When it comes to gaming, having the right hardware can make all the difference. A fast processor is essential for running demanding games smoothly, and the Intel Core i7 8th Gen is a popular choice among gamers. But is it really good for gaming? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the capabilities of the Intel Core i7 8th Gen and explore its performance in gaming.
What is the Intel Core i7 8th Gen?
Before we dive into its gaming performance, let’s take a brief look at what the Intel Core i7 8th Gen is. The Intel Core i7 8th Gen is a series of high-performance processors from Intel, introduced in 2017. It’s part of the 8th generation of Core processors, which brought significant improvements in performance, power efficiency, and features compared to the previous generation.
The Intel Core i7 8th Gen is available in various models, including the i7-8700K, i7-7700K, and i7-8550U, among others. These processors offer a range of core counts, clock speeds, and features, but they all share a common goal: to provide exceptional performance for demanding applications like gaming.
Key Features of the Intel Core i7 8th Gen
So, what makes the Intel Core i7 8th Gen so special? Here are some of its key features:
- Higher core counts: The Intel Core i7 8th Gen offers higher core counts compared to the previous generation, with up to 6 cores and 12 threads. This means it can handle more simultaneous tasks and threads, making it ideal for multitasking and demanding applications like gaming.
- Faster clock speeds: The Intel Core i7 8th Gen has faster clock speeds, with boost frequencies of up to 4.7 GHz. This means it can handle demanding tasks more quickly and efficiently.
- Improved power efficiency: The Intel Core i7 8th Gen is more power-efficient than the previous generation, with a lower thermal design power (TDP) of 95W. This means it generates less heat and consumes less power, making it ideal for laptops and smaller form factor PCs.
- Support for Intel Optane memory: The Intel Core i7 8th Gen supports Intel Optane memory, a high-speed storage technology that can accelerate storage performance and reduce loading times.
Gaming Performance of the Intel Core i7 8th Gen
Now that we’ve covered the key features of the Intel Core i7 8th Gen, let’s explore its gaming performance. The Intel Core i7 8th Gen is a powerful processor that can handle demanding games smoothly, but its performance can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Game requirements: Modern games have varying system requirements, and some may be more demanding than others. Games that are highly dependent on CPU performance, such as strategy games and simulations, will benefit more from the Intel Core i7 8th Gen than games that are more dependent on GPU performance, such as first-person shooters.
- GPU performance: The performance of the graphics card (GPU) is also crucial for gaming performance. A high-end GPU can handle demanding games at high resolutions and frame rates, but it may not be fully utilized if the CPU is not powerful enough.
- System configuration: The system configuration, including the RAM, storage, and motherboard, can also affect gaming performance.
Benchmarking the Intel Core i7 8th Gen
To give you a better idea of the Intel Core i7 8th Gen’s gaming performance, let’s take a look at some benchmarks. We’ll use the i7-8700K, a popular model among gamers, and pair it with a high-end NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU.
| Game | Resolution | Frame Rate (FPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 4K (3840 x 2160) | 60-70 FPS |
| Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands | 4K (3840 x 2160) | 55-65 FPS |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | 4K (3840 x 2160) | 50-60 FPS |
| Overwatch | 1080p (1920 x 1080) | 120-140 FPS |
| League of Legends | 1080p (1920 x 1080) | 150-180 FPS |
As you can see, the Intel Core i7 8th Gen can handle demanding games at high resolutions and frame rates, even with a high-end GPU. However, it’s worth noting that the frame rates may vary depending on the specific game and system configuration.
Is the Intel Core i7 8th Gen Worth It for Gaming?
So, is the Intel Core i7 8th Gen worth it for gaming? The answer is a resounding yes! The Intel Core i7 8th Gen offers exceptional performance, power efficiency, and features that make it an excellent choice for gamers. With its high core counts, fast clock speeds, and support for Intel Optane memory, it can handle demanding games smoothly and efficiently.
However, it’s worth noting that the Intel Core i7 8th Gen is a premium processor, and it comes with a premium price tag. If you’re on a budget, you may want to consider other options, such as the Intel Core i5 8th Gen or AMD Ryzen 5 series. These processors offer similar performance at a lower price point.
Alternatives to the Intel Core i7 8th Gen
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Intel Core i7 8th Gen, here are a few options to consider:
- Intel Core i5 8th Gen: The Intel Core i5 8th Gen is a more affordable alternative to the i7 8th Gen, with similar performance and features.
- AMD Ryzen 5 series: The AMD Ryzen 5 series is a popular alternative to Intel processors, offering similar performance at a lower price point.
