AMD EPYC 7773X vs Intel Core i7-8700K Comparison

# Intel Core i7-8700K vs AMD EPYC 7773X

This is a comparison between two processors at opposite ends of the computing spectrum: a 2017 desktop CPU with 6 cores and a 2022 server/workstation chip with 64 cores. The benchmark data shows a lopsided contest in raw throughput, but the single-core results reveal where the older desktop part still holds a niche. The Intel Core i7-8700K wins exactly one of eight head-to-head tests, while the AMD EPYC 7773X takes the other seven, often by margins exceeding 80%.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD EPYC 7773X dominates every multi-threaded and heavily parallel workload in the data set. In Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multicore tests, the EPYC scores 7825, 32608, and 77639 respectively, versus the i7-8700K's 1161, 4841, and 11527. That translates to a 85.2% deficit for Intel in each of those tests. The EPYC also wins Geekbench multicore with 15554 against 7140, a 54.1% advantage. Any workload that scales across cores—rendering, simulation, data processing—belongs to the EPYC. The 64-core, 128-thread configuration simply overwhelms the 6-core, 12-thread i7-8700K in these scenarios.

The Intel Core i7-8700K's sole victory comes in Geekbench single-core, scoring 1575 against the EPYC's 1536, a 2.5% edge. This is a narrow but real win. The i7-8700K's higher boost clock of 4.70 GHz, compared to the EPYC's 3.50 GHz, helps it edge ahead in lightly threaded tasks that depend on raw frequency. For everyday responsiveness, legacy single-threaded applications, or older games that rely on one or two cores, the i7-8700K is the better pick based on this metric.

Architecture Differences

The two CPUs come from different eras and design philosophies. The Intel Core i7-8700K uses the Coffee Lake architecture on a 14 nm process from Intel's own foundry, with a die size of 154 mm². It packs 6 cores and 12 threads, with a base clock of 3.70 GHz and a boost clock of 4.70 GHz. The AMD EPYC 7773X is built on Zen 3 (Milan-X) using a 7 nm process from TSMC, with a massive 33,200 million transistors spread across 8 chiplets, each 81 mm². It offers 64 cores and 128 threads, but clocks lower at 2.20 GHz base and 3.50 GHz boost.

Cache configurations differ dramatically. The i7-8700K has 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3. The EPYC 7773X matches the L1 at 64 KB per core but doubles L2 to 512 KB per core and provides a colossal 768 MB of shared L3 cache. That 768 MB L3 is the standout feature, designed to keep massive working sets resident on-chip. The EPYC also supports eight-channel DDR4 memory with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth, versus the i7-8700K's dual-channel 42.7 GB/s. ECC memory is supported on the EPYC but not on the i7-8700K.

PCIe capabilities are another major split. The i7-8700K offers Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the EPYC 7773X provides Gen 4 with 128 lanes. The EPYC also has no integrated graphics, whereas the i7-8700K includes UHD Graphics 630. The Intel part has an unlocked multiplier, the EPYC does not. Sockets are entirely different: Intel Socket 1151 for the i7-8700K, AMD Socket SP3 for the EPYC.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking results are the Cinebench multicore tests, where the EPYC 7773X wins by exactly 85.2% in each case. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the EPYC's 7825 crushes the i7-8700K's 1161. The R20 multicore test shows 32608 versus 4841, and R23 multicore shows 77639 versus 11527. These are not close contests; the EPYC is performing at a different tier entirely, driven by its 64 cores and the massive 768 MB L3 cache.

Single-core Cinebench results also favor the EPYC, though the margin is identical at 85.2%. The EPYC scores 1104 in R15 single-core, 4603 in R20 single-core, and 10960 in R23 single-core. The i7-8700K manages 163, 683, and 1627 respectively. Despite the i7-8700K's higher boost clock, the EPYC's Zen 3 architecture delivers better per-clock single-thread performance in these tests. This is a notable reversal from what the raw clock speeds might suggest.

