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Intel Core i7-8670T

Intel Core i7-8670T

Intel Core i7-8670T: An Energy-Efficient Processor for Compact Systems

Analysis of Specifications, Compatibility, and Use Cases (April 2025)

1. Key Specifications: Architecture and Performance

Coffee Lake Architecture and 14 nm Process

The Intel Core i7-8670T processor belongs to the Coffee Lake generation (8-core line), released in 2017-2018. Despite its age, its 14-nanometer process technology remains relevant for low-power systems. This is a 6-core chip with 12 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading, a base frequency of 2.4 GHz, and a maximum Turbo Boost of up to 3.8 GHz. The L3 cache size is 12 MB, providing quick access to frequently used data.

Key Features:

- Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 — automatic overclocking up to 3.8 GHz under load.

- Integrated Graphics UHD Graphics 630 — supports 4K via HDMI/DisplayPort.

- Power-Saving Technologies — TDP of just 35 watts, making the chip ideal for mini-PCs and silent systems.

Performance:

In Cinebench R23 tests, the processor scores around 6500 points (multi-threaded mode), which is comparable to the modern Ryzen 5 5500 in basic tasks. However, it falls short in single-threaded workloads compared to new AMD and Intel 12th generation chips due to its lower frequency.

2. Compatible Motherboards

LGA 1151 v2 Socket and Chipsets

The processor uses the LGA 1151 v2 socket, which is physically compatible with motherboards for Coffee Lake and Coffee Lake Refresh. Suitable chipsets include:

- Z370/Z390 — for overclocking (though the i7-8670T’s multiplier is locked).

- H370/B365 — optimal choice for office PCs.

- H310 — budget option, but with memory frequency limited to 2666 MHz.

Selection Features:

- A BIOS update may be required for 300 series motherboards.

- Mini-ITX boards, such as the ASUS ROG Strix Z390-I (price: ~$180), are suitable for compact builds.

3. Memory Support

DDR4-2666: A Balance of Speed and Cost

The processor supports DDR4 with a maximum frequency of 2666 MHz (regardless of chipset). Memory overclocking is available for Z-series boards, though this is not critical for tasks where stability is paramount. It is recommended to use a dual-module kit (16 GB, 2666 MHz) to activate dual-channel mode. Example: Kingston Fury DDR4-2666 16GB (~$50).

Important: DDR5 and LPDDR4x are not supported — this is a limitation of the Coffee Lake architecture.

4. Power Supply Recommendations

Energy Efficiency Above All

With a TDP of 35 watts, the processor consumes minimal energy even under load. However, when building a PC with a discrete graphics card (for example, NVIDIA RTX 3050), it's advisable to choose a power supply of 450–500 watts (80+ Bronze/Gold). For systems without a graphics card, a 250–300 watt supply is sufficient.

Examples:

- Corsair CX450 (450 watts, 80+ Bronze, ~$60) — for gaming builds.

- Be Quiet! SFX Power 3 300W (~$70) — for compact cases.

5. Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Low power consumption and heat generation.

- Multi-threading support (12 threads).

- Compatibility with budget motherboards.

Cons:

- No support for PCIe 4.0/5.0.

- Outdated process technology (14 nm compared to 7 nm for AMD Ryzen 5000).

- Limited overclocking potential.

6. Use Cases

Gaming, Work, and Multimedia

- Office Tasks and Browsing: Ideal for document work and video conferencing.

- Media Centers: Integrated graphics handle 4K HDR well. Example: HTPC build in Silverstone ML05 case.

- Light Gaming: Paired with a GTX 1660 Super graphics card, it achieves 60 FPS in Full HD (Cyberpunk 2077 on medium settings).

- Rendering and Editing: Suitable for Premiere Pro and Blender in small projects, but lags behind the Ryzen 7 5700X.

7. Comparison with Competitors

AMD Ryzen 5 5600G vs Intel Core i7-8670T

- Ryzen 5 5600G (6/12, 3.9–4.4 GHz, TDP 65 W, $160): Higher performance in gaming and multi-threaded tasks but motherboard costs are higher (AM4).

- Intel Core i5-10400T (6/12, 2.0–3.6 GHz, TDP 35 W, $180): Closest equivalent but with a smaller L3 cache (12 MB vs 12 MB for the i7-8670T).

Conclusion: The i7-8670T excels in energy efficiency but falls short in absolute performance.

8. Practical Assembly Tips

- Cooling: The stock cooler is sufficient, but for silent operation, consider the Noctua NH-L9i (~$50).

- Case: Suitable options for mini-PCs include the Cooler Master Elite 110 or Fractal Design Node 202.

- Storage: Use NVMe SSD (Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB, ~$70) to speed up boot times.

9. Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider the i7-8670T?

This processor is suitable for those who value:

- Energy Efficiency: Ideal for 24/7 systems (media servers, office PCs).

- Compactness: Fits well in mini-ITX builds.

- Budget: The price of a new processor is around $200 (April 2025), cheaper than modern equivalents.

Not Recommended For: Gamers working in 4K or professionals requiring maximum rendering speed. They would be better off choosing Ryzen 5 7600 or Intel Core i5-13400.

If you are building a quiet home PC or replacing an old office computer, the Intel Core i7-8670T remains a reliable and economical option in 2025.

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Basic

Label Name
Intel
Platform
Desktop
Launch Date
September 2018
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
Core i7-8670T
Code Name
Coffee Lake
Generation
Core i7 (Coffee Lake)

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
6
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
12
Basic Frequency
2.3 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
up to 3.7 GHz
L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
256 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
12 MB (shared)
Multiplier Unlocked
No
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
Intel Socket 1151
Bus Frequency
100 MHz
Multiplier
23.0x
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
14 nm
TDP
35 W
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only)

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR4
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
Dual-channel
ECC Memory
No

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
N/A