Looking for advice on whether to get the i5-8600k or i7-8700.

[neferiusx]

I'm building a computer, and noticed the i5-8600k is 57 USD cheaper than the i7-8700. I'm wondering what would be the better choice for a gaming computer without overclocking. (I'd like my hardware to last as long as possible.) I noticed that the 8600k showed better base ghz, but would like to know if the 12 threads of the 8700 makes it superior. Also please speak to me like I'm a five year old. I like layman's terms. This computer is mid-range. A GTX 1060, 16GB of DDR3 RAM, and an ASUS PRIME Z370-P.

 

[Tony_186]

Well the 2 more cores make a huge performance difference.
I would go with the i7 since you stated that you won't be overclocking, otherwise I would get the i5 and overclock it.

 

[smorizio]

if your in the us look at micro center combo deals. if they have the 30.00 combo deals go with the i7. it last longer and if you get into streaming the extra cores on the i7 will help. on your build the new mb use ddr4 ram not ddr3.

 

[gingerrankin]

First of all: Coffee Lake requires DDR4 memory, not DDR3.

When calculating, keep in mind that the I7-8700 includes the Intel basic heatsink and the I5-8600K does not include any, so if you do not have one, you should buy one.

Speed:
I7-8700 base 3.2ghz turbo (4,5,6 cores 4.3ghz) (3 cores 4.4 ghz) (2 cores 4.5 ghz) (1 core 4.6 ghz)
I5-8600K base 3.6 Ghz turbo (5,6, cores 4.1 ghz) (2,3,4 cores 4.2 ghz) (1 core 4.3)

The clock-base has no practical importance because the processor uses the turbo without the need for any action on your part. The important thing is the turbo of 6 cores and 1 core. In both cases I7-8700 wins. If you are not going to overclock the I7-8700 it is much better.

That said, both processors are much more powerful than your graphic card requires and, unless you also perform cpu-intensive tasks (rendering videos for example) you will not take advantage of them.

Any processor from I3-8100 would be sufficient, but since you want your system to last as long as possible I would recommend the I5-8400.

 

[mdd1963]

Well the 2 more cores make a huge performance difference.
I would go with the i7 since you stated that you won't be overclocking, otherwise I would get the i5 and overclock it.

8700 and 8600K are both 6 core CPUs.....(perhaps you read it as 7700?)

The 8600K is normally faster at pure gaming, but, the 8700's hyperthreading might allow it to fare better with streaming while gaming, etc..

Either CPU will easily max out a GTX1060.

 

[ritvarsdavis]

If you plan to stream anytime in the future, pick the i7 8700. I'd also recommend an aftermarket cooler, like, Cryorig H7 (about £35). The stock cooler will do the job fine, but for very long gaming sessions, encoding etc. etc. it might not turbo as much. Also depends on the airflow of your case. With an aftermarket one, you'd have a piece of mind that everything stays cool + it looks better. But then again, it's another 35 - 40 on top of already expensive CPU.

If you DON'T plan to stream anytime in the future, pick the i5 8400. It's a kickass bang for the buck CPU that will last a long time. And from experience, it's hella good. I recommend!