i7 7700K: Overclocking, Performance, Applications & Power Consumption

The Intel Core i7 7700K is a powerful processor that has been widely used in high-end gaming and workstation PCs since its release in 2017. It is built on Intel’s 14nm Kaby Lake architecture and has a base clock speed of 4.2GHz, which can be boosted to 4.5GHz using Intel’s Turbo Boost technology.

The i7 7700K also supports hyper-threading, which allows each physical core to handle two threads simultaneously, resulting in better performance in multithreaded applications.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the i7 7700K’s specifications, performance, and compatibility with other components, and help you determine if it’s the right processor for your needs.

What is i7 7700K

The i7 7700K is a high-performance desktop processor developed by Intel Corporation, a leading manufacturer of computer processors. It is part of Intel’s 7th generation Core series of processors and was released in January 2017. The i7 7700K is built on the 14nm Kaby Lake architecture and features four physical cores with a base clock speed of 4.2GHz, which can be boosted to 4.5GHz using Intel’s Turbo Boost technology.

It also supports hyper-threading, which allows each physical core to handle two threads simultaneously, resulting in better performance in multithreaded applications. The i7 7700K is widely used in high-end gaming and workstation PCs and is compatible with a variety of motherboards that support the LGA 1151 socket.

Brief History of Intel 7th Gen Core CPUs

Intel’s 7th generation Core CPUs, also known as Kaby Lake, were first released in January 2017, succeeding the 6th generation Skylake processors. Kaby Lake was built on the same 14nm process as Skylake, but with some improvements and refinements to the architecture.

One of the key improvements in the 7th generation Core CPUs was the integration of an updated graphics processor, the Intel HD Graphics 630. This graphics processor featured better performance and support for 4K video playback and encoding, as well as improved support for virtual reality.

The 7th generation Core CPUs also introduced some improvements to power efficiency, including optimizations to the Speed Shift technology that allowed for quicker and more efficient management of CPU performance.

In addition to the i7 7700K, the 7th generation Core CPUs included a range of processors with varying clock speeds and core counts, including the i3, i5, and i7 series. These CPUs were widely used in a range of desktop and laptop systems and remained popular until the release of Intel’s 8th generation Core CPUs in 2018.

i7 7700K Specifications

Specification	Details
Base Clock Speed	4.2 GHz
Max Turbo Speed	4.5 GHz
Cores	4
Threads	8 (with Hyper-Threading)
TDP	91W
Cache	8 MB SmartCache
Lithography	14 nm
Memory Support	DDR4-2133/2400, DDR3L-1333/1600 @ 1.35V
PCIe Lanes	Up to 16 (Gen 3.0)
Integrated GPU	Intel HD Graphics 630, 4K support, DirectX 12
Socket	LGA 1151

The i7 7700K is a quad-core processor with a base clock speed of 4.2 GHz, which can be boosted up to 4.5 GHz using Intel’s Turbo Boost technology. It supports hyper-threading, which allows for up to 8 threads to be executed simultaneously. The processor has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 91W, meaning it consumes up to 91 watts of power under typical operating conditions.

The i7 7700K has 8 MB of SmartCache, which is shared among all four cores, helping to improve overall performance by reducing the time the processor spends waiting for data to be fetched from memory. The processor supports DDR4-2133/2400 and DDR3L-1333/1600 memory types and has a maximum memory bandwidth of 34.1 GB/s.

The i7 7700K also includes an integrated Intel HD Graphics 630 GPU, which supports 4K video playback and encoding, DirectX 12, and up to 3 displays. It has a maximum GPU clock speed of 1.15 GHz and supports up to 16 PCIe lanes at Gen 3.0 speeds.

The i7 7700K uses the LGA 1151 socket, which is compatible with a range of Intel 100-series and 200-series motherboards. It is also compatible with the Z270 chipset, which offers features such as support for Intel Optane Memory, RAID 0/1/5/10, and USB 3.1 Gen 2.

i7 7700K Performance

The i7 7700K is a high-performance processor that is well-suited for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering. Its high clock speed and support for hyper-threading allow it to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with ease, while its SmartCache helps to reduce the amount of time it spends waiting for data to be fetched from memory.

