Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The Coffee Lake processors called “Core i7-7800K” and “Core i7-7800” in a July 2017 leak were not released under those names. The relevant mainstream desktop parts became the Intel Core i7-8700K and Core i7-8700, each with six cores and 12 threads. The “7800K” wording should not be confused with Intel’s separate six-core Core i7-7800X Skylake-X chip.
What CPU was the Intel “7800K” leak?
HotHardware’s July 19, 2017 report used “Core i7 7800K” and “7800” in its headline, but the article body described the processors as the alleged Core i7-8700K and Core i7-8700. Intel’s product records use the 8700K and 8700 names, and no official Intel product is identified as a Core i7-7800K Coffee Lake processor.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For searches such as “i7 7800K specs,” “i7 7800 Coffee Lake,” “7800K 6 core 12 thread,” or “what CPU is the Intel 7800K leak?”, use Core i7-8700K and Core i7-8700 instead. The i7-7800X is a different Skylake-X product family and should not be substituted for either Coffee Lake chip.
“Unlike previous mainstream Intel processors, these Coffee Lake parts came packing six cores and 12 threads.”
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Intel Core i7-8700K Desktop Processor 6 Cores up to 4.7GHz Turbo Unlocked LGA1151 300 Series 95W (Renewed)
- 6 Cores / 12 Threads
- 4.70 GHz Max Turbo Frequency / 12 MB Cache; Memory Types: DDR4 2666; Bus Speed 8 GT/s DMI3
- Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets
- Intel Optane Memory Supported
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
Official specifications for the corrected Coffee Lake models
| Specification | Core i7-8700K | Core i7-8700 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Coffee Lake desktop | Coffee Lake desktop |
| Cores / threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 12 |
| Base frequency | 3.70 GHz | 3.20 GHz |
| Maximum turbo frequency | Up to 4.70 GHz | Up to 4.60 GHz |
| Cache | 12 MB Intel Smart Cache | 12 MB Intel Smart Cache |
| Rated TDP | 95 W | 65 W |
| Memory support | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 |
| Launch | Q4 2017 | Q4 2017 |
| Multiplier | Unlocked | Locked |
These figures come from Intel’s 2017 launch records and current ARK product specifications. Intel now lists the Core i7-8700K as discontinued.
What the 2017 leak actually reported
The preliminary information was not a final specification sheet. HotHardware said an engineering sample seen in SiSoft SANDRA reported a 3.1 GHz base clock, 4.2 GHz turbo clock, 256 KB of L2 cache and 9 MB of L3 cache. The report then described an alleged i7-8700K at 3.7 GHz base, 12 MB of L3 cache and 95 W TDP, alongside an alleged i7-8700 at 3.2 GHz base.
Rank #2
- 6 Cores / 12 Threads. Intel UHD Graphics 630
- 3.20 GHz up to 4.60 GHz Max Turbo Frequency / 12 MB Cache
- Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets
- Intel Optane Memory Supported.Lithography:14 nm
- Instruction set is 64-bit and instruction set extensions is intel sse4.1, intel sse4.2 and intel avx2. Features intel hyper threading technology
Those engineering-sample readings and leak-era descriptions explain why old articles and search results can disagree with Intel’s released specifications. The official 8700K and 8700 records are the appropriate reference for a purchase or system build; the 3.1/4.2 GHz sample values should not be presented as the final clocks.
Recommended Free Tools
8700K versus 8700: practical differences
Performance and multiplier
Both processors provide the same six-core, 12-thread layout and 12 MB Intel Smart Cache. The 8700K starts at 3.70 GHz and can reach up to 4.70 GHz turbo, while the locked 8700 starts at 3.20 GHz and reaches up to 4.60 GHz. The K suffix identifies the unlocked multiplier; the standard 8700 is locked.
Rank #3
- Processor Manufacturer: Intel
- Processor Core: Hexa-core (6 Core)
- Clock Speed: 3.70 GHz
- Overclocking Speed: 4.30 GHz
- L3 Cache: 12 MB
Power and cooling
The 8700K carries a 95 W rated TDP, compared with 65 W for the 8700. Intel states that the boxed 8700K does not include a fan or heat sink, so a buyer must budget for an LGA1151-compatible cooler and confirm that its mounting hardware and thermal capacity are suitable. Do not assume a boxed cooler is included because the processor is sold in retail packaging.
Motherboard and firmware checks
Before buying either chip, verify the exact motherboard model, socket support and required BIOS or firmware version with the board manufacturer. Socket labeling alone is not a guarantee of support, and no universal compatibility list is established. For used systems, obtain the board’s supported-CPU list and update path before purchasing the processor.
Rank #4
- 8 Cores / 8 Threads
- 3.60 GHz up to 4.90 GHz / 12 MB Cache
- Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets
- Intel Optane Memory Supported
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
Availability today
Intel launched both processors in Q4 2017. With the 8700K now marked discontinued, new units are generally remaining inventory or secondary-market stock; condition, warranty, authenticity and return terms matter more than the original launch date. Current prices and inventory vary by seller and region, so a single current price or inventory figure does not apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6 Cores / 12 Threads. Intel UHD Graphics 630.
- 3.20 GHz up to 4.60 GHz Max Turbo Frequency / 12 MB Cache.
- Compatible only with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets.
- Intel Optane Memory Supported
- Instruction set is 64-bit and instruction set extensions is intel sse4.1, intel sse4.2 and intel avx2. Features intel hyper threading technology
How to interpret old search results
- “i7-8700K leak”: refers to the 2017 pre-release reporting and engineering-sample data.
- “Coffee Lake 8700K specifications”: use Intel’s final 3.70 GHz base, up to 4.70 GHz turbo, 12 MB cache and 95 W TDP figures.
- “7800K 6 core 12 thread”: the six-core, 12-thread description points to the 8700K, not an official 7800K model.
- “i7 7800 Coffee Lake”: replace this query with “Core i7-8700” when checking product listings or support documents.
Buying checklist for a used or remaining-stock 8700K
- Confirm that the listing says Core i7-8700K, not Core i7-7800X or another LGA1151 processor.
- Check the motherboard manufacturer’s CPU-support list and BIOS requirement for the exact board revision.
- Plan for a separate compatible CPU cooler; Intel’s boxed 8700K package excludes a fan and heat sink.
- Compare the seller’s warranty, return policy, condition and proof of authenticity, since discontinued stock may be used or refurbished.
- Match the system’s memory and platform requirements to DDR4-2666 support and the board’s own limits.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
