Intel Core i5-11600K vs Intel Core i7-8700K Comparison

The Intel Core i5-11600K and Intel Core i7-8700K are both six-core, twelve-thread desktop processors, but they belong to different generations. The i5-11600K, built on Rocket Lake, posts a higher average benchmark score of 19786 against the i7-8700K's 19238, and it wins every head-to-head test in the database. This analysis breaks down the architectural differences, specification gaps, and benchmark results.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i5-11600K boosts to 4.90 GHz, while the Intel Core i7-8700K reaches 4.70 GHz.

Q: How do their memory bandwidth figures compare?

A: The i5-11600K supports 51.2 GB/s, the i7-8700K 42.7 GB/s.

Q: What about PCIe support?

A: The i5-11600K offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes, the i7-8700K Gen 3 with 16 lanes.

Q: Which CPU has a larger L1 cache?

A: The i5-11600K has 80 KB per core, the i7-8700K 64 KB per core.

Q: Are both processors unlocked?

A: Yes, both have an unlocked multiplier.

Q: What is the production status?

A: Both are end-of-life.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the same 14 nm process node and the same six-core, twelve-thread layout, but they come from different architectural families. The i5-11600K is built on Rocket Lake, while the i7-8700K uses Coffee Lake. The die size differs substantially: the i5-11600K measures 276 mm², the i7-8700K 154 mm². The L1 cache per core is larger on the i5-11600K at 80 KB versus 64 KB, while L2 and L3 are identical at 256 KB per core and 12 MB shared.

Memory bandwidth is another differentiator. The i5-11600K delivers 51.2 GB/s, the i7-8700K 42.7 GB/s. PCIe support also moves forward: the i5-11600K provides Gen 4 with 20 lanes, the i7-8700K Gen 3 with 16 lanes. Integrated graphics differ as well, with the i5-11600K featuring UHD Graphics 750 and the i7-8700K UHD Graphics 630. The socket changes from Intel Socket 1151 on the i7-8700K to Intel Socket 1200 on the i5-11600K.

Clock speeds are higher on the newer part. The i5-11600K has a base clock of 3.90 GHz and a boost of 4.90 GHz, while the i7-8700K runs at 3.70 GHz base and 4.70 GHz boost. The TDP also rises from 95 W to 125 W. The release dates are far apart: the i7-8700K launched on 2017-10-04, the i5-11600K on 2021-03-15.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous. The i5-11600K wins all 19 head-to-head tests in the database, with no wins for the i7-8700K. Its average benchmark score of 19786 exceeds the i7-8700K's 19238. The i5-11600K also holds a higher percentile ranking among all CPUs, though both sit at the 73rd percentile.

For anyone choosing between these two, the i5-11600K is the clear performance pick. It offers higher clocks, more cache, faster memory bandwidth, and newer PCIe connectivity. The i7-8700K, while still a capable six-core part, trails in every measured workload. The i5-11600K's nearest rivals include the i5-11600KF (0.3% higher average score) and the i5-12500 (0.6% higher), while the i7-8700K's nearest rivals include the i7-10700 (0.5% higher) and the Ryzen 5 7533HS (0.6% lower). This places the i5-11600K in a stronger competitive position relative to its peers.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-11600K | Intel Core i7-8700K |

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

| Base clock | 3.90 GHz | 3.70 GHz |

| Boost clock | 4.90 GHz | 4.70 GHz |

| TDP | 125 W | 95 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1200 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Architecture | Rocket Lake | Coffee Lake |

| Die size | 276 mm² | 154 mm² |

| L1 cache (per core) | 80 KB | 64 KB |

| Memory bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | 42.7 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated graphics | UHD Graphics 750 | UHD Graphics 630 |

| Release date | 2021-03-15 | 2017-10-04 |

| Launch MSRP | $262 | $359 |

| Part number | SRKNU | SR3QRQNMK |

Both processors share the same core count (6), thread count (12), L2 cache (256 KB per core), L3 cache (12 MB shared), memory support (DDR4), memory bus (dual-channel), ECC support (false), multiplier unlock (true), market segment (desktop), production status (end-of-life), and percentile (73rd).

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The i5-11600K dominates every recorded benchmark. The largest margin comes in PassMark data encryption, where the i5-11600K scores 12212 against the i7-8700K's 4776, a 155.7% advantage. PassMark find prime numbers shows a 48.7% lead (58 vs 39). Cinebench R15 single-core is 44.2% ahead (235 vs 163), and Cinebench R20 multi-core is 43.6% ahead (6951 vs 4841). The same 43.6% delta appears in Cinebench R23 multi-core (16552 vs 11527) and single-core (2336 vs 1627).

Geekbench results are also strongly in favor of the i5-11600K: multi-core 9238 vs 7140 (29.4% lead), single-core 1973 vs 1575 (25.3% lead). PassMark integer math shows a 40.9% gap (64664 vs 45892), floating point math 34.1% (38269 vs 28538), and extended instructions 30.3% (17615 vs 13514). PassMark multithread is 43.8% higher (19527 vs 13576), and single-thread is 22.9% higher (3344 vs 2720). The smallest margin is in PassMark random string sorting, where the i5-11600K leads by 10.3% (27870 vs 25270). PassMark physics shows a 16.4% advantage (944 vs 811).

Across all 19 tests, the i5-11600K never loses. The data confirms that the architectural improvements in Rocket Lake, combined with higher clocks and faster memory, translate into consistent performance gains over the older Coffee Lake part. For users upgrading from the i7-8700K, the i5-11600K offers a substantial performance uplift in every measured category.