In terms of gaming performance, the i7 7700K has been widely regarded as one of the best processors for gaming, particularly when paired with a high-end graphics card. It is able to handle even the most demanding games with ease, delivering high frame rates and smooth gameplay.

In benchmarks, the i7 7700K has performed well, with its single-core performance ranking among the top processors of its generation. Its multi-core performance is also impressive, although it may not be as good as some of the newer processors that have since been released.

One area where the i7 7700K may struggle is power consumption and heat output. Its high clock speeds can result in high temperatures and it may require a high-end cooling solution to keep it running at peak performance without throttling.

The i7 7700K remains a powerful and capable processor that can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. While newer processors have since been released, the i7 7700K remains a popular choice for high-end gaming and workstation PCs.

i7 7700K Benchmarks

Benchmark	Score
Cinebench R15 (single)	193 points
Cinebench R15 (multi)	972 points
Geekbench 4 (single)	5,051 points
Geekbench 4 (multi)	21,530 points
3DMark Time Spy	7,140 points (CPU score)
PassMark CPU Mark	12,167 points

In the Cinebench R15 benchmark, the i7 7700K scored 193 points in the single-core test and 972 points in the multi-core test. This puts it among the top processors of its generation in terms of single-core performance, but it may not perform as well as some newer processors in multi-core tasks.

In the Geekbench 4 benchmark, the i7 7700K scored 5,051 points in the single-core test and 21,530 points in the multi-core test. Again, this puts it among the top processors of its generation in terms of single-core performance, but it may not perform as well as some newer processors in multi-core tasks.

In the 3DMark Time Spy benchmark, which tests the processor’s ability to handle gaming workloads, the i7 7700K scored 7,140 points in the CPU score. This is a respectable score, indicating that the i7 7700K is well-suited for gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks.

Finally, in the PassMark CPU Mark benchmark, the i7 7700K scored 12,167 points. This puts it among the top processors in the PassMark database, indicating that it is a powerful and capable processor that can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.

Overall, these benchmarks indicate that the i7 7700K is a powerful and capable processor that is well-suited for gaming and other demanding tasks. While it may not perform as well as some newer processors in multi-core tasks, its high clock speeds and support for hyper-threading make it a popular choice for high-end gaming and workstation PCs.

i7 7700K Overclocking and Cooling

The i7 7700K is a popular processor for overclocking due to its high base clock speed and unlocked multiplier. Overclocking the processor can lead to increased performance, but it also requires a high-end cooling solution to prevent the processor from overheating.

One popular method of cooling the i7 7700K for overclocking is liquid cooling, such as an all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler or a custom water cooling loop. These cooling solutions offer better cooling performance than air coolers, allowing for higher clock speeds and better stability during overclocking.

When overclocking the i7 7700K, it’s important to gradually increase the clock speed and voltage, while monitoring temperatures to ensure that the processor stays within safe limits. It’s also important to stress test the processor after each overclock to ensure that it is stable and can handle the increased clock speed.

However, it’s worth noting that overclocking the i7 7700K can also lead to increased power consumption and heat output, which may require a higher wattage power supply and more powerful cooling solution. Overclocking can also reduce the lifespan of the processor, so it should only be attempted by experienced users who understand the risks and precautions involved.

The i7 7700K is a powerful processor that is well-suited for overclocking, but it requires a high-end cooling solution and careful monitoring to ensure that it stays within safe limits. If done correctly, overclocking the i7 7700K can lead to significant performance gains, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts and gamers who demand the highest levels of performance from their PCs.

i7 7700K Gaming Performance

The i7 7700K is a powerful processor that is well-suited for gaming, thanks to its high clock speeds and support for hyper-threading. When paired with a high-end graphics card, it can provide excellent performance in even the most demanding games.

In general, the i7 7700K performs very well in single-threaded games, which rely heavily on the processor’s clock speed. It can also handle multi-threaded games, although it may not perform as well as some newer processors that have more cores and threads.

To give you an idea of its gaming performance, here are some benchmarks for popular games:

Game	Resolution	Settings	Average FPS
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla	1080p	Ultra	89 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077	1080p	Ultra	68 FPS
Far Cry 5	1080p	Ultra	119 FPS
GTA V	1080p	Very High	132 FPS
Rainbow Six Siege	1080p	Ultra	262 FPS
Shadow of the Tomb Raider	1080p	Highest	108 FPS
The Witcher 3	1080p	Ultra	121 FPS

These benchmarks indicate that the i7 7700K is a powerful processor that is well-suited for gaming, especially when paired with a high-end graphics card. It can handle even the most demanding games at high resolutions and settings, and provides smooth and consistent frame rates.

If you’re looking for a powerful processor for gaming, the i7 7700K is a great choice. While it may not perform as well as some newer processors in multi-threaded tasks, its high clock speeds and support for hyper-threading make it a popular choice for gamers who demand the highest levels of performance from their PCs.

i7 7700K Productivity Performance

The i7 7700K is also a capable processor for productivity tasks, thanks to its high clock speeds and support for hyper-threading. While it may not be as powerful as some newer processors that have more cores and threads, it can still handle demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and rendering.

To give you an idea of its productivity performance, here are some benchmarks for popular productivity software:

Software	Benchmark	Score
Cinebench R20	CPU	1446
Handbrake	1080p	62 FPS
Adobe Premiere Pro CC	Export	6:28
Blender	BMW27	4:46
MATLAB	LU Factorization	4.4 s

These benchmarks indicate that the i7 7700K is a capable processor for productivity tasks, although it may not be as powerful as some newer processors that have more cores and threads. It can handle demanding tasks such as video editing and rendering, but it may take longer to complete these tasks than some newer processors.

If you’re looking for a processor that can handle both gaming and productivity tasks, the i7 7700K is a good choice. While it may not be the most powerful processor on the market, it provides excellent performance in both gaming and productivity applications, making it a versatile option for users who need a high-performance PC.

i7 7700K Price and Value

The i7 7700K was released in early 2017, and since then, its price has decreased significantly. As of April 2023, the processor can be found for around $300-$350 USD. While this may seem like a high price for an older processor, it’s important to consider its performance and value compared to newer processors.

While the i7 7700K may not be the most powerful processor on the market, it still provides excellent performance in both gaming and productivity tasks. It also has the advantage of being a well-established processor, which means that there is a large community of users who have experience with it and can provide support and advice.

When compared to newer processors such as the i9 11900K or the Ryzen 9 5900X, the i7 7700K may not be as powerful, but it still provides excellent value for its price. It can handle demanding tasks and provides excellent gaming performance, making it a great choice for users who want a high-performance processor without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for a high-performance processor that provides excellent value for its price, the i7 7700K is a good choice. While it may not be the newest or most powerful processor on the market, it still provides excellent performance in both gaming and productivity tasks, and is a popular choice among users who demand the best from their PCs.

i7 7700K Advantages

The i7 7700K has several advantages that make it a popular choice among users who demand high-performance from their PCs. Here are some of its key advantages:

• High clock speeds: The i7 7700K has a base clock speed of 4.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.5 GHz, making it one of the fastest processors on the market. This high clock speed allows it to handle demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing with ease.
• Hyper-threading: The i7 7700K supports hyper-threading, which allows it to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for productivity tasks such as video editing and rendering.
• Overclocking: The i7 7700K is a popular choice among overclockers due to its unlocked multiplier and high clock speeds. With the right cooling solution, it’s possible to push the processor to even higher clock speeds, which can result in even better performance.
• Established platform: The i7 7700K uses the LGA 1151 socket, which has been used by several generations of Intel processors. This means that there are many compatible motherboards and a large community of users who have experience with the platform.
• Gaming performance: The i7 7700K is an excellent choice for gaming, thanks to its high clock speeds and support for hyper-threading. It can handle even the most demanding games with ease and provides an excellent gaming experience.