Geekbench tells a different story. In Geekbench multicore, the EPYC wins 15554 to 7140, a 54.1% margin. But in Geekbench single-core, the i7-8700K takes the win with 1575 against 1536, a 2.5% edge. This is the only head-to-head benchmark where Intel comes out ahead. The narrow margin suggests that the i7-8700K's 4.70 GHz boost clock provides a slight advantage in this particular workload, which may be less sensitive to architectural efficiency and more reliant on raw frequency.

The EPYC's benchmark average score of 18979 sits close to the i7-8700K's 19238, but that average includes only the eight shared tests. The i7-8700K has a broader benchmark suite that includes PassMark tests, where it scores 45892 in integer math, 28538 in floating-point math, and 13576 in multithread. These results are not part of the head-to-head comparison but indicate the i7-8700K's strength in certain desktop compute tasks. Both CPUs sit at the 73rd percentile among all CPUs, which is a reflection of their average scores across their respective benchmark sets.

The Verdict

The AMD EPYC 7773X is the clear choice for any workload that leverages multiple cores. The data shows an 85.2% lead in all three Cinebench multicore tests and a 54.1% lead in Geekbench multicore. If your tasks involve rendering, video encoding, scientific computing, or running many virtual machines, the EPYC's 64 cores and 128 threads are the decisive factor. The 768 MB L3 cache and eight-channel memory bandwidth further cement its position for server and workstation use. The EPYC is actively in production, while the i7-8700K is end-of-life.

The Intel Core i7-8700K is the pick only if your primary concern is single-threaded performance, where it wins Geekbench single-core by 2.5%. For older software that doesn't scale beyond a few threads, or for a desktop system where the integrated UHD Graphics 630 eliminates the need for a discrete GPU, the i7-8700K holds a narrow advantage. Its unlocked multiplier also appeals to enthusiasts who want to push clock speeds, though the data does not include overclocked results. The i7-8700K's 42.7 GB/s memory bandwidth and dual-channel support are sufficient for desktop use but far below the EPYC's 204.8 GB/s.

There is no middle ground here. The EPYC 7773X is a server/workstation processor designed for maximum throughput, and the benchmark data confirms it delivers. The i7-8700K is a desktop processor from an earlier generation, and its single-core win is its only claim in this matchup. Choose the EPYC for compute density, choose the i7-8700K for legacy single-threaded tasks or a compact desktop build.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

A: The AMD EPYC 7773X wins all multi-core tests in the head-to-head data. It leads by 85.2% in Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multicore, and by 54.1% in Geekbench multicore.

Q: Does the Intel Core i7-8700K win any benchmarks?

A: Yes, it wins Geekbench single-core with a score of 1575 against the EPYC's 1536, a margin of 2.5%. This is the only head-to-head test it wins.

Q: What is the difference in core and thread counts?

A: The Intel Core i7-8700K has 6 cores and 12 threads. The AMD EPYC 7773X has 64 cores and 128 threads.

Q: How do the cache sizes compare?

A: The i7-8700K has 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. The EPYC 7773X has 64 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 768 MB shared L3.

Q: Which CPU supports ECC memory?

A: The AMD EPYC 7773X supports ECC memory. The Intel Core i7-8700K does not.

Q: What are the process nodes for each CPU?

A: The Intel Core i7-8700K is built on a 14 nm process by Intel. The AMD EPYC 7773X is built on a 7 nm process by TSMC.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-8700K | AMD EPYC 7773X |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 6 | 64 |

| Threads | 12 | 128 |

| Base Clock | 3.70 GHz | 2.20 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.70 GHz | 3.50 GHz |

| TDP | 95 W | 280 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1151 | AMD Socket SP3 |

| Architecture | Coffee Lake | Zen 3 |

| Codename | Coffee Lake | Milan-X |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 7 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Transistors | N/A | 33,200 million |

| Die Size | 154 mm² | 8x 81 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 256 KB (per core) | 512 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 12 MB (shared) | 768 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR4 |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Eight-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 42.7 GB/s | 204.8 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 128 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 630 | None |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Server/Workstation |

| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |

| Release Date | 2017-10-04 | 2022-03-21 |

| Launch MSRP | $359 | $8800 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |