No, the i7-8700K is not the same as the i7-2600K. They are different processor models.
No, the i7-8700K is not the same as the i7-2600K. They are different processor models.
Search results suggest 4.6ghz is standard for the 2600k, while 4.8+ is rare. On average, a 35% overclock above base clock means about 5% of units hit 5ghz. The 8700k starts at 3.7ghz, with over 80% reaching 5ghz, so a 35% OC over base clock could push it to 5.3ghz—roughly a 43% jump. The difference in performance between the 8700k and earlier models is notable, especially considering its 50% more resources.
I believe it will take some time before a significantly faster processor appears for gaming. Adding more cores doesn’t always boost performance; it mainly helps in certain situations. Six cores can work well for some newer titles, but the extra two cores usually add little extra. Including Hyper-Threading further extends your current setup, which should keep you competitive until Intel releases 7nm chips around 2021 or 2022. You might find better performance with more cores, though. The current Intel S-CPUs aren’t particularly faster for average FPS, mainly because the 8700K contributes more to IPC than raw clock speed. On average, a better memory controller and higher RAM speeds matter more. If your motherboard supports it, you could squeeze out better results. Overall, those who bought the 8700K seem to have made a solid investment. I’ve purchased mine for 300€ on sale and still outperform other releases in gaming performance, even after several updates.
Generally, that's the case. The 6C/12T configuration is currently optimal for gaming, and this trend appears to continue for several more years. It marked the first substantial improvement for older quad-core i7 processors, and the increase in cores clearly enhances performance stability in today’s triple-A titles, even when competing against Skylake and Kaby-Lake models. For long-term reliability, the 8700K seems capable of lasting through the next generation of consoles. Its core count and threading, combined with 5GHz overclocking potential, make it a strong contender for years to come. I don’t foresee a significant leap in gaming performance until Intel shifts away from the 14nm process and abandons Skylake architecture, which seems unlikely until late 2020 or early 2021. Given that 10th-gen i5s are likely to follow the same path, the idea that “i5s are sufficient for gaming” holds up again—similar to how AMD’s Ryzen 5 lines match the capabilities of today’s 6-threaded i5s. So, I’d definitely view the 8700K as comparable to the 2600K in its era. More cores and threads at launch, solid overclocking options, and good value for the time it was available. It won’t be remembered as cherished like the 2600K, but it’s reasonable to expect it will hold up well. On the other hand, the 9700K feels more like a stepping stone, and the i9 appears to be overvalued relative to its offerings. The 8700K truly embodied the full potential of its generation and set the standard for what “Core i7” should represent.
The 10th generation i5-10600k has received mixed feedback, often described as a lightly overclocked 8700K offering improved performance and cooler temperatures. Despite the changes, it still outperforms many rivals in gaming scenarios. The 8700K is essentially the successor to the i7-2600K, and in 2020 it remains a strong choice for gamers. Since its release, no significant upgrades have emerged, and newer chips from competitors with similar specs haven’t surpassed it. This suggests gamers can expect solid performance for several more years before needing a refresh.