The i7 7700K is a powerful and versatile processor that has several key advantages, including high clock speeds, hyper-threading, overclocking capabilities, an established platform, and excellent gaming performance. These advantages make it a popular choice among users who demand the best from their PCs.

i7 7700K Disadvantages

While the i7 7700K has several advantages, it also has a few disadvantages that are worth considering. Here are some of its key disadvantages:

• Limited number of cores: The i7 7700K has only four cores and eight threads, which may not be sufficient for demanding productivity tasks such as video editing or rendering. Newer processors with more cores and threads, such as the Ryzen 9 5900X, offer better performance in these tasks.
• Older architecture: The i7 7700K uses Intel’s Kaby Lake architecture, which is now several years old. While this architecture is still capable, newer processors with more advanced architectures, such as Intel’s 11th generation Rocket Lake-S or AMD’s Zen 3 architecture, offer better performance and features.
• Power consumption: The i7 7700K has a relatively high power consumption compared to some newer processors, which can lead to higher electricity bills and increased heat output. This can also make it more difficult to cool the processor, especially when overclocking.
• Price: While the i7 7700K has seen a significant price drop since its release, it is still relatively expensive compared to some newer processors that offer better performance and features. Users on a budget may prefer to look at newer processors that offer better value for their money.

While the i7 7700K is a powerful and capable processor, it has a few key disadvantages that are worth considering, such as its limited number of cores, older architecture, higher power consumption, and relatively high price compared to some newer processors. Users who demand the best performance and features may prefer to look at newer processors that offer better value for their money.

i7 7700K vs Ryzen 5 3600 Comparison

Processor	i7 7700K	Ryzen 5 3600
Cores/Threads	4/8	6/12
Base Clock Speed	4.2 GHz	3.6 GHz
Boost Clock Speed	4.5 GHz	4.2 GHz
TDP	91W	65W
Manufacturing Process	14nm	7nm
Integrated Graphics	Intel HD Graphics 630	N/A
Price (at launch)	$339	$199

Now, let’s compare these processors in more detail:

• Cores/Threads: The Ryzen 5 3600 has six cores and twelve threads, compared to the i7 7700K’s four cores and eight threads. This gives the Ryzen 5 3600 a significant advantage in multi-threaded tasks such as video editing and rendering.
• Clock Speeds: The i7 7700K has a higher base clock speed (4.2 GHz) and boost clock speed (4.5 GHz) than the Ryzen 5 3600 (3.6 GHz base, 4.2 GHz boost). However, the Ryzen 5 3600 has a higher IPC (instructions per clock) and a larger cache, which can make up for the difference in clock speeds.
• TDP: The Ryzen 5 3600 has a lower TDP (thermal design power) of 65W, compared to the i7 7700K’s TDP of 91W. This means that the Ryzen 5 3600 consumes less power and generates less heat, which can be an advantage in systems with limited cooling capabilities.
• Manufacturing Process: The Ryzen 5 3600 uses AMD’s 7nm manufacturing process, while the i7 7700K uses Intel’s older 14nm process. The Ryzen 5 3600’s smaller manufacturing process allows for better power efficiency and can enable higher clock speeds.
• Integrated Graphics: The i7 7700K includes Intel HD Graphics 630, which can provide basic graphics capabilities for systems without a dedicated graphics card. The Ryzen 5 3600 does not include integrated graphics and requires a dedicated graphics card for visual output.
• Price: At launch, the i7 7700K had a higher price point ($339) than the Ryzen 5 3600 ($199). However, the i7 7700K is now several years old and has seen significant price drops, making it a more affordable option for users on a budget.

In terms of performance, the Ryzen 5 3600 offers better multi-threaded performance due to its higher core and thread count. It also offers better power efficiency and can be more cost-effective. The i7 7700K, on the other hand, has higher clock speeds and can provide better single-threaded performance in some applications. However, it also consumes more power and generates more heat, which can be a concern in some systems.

Ultimately, the choice between these processors will depend on the specific needs of the user. The Ryzen 5 3600 is a great choice for users who need strong multi-threaded performance and value power efficiency, while the i7 7700K can be a good choice for users who need high single-threaded performance and have more demanding cooling capabilities.

i7 6700k vs i7 7700k: Features, Performance, Technology, Power Consumption & Graphic

rocessor	i7 6700K	i7 7700K
Cores/Threads	4/8	4/8
Base Clock Speed	4.0 GHz	4.2 GHz
Boost Clock Speed	4.2 GHz	4.5 GHz
TDP	91W	91W
Manufacturing Process	14nm	14nm
Integrated Graphics	Intel HD Graphics 530	Intel HD Graphics 630
Price (at launch)	$350	$339

Now, let’s compare these processors in more detail:

• Cores/Threads: Both the i7 6700K and i7 7700K have four cores and eight threads. However, the i7 7700K has a higher clock speed and improved microarchitecture, which can result in better performance.
• Clock Speeds: The i7 6700K has a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.2 GHz. The i7 7700K has a higher base clock speed of 4.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.5 GHz. This gives the i7 7700K a slight advantage in single-threaded performance.
• TDP: Both processors have a TDP of 91W, which means they consume roughly the same amount of power.
• Manufacturing Process: Both the i7 6700K and i7 7700K use Intel’s 14nm manufacturing process, which is an older technology compared to newer processors on the market.
• Integrated Graphics: The i7 6700K includes Intel HD Graphics 530, while the i7 7700K includes Intel HD Graphics 630. The i7 7700K’s graphics capabilities are slightly improved over the i7 6700K, but they are still basic and not suitable for gaming or other graphics-intensive tasks.
• Price: At launch, the i7 6700K had a higher price point ($350) compared to the i7 7700K ($339). However, the i7 6700K is now an older processor and may be more affordable on the used market.

In terms of performance, the i7 7700K offers slightly better single-threaded performance due to its higher clock speeds. However, the i7 6700K and i7 7700K perform similarly in multi-threaded tasks due to their same core and thread count.

Both processors support Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology, which allows for two threads per physical core, and have 8MB of L3 cache. They also support DDR4 memory and feature the same PCIe lanes.

In terms of power consumption, both processors have the same TDP of 91W and consume roughly the same amount of power.

Ultimately, if you are considering between these two processors, the i7 7700K may be a better choice due to its slightly better performance and improved integrated graphics. However, if you can find the i7 6700K for a lower price, it may be a cost-effective option for users who don’t require the highest performance.

i7 7700k Motherboard Compatible

The i7 7700K is compatible with motherboards that use the LGA 1151 socket and the Intel 200-series chipset. Some examples of compatible motherboards include:

• ASUS ROG Maximus IX Apex
• Gigabyte AORUS GA-Z270X-Gaming 9
• MSI Z270 GAMING M7
• ASRock Z270 Taichi

It’s important to note that although some motherboards may physically fit the i7 7700K, they may not support its full feature set or may require a BIOS update to function properly. It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s website for compatibility before purchasing a motherboard.

i5 7600K vs i7 7700K

The i5 7600K and i7 7700K are both quad-core processors from Intel’s 7th generation of CPUs. However, there are some key differences between them in terms of performance and features:

• Core count and Hyper-Threading: The i5 7600K has four physical cores and does not support Hyper-Threading, while the i7 7700K also has four physical cores but supports Hyper-Threading, allowing for up to eight threads.
• Clock speed: The i7 7700K has a base clock speed of 4.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.5 GHz, while the i5 7600K has a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.2 GHz.
• Cache size: The i7 7700K has a larger cache size of 8MB, compared to the i5 7600K’s 6MB cache.
• Price: The i7 7700K is typically more expensive than the i5 7600K.

In terms of gaming performance, the i5 7600K and i7 7700K are fairly comparable, with the i7 7700K offering a slight advantage in games that can take advantage of its Hyper-Threading technology. However, the i7 7700K is generally better suited for productivity tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, where the additional threads can provide a significant performance boost.

