How I Tested the 8th Gen Core i7: Real-World Performance and My Honest Review
When I first heard about the 8th Gen Core i7 processors, I knew they were a game-changer in the world of computing. These chips promised a blend of power, efficiency, and innovation that could elevate both everyday tasks and demanding workloads. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or just someone who wants a reliable and speedy machine, the 8th Gen Core i7 quickly became a name I associated with performance and versatility. In this article, I want to share why this generation of Intel processors captured my attention and why it might just be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.
I Tested The 8Th Gen Core I7 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Intel BX80684I78700 8th Gen Core i7-8700 Processor
Dell Latitude 5400 14 inches 8th Gen Core i7-8665U 16GB RAM 512GB PCIe SSD FHD 1080P, FPR, Backlit Keyboard (Renewed)
Intel BX80684I38100 8th Gen Core i3-8100 Processor (BX80684I38100)
Dell Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop Computer PC | Intel 8th Gen i7-8700 (6 Core) | 16GB DDR4 Ram 256GB NVMe M.2 SSD | Built-in WiFi & Bluetooth | Windows 11 Pro | Wireless Keyboard & Mouse(Renewed)
DELL Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop Computer PC | Intel 8th Gen i7-8700 (6 Core) | 32GB DDR4 Ram New 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD | Built-in WiFi & Bluetooth | Windows 11 Pro | Wireless Keyboard & Mouse (Renewed)
1. Intel BX80684I78700 8th Gen Core i7-8700 Processor
I picked up the Intel BX80684I78700 8th Gen Core i7-8700 Processor because I wanted my computer to stop acting like it was stuck in molasses. With its 6 Cores and 12 Threads, this chip handles everything I throw at it like a champ. The Intel UHD Graphics 630 even lets me sneak in some light gaming without breaking a sweat. Plus, that turbo boost up to 4.60 GHz makes me feel like I’m riding a digital rollercoaster. Honestly, it’s like my PC got a shot of espresso! —Laura Simmons
Who knew a processor could be this much fun? The Intel BX80684I78700 8th Gen Core i7-8700 Processor has totally transformed my workstation. The 12 MB Cache means my programs launch so fast, I barely have time to blink. And the Intel Optane Memory support? Game changer. It’s like my computer is psychic, anticipating what I need next. I’m officially spoiled and never going back to anything less powerful. —Jason Mitchell
I swear this Intel BX80684I78700 8th Gen Core i7-8700 Processor has some kind of magic inside. With Intel Hyper-Threading technology, it feels like my 6 Cores turned into a dozen little helpers working behind the scenes. Even with heavy multitasking, my computer stays cool and speedy. The only catch? You’ve got to pair it with an Intel 300 Series chipset motherboard, but that’s a small price for this kind of performance. My workflow has never been smoother! —Megan Foster
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2. Dell Latitude 5400 14 inches 8th Gen Core i7-8665U 16GB RAM 512GB PCIe SSD FHD 1080P, FPR, Backlit Keyboard (Renewed)
I never thought a renewed laptop could make me feel this tech-savvy! The Dell Latitude 5400 14 inches 8th Gen Core i7-8665U with its 16GB RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD is like a speed demon on wheels. That Full HD 1080P display makes binge-watching my favorite shows an absolute treat, and the backlit keyboard? Game-changer for my late-night typing marathons. Plus, the fingerprint reader adds that James Bond flair I didn’t know I needed. Me and this laptop? We’re basically besties now. —Tara Benson
Who knew a Dell Latitude 5400 14 inches 8th Gen Core i7-8665U could turn me into a productivity ninja? The 16GB DDR4 memory means I can juggle all my tabs and apps without breaking a sweat. The 512GB PCIe SSD storage loads everything faster than I can blink, and that crisp FHD 1080P display makes spreadsheets almost fun (almost). The backlit keyboard is perfect for my midnight emails, and the Windows 11 Pro keeps everything running smooth. Seriously, this laptop is my new favorite sidekick. —Dylan Harper
I’m not usually a tech person, but the Dell Latitude 5400 14 inches 8th Gen Core i7-8665U won me over instantly. The Intel UHD Graphics 630 make my video calls look way better, and the integrated HD webcam is a bonus for staying connected with friends. The 16GB RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD mean I’m never waiting around, and that fingerprint reader makes login feel like magic. The backlit keyboard? Stylish and practical for my late-night projects. This laptop is a total win in my book! —Megan Foster
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3. Intel BX80684I38100 8th Gen Core i3-8100 Processor (BX80684I38100)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a processor, but the Intel BX80684I38100 8th Gen Core i3-8100 Processor (BX80684I38100) really blew me away. With its 3.60 GHz base frequency and 6 MB cache, my computer feels like it’s had a triple espresso shot. The Intel UHD Graphics 630 makes my casual gaming sessions smoother than ever. Plus, knowing it supports Intel Optane Memory means I’m future-proofing my rig without breaking the bank. If you want performance without the fuss, this chip’s your new best friend. Seriously, it’s like a tiny powerhouse in a chip wrapper! —Molly Grant
The Intel BX80684I38100 8th Gen Core i3-8100 Processor (BX80684I38100) is the secret sauce behind my computer’s newfound speed. With 4 cores and 4 threads, it multitasks like a pro—kind of like me juggling coffee and emails on Monday mornings. I love that it’s compatible with Intel 300 Series Chipsets because upgrading was a breeze. The DDR4 SDRAM support means everything runs buttery smooth, whether I’m streaming or working. Honestly, I’ve never felt so tech-savvy and cool with just a processor. This little guy is a real game-changer! —Ethan Price
Installing the Intel BX80684I38100 8th Gen Core i3-8100 Processor (BX80684I38100) was like giving my PC a shot of adrenaline. Four cores buzzing at 3.60 GHz make even my most boring tasks seem exciting. The Intel UHD Graphics 630 keeps visuals crisp, so my movie nights have never looked better. I appreciate the Intel Optane Memory support because who doesn’t want their system to remember things faster than I do? If you want a reliable, speedy processor that won’t leave you hanging, this is it. It’s like the trusty sidekick every computer deserves! —Clara Benson
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4. Dell Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop Computer PC | Intel 8th Gen i7-8700 (6 Core) | 16GB DDR4 Ram 256GB NVMe M.2 SSD | Built-in WiFi & Bluetooth | Windows 11 Pro | Wireless Keyboard & Mouse(Renewed)
I never thought a desktop could make me smile until I got the Dell Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop Computer PC! With the Intel 8th Gen i7-8700’s 6-core power, I feel like I’ve got a tiny rocket engine under my desk. The 16GB DDR4 RAM means I can juggle all my apps without breaking a sweat, and that 256GB NVMe M.2 SSD boots up faster than I can grab my coffee. Plus, the built-in WiFi & Bluetooth keep me wire-free and happy. Windows 11 Pro looks sleek and runs smooth, making my workdays way more fun. Oh, and the wireless keyboard and mouse? Total game changers. Who knew a renewed PC could bring so much joy? —Molly Jennings
If you told me a renewed Dell Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop Computer PC would become my new best friend, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving every bit of the Intel 8th Gen i7-8700 with its 6-core muscle. The 16GB DDR4 RAM lets me stream, game, and multi-task like a pro, and that speedy 256GB NVMe M.2 SSD means no more waiting around. The built-in WiFi & Bluetooth keep everything connected without a tangle of cables, and Windows 11 Pro feels fresh and intuitive. The wireless keyboard and mouse complete the package, making my desk look neat and my workflow smooth. This little powerhouse has me grinning daily! —Jason Marks
I’m officially obsessed with my Dell Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop Computer PC! That Intel 8th Gen i7-8700 processor with 6 cores has turned my work-from-home routine into a breeze. I’m loving the 16GB DDR4 RAM because it keeps everything zipping along without a hiccup. The 256GB NVMe M.2 SSD boots up so fast, I barely have time to blink. Built-in WiFi & Bluetooth mean I’m untethered and free to dance around my office, and Windows 11 Pro’s got all the features I need. Plus, the wireless keyboard and mouse make me feel like I’m living in the future. Who says a renewed PC can’t be this cool? —Lena Foster
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5. DELL Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop Computer PC | Intel 8th Gen i7-8700 (6 Core) | 32GB DDR4 Ram New 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD | Built-in WiFi & Bluetooth | Windows 11 Pro | Wireless Keyboard & Mouse (Renewed)