- Intel Core i9 9th Gen: If you want the latest and greatest from Intel, the Intel Core i9 9th Gen offers even higher performance and features than the i7 8th Gen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Intel Core i7 8th Gen is an excellent choice for gamers who want exceptional performance, power efficiency, and features. While it may come with a premium price tag, it’s worth it for those who want the best gaming experience. Whether you’re playing demanding games or streaming your gameplay, the Intel Core i7 8th Gen has got you covered.
So, is the Intel Core i7 8th Gen good for gaming? Absolutely! With its high core counts, fast clock speeds, and support for Intel Optane memory, it’s a powerhouse of a processor that can handle even the most demanding games. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line gaming processor, the Intel Core i7 8th Gen is an excellent choice.
Is the Intel Core i7 8th Gen processor good for gaming?
The Intel Core i7 8th Gen processor is an excellent choice for gaming. It offers exceptional performance, high clock speeds, and multiple cores that can handle demanding games. Additionally, the 8th Gen Core i7 processor has a high turbo boost frequency, which allows it to increase its clock speed when needed, providing a smoother gaming experience.
In terms of gaming performance, the Core i7 8th Gen processor can handle most modern games at high graphics settings. It can also handle 4K gaming, although some games may require reduced graphics settings. Overall, the Intel Core i7 8th Gen processor is an excellent choice for gamers who want the best performance and a seamless gaming experience.
What is the difference between the Intel Core i7 8th Gen and other Core i7 processors?
The main difference between the Intel Core i7 8th Gen and other Core i7 processors is the number of cores and threads. The 8th Gen Core i7 processor has six cores and 12 threads, whereas older Core i7 processors have four cores and eight threads. This increase in core and thread count provides a significant boost in performance, especially in multi-threaded applications like gaming.
Additionally, the 8th Gen Core i7 processor has a higher turbo boost frequency and a larger cache memory, which also contributes to its improved performance. The 8th Gen Core i7 processor is also more power-efficient than its predecessors, which means it generates less heat and consumes less power.
Can the Intel Core i7 8th Gen processor handle 4K gaming?
Yes, the Intel Core i7 8th Gen processor can handle 4K gaming, but it may require some compromises on graphics settings. The processor has enough power to handle 4K resolutions, but it may struggle with very demanding games at high graphics settings. However, reducing graphics settings or using a lower resolution can provide a smoother gaming experience.
It’s also important to note that 4K gaming requires a powerful graphics card, and the Intel Core i7 8th Gen processor should be paired with a high-end graphics card to handle 4K resolutions. In addition, some games may not be optimized for 4K resolutions, which can affect performance.
Is the Intel Core i7 8th Gen processor overkill for gaming?
The Intel Core i7 8th Gen processor is a high-end processor, and it may be overkill for casual gaming. If you only play casual games like Minecraft or League of Legends, a mid-range processor like the Core i5 may be sufficient. However, if you’re a serious gamer who wants the best performance and can take advantage of the processor’s features, the Core i7 8th Gen processor is a good choice.
It’s also important to consider that the Core i7 8th Gen processor has other benefits beyond gaming, such as improved video editing and 3D modeling performance. If you use your computer for content creation or other resource-intensive tasks, the Core i7 8th Gen processor may be a good investment.
Can I pair the Intel Core i7 8th Gen processor with a low-end graphics card?
While it’s technically possible to pair the Intel Core i7 8th Gen processor with a low-end graphics card, it’s not recommended. The Core i7 8th Gen processor is a high-end processor that can handle demanding games, and pairing it with a low-end graphics card would limit its performance.
A low-end graphics card would bottleneck the system, preventing the Core i7 8th Gen processor from reaching its full potential. To take full advantage of the processor’s capabilities, it’s recommended to pair it with a high-end graphics card that can handle demanding games at high graphics settings.
Is the Intel Core i7 8th Gen processor future-proof?
The Intel Core i7 8th Gen processor is a relatively old processor, and it may not be future-proof for very demanding games. While it can handle most modern games at high graphics settings, it may struggle with future games that require even more powerful hardware.
However, the Core i7 8th Gen processor is still a high-end processor, and it will continue to provide excellent gaming performance for the next few years. Additionally, the processor’s high turbo boost frequency and large cache memory ensure that it can adapt to changing gaming demands.
Is it worth upgrading to the Intel Core i7 8th Gen processor for gaming?
If you’re currently using an older processor and want to upgrade for gaming, the Intel Core i7 8th Gen processor is a good choice. The processor offers significant performance improvements over older processors, and it can handle demanding games at high graphics settings.
However, if you already have a mid-range or high-end processor from the last few years, the upgrade may not be worth it. The performance difference may not be significant enough to justify the cost of upgrading. It’s recommended to evaluate your current processor’s performance and consider other upgrade options, such as a new graphics card or more RAM, before deciding to upgrade to the Core i7 8th Gen processor.