cpu temps. If you are using the stock cooler on the 8700 or 8100, they are going to run hot. Intel just shipps their coolers with the cheapest cooler possible. You could consider a gammaxx 400 cooler ($19) when you get the 8700 if you want decent temps: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/w3...7434-cfm-cpu-cooler-deepcool-gammaxx-400-blue

I would look at this PSU: Corsair CX550w 80+ bronze $49
https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Categories/Products/Power-Supply-Units/cx-series-config/p/CP-9020121-NA?utm_source=PCPartPicker_79301&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=497986_CORSAIR US Product Catalog Ad&utm_content=Content&clickid=TCjRPpU75xyJWrQwUx0Mo38zUklUMfRFRXDUX40&irgwc=1

Or this: Seasonic Evo 620w 80+ bronze. $45 https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Tc3RsY/seasonic-power-supply-ss620gm2 You may need to do something with sleep states since an older Seasonic. Someone else fill me in here.

Replacing a PSU isn't too hard, but time-consuming. Just take a plug out, and put an identical plug from the new PSU in. If it doesn't fit, don't force it.

 

[metselaarsam]

Yea, with that brand Id change the PSU.
A better PSU won't lower your cpu temps. If you are using the stock cooler on the 8700 or 8100, they are going to run hot. Intel just shipps their coolers with the cheapest cooler possible.

I would look at this PSU:
https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Categories/Products/Power-Supply-Units/cx-series-config/p/CP-9020121-NA?utm_source=PCPartPicker_79301&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=497986_CORSAIR US Product Catalog Ad&utm_content=Content&clickid=TCjRPpU75xyJWrQwUx0Mo38zUklUMfRFRXDUX40&irgwc=1

Or this: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Tc3RsY/seasonic-power-supply-ss620gm2 You may need to do something with sleep states since an older Seasonic. Someone else fill me in here.

Replacing a PSU isn't too hard, but time-consuming. Just take a plug out, and put an identical plug from the new PSU in. If it doesn't fit, don't force it.

I know it won't lower the temps, been looking for a good cooler when I'm getting the 8700. 8100 runs decently with the stock one but I've seen the 8700 run on it and it ain't pretty.

PSU I had in mind was the https://www.amazon.com/Seasonic-SSR-650FX-Modular-Warranty-Compact/dp/B073H33X7R. Should be enough for gaming on a mid tier GPU.
I will just have to get it over with the replacement and I hope I will soon because this PSU terrifies me. It is not trustworthy.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

I know it won't lower the temps, been looking for a good cooler when I'm getting the 8700. 8100 runs decently with the stock one but I've seen the 8700 run on it and it ain't pretty.

PSU I had in mind was the https://www.amazon.com/Seasonic-SSR-650FX-Modular-Warranty-Compact/dp/B073H33X7R. Should be enough for gaming on a mid tier GPU.
I will just have to get it over with the replacement and I hope I will soon because this PSU terrifies me. It is not trustworthy.

Excellent choice in PSU. Good idea about the cooler

 

[metselaarsam]

Excellent choice in PSU. Good idea about the cooler

Thank you!