Ultimately, the choice between the i5 7600K and i7 7700K will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you primarily use your computer for gaming and basic productivity tasks, the i5 7600K may be a good choice. However, if you need more performance for demanding applications or want to future-proof your system, the i7 7700K may be the better option.

i5 6600K vs i7 7700K

The i5 6600K and i7 7700K are two CPUs from different generations, with the i5 6600K belonging to Intel’s 6th generation and the i7 7700K belonging to the 7th generation. Here are some key differences between the two:

• Core count and Hyper-Threading: The i5 6600K has four physical cores and does not support Hyper-Threading, while the i7 7700K also has four physical cores but supports Hyper-Threading, allowing for up to eight threads.
• Clock speed: The i7 7700K has a base clock speed of 4.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.5 GHz, while the i5 6600K has a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and a boost clock speed of 3.9 GHz.
• Cache size: The i7 7700K has a larger cache size of 8MB, compared to the i5 6600K’s 6MB cache.
• Price: The i7 7700K is typically more expensive than the i5 6600K.

In terms of gaming performance, the i5 6600K and i7 7700K are fairly comparable, with the i7 7700K offering a slight advantage in games that can take advantage of its Hyper-Threading technology. However, the i7 7700K is generally better suited for productivity tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, where the additional threads can provide a significant performance boost.

If you already have an i5 6600K and are considering upgrading to the i7 7700K, it may be worth considering other factors like your specific use case and budget. The i7 7700K may provide a noticeable performance improvement in certain applications, but it may not be worth the cost if you primarily use your computer for gaming or basic productivity tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions about i7 7700k

What is the i7 7700K CPU?

The i7 7700K is a quad-core desktop CPU manufactured by Intel and released in 2017. It is part of the 7th generation of Intel Core processors and is designed for high-performance gaming and productivity tasks.

What is the clock speed of the i7 7700K?

The i7 7700K has a base clock speed of 4.2 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.5 GHz.

Does the i7 7700K support Hyper-Threading?

Yes, the i7 7700K supports Hyper-Threading, which allows for up to eight threads to be processed simultaneously.

What is the TDP of the i7 7700K?

The i7 7700K has a TDP (thermal design power) of 91 watts.

What is the socket type for the i7 7700K?

The i7 7700K uses an LGA 1151 socket.

What kind of RAM is compatible with the i7 7700K?

The i7 7700K is compatible with DDR4 memory with a maximum supported speed of 2400 MHz.

What is the price of the i7 7700K?

The price of the i7 7700K can vary depending on the retailer, but it was originally launched at around $350 USD.

Is the i7 7700K still relevant in 2023?

While the i7 7700K is now a few years old, it can still offer respectable performance in many applications, particularly for gaming. However, newer processors like the 11th generation Intel Core CPUs or the AMD Ryzen CPUs offer improved performance and newer features.

Can the i7 7700K be overclocked?

Yes, the i7 7700K can be overclocked, allowing users to push the clock speed beyond the default settings for improved performance.

What is the i7 7700K’s integrated graphics processing unit?

The i7 7700K features Intel HD Graphics 630, which provides basic graphics performance for tasks like video playback and light gaming. However, for more demanding games or applications, a dedicated graphics card is recommended.

—

In conclusion, the i7 7700K is a powerful desktop CPU that can offer impressive performance for gaming and productivity tasks. It has a high clock speed, supports Hyper-Threading, and can be overclocked for even better performance. The CPU is compatible with DDR4 RAM and uses an LGA 1151 socket, making it easy to find a compatible motherboard.

While the i7 7700K may not be the newest or most cutting-edge CPU available today, it is still a viable option for those who want high-performance computing without breaking the bank. It may not offer the best value for money compared to newer processors like the 11th generation Intel Core CPUs or AMD Ryzen CPUs, but it can still deliver respectable performance in many applications.

Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful CPU for gaming or productivity tasks and don’t want to spend a fortune, the i7 7700K is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re building a new system from scratch or upgrading an older one, you may want to consider newer processors for improved performance and features.