Intel Core i5-10500 vs Intel Core i7-8700K

The Intel Core i5-10500 is the faster processor, scoring 34/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 32/100 for the Intel Core i7-8700K — roughly 6% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy.

Winner

Intel Core i5-10500

34
Gaming score / 100
Check Intel Core i5-10500 price

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Intel

Intel Core i7-8700K

32
Gaming score / 100
Check Intel Core i7-8700K price

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Specs compared

SpecIntel Core i5-10500Intel Core i7-8700K
Gaming score34/10032/100
Cores / Threads6 / 126 / 12
Boost clock4.50 GHz4.70 GHz
TDP65 W95 W
SocketLGA1200LGA1151
MSRP$129.00$119.00

Intel Core i5-10500 vs Intel Core i7-8700K: which should you buy?

The Intel Core i5-10500 is the faster processor, scoring 34/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 32/100 for the Intel Core i7-8700K — roughly 6% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy. For your specific games and resolution, run both through our comparison tool, check pairing with the bottleneck calculator, or see where each lands on the tier list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Intel Core i5-10500 better than the Intel Core i7-8700K?
The Intel Core i5-10500 is faster for gaming, scoring 34/100 versus 32/100 for the Intel Core i7-8700K (about 6% faster).

Should I buy the Intel Core i5-10500 or the Intel Core i7-8700K?
For raw gaming performance, choose the Intel Core i5-10500. If it costs notably more for only a small gain, the Intel Core i7-8700K can be the better value. Check current prices before deciding.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.