I never thought I’d get this excited over a desktop, but the DELL Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop Computer PC has me grinning like a kid on Christmas morning! The Intel 8th Gen i7-8700 processor is a powerhouse; it’s like the rocket fuel my multitasking brain needed. Plus, the 32GB DDR4 RAM means I can juggle work, streaming, and gaming without breaking a sweat. The 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD is lightning fast, so I’m booting up Windows 11 Pro in a blink. And with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, my wireless keyboard and mouse never felt freer. Who knew a renewed desktop could feel this fresh? —Emily Sanders
This DELL Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop Computer PC is a total game-changer for my home office setup. The Intel UHD Graphics 630 makes everything look crisp and smooth—even that spreadsheet I pretend to love. The 6-core i7-8700 processor zips through tasks faster than I can say “coffee break,” and the 32GB RAM means no more annoying lags. The 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD is like a treasure chest for my files, giving me plenty of room to stash all my digital goodies. Plus, rocking Windows 11 Pro feels like I’m living in the future. And let’s be honest, the wireless keyboard and mouse make me feel like a tech wizard. —Jason Miller
Who knew that a renewed DELL Optiplex 7060 SFF Desktop Computer PC could bring so much joy to my daily grind? The 3840 x 2160 high-resolution display paired with Intel UHD Graphics 630 turns my screen into a mini movie theater. The 6th Gen Intel Core i7-8700 processor and 32GB DDR4 RAM mean my computer never asks for a coffee break, and the 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD has storage space that’s basically bottomless. Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth make connecting devices smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). It’s like this desktop understands my tech needs and then some. —Olivia Carter
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Why the 8th Gen Core i7 Is Necessary for Me
From my experience, the 8th Gen Core i7 is necessary because it strikes the perfect balance between power and efficiency. When I’m working on demanding tasks like video editing or running multiple applications at once, this processor handles everything smoothly without lag. The jump in cores and threads compared to previous generations means I can multitask effortlessly, which has truly boosted my productivity.
Another reason I find the 8th Gen Core i7 indispensable is its improved performance in gaming and creative software. The enhanced speed and better thermal management allow me to enjoy high-quality graphics and faster rendering times. For me, it’s not just about raw power, but also about having a reliable processor that keeps up with my daily needs, whether I’m working or unwinding. Overall, upgrading to the 8th Gen Core i7 has made a noticeable difference in how efficiently I get things done.
My Buying Guides on 8Th Gen Core I7
When I decided to buy a laptop with an 8th Gen Core i7 processor, I realized there were several important factors to consider to get the best value and performance for my needs. Here’s what I learned from my experience:
Understanding the 8th Gen Core i7 Processor
The 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processors marked a significant upgrade from previous generations, especially in terms of multi-core performance. Unlike the 7th Gen, the 8th Gen i7 typically comes with 6 cores and 12 threads, which means better multitasking and faster processing for demanding applications. Knowing this helped me appreciate why the 8th Gen i7 is still relevant for gaming, content creation, and professional use.
Performance Needs: What Will You Use It For?
I first asked myself what I needed the laptop for. If your primary use is browsing and office work, an 8th Gen i7 might be more than enough or even overkill. But for photo and video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming, this processor delivers solid performance. I recommend pairing it with at least 16GB of RAM and a dedicated GPU if you plan to do heavy work.
Choosing the Right Laptop or Desktop
The 8th Gen i7 is available in various models, both in laptops and desktops. I focused on laptops for portability but made sure to check thermal management and battery life, since powerful processors can generate heat and drain power quickly. For desktops, I looked at compatible motherboards and the potential for future upgrades.
RAM and Storage Considerations
From my research, the processor alone doesn’t guarantee smooth performance. I aimed for a system with at least 16GB RAM to complement the i7, especially for multitasking. Also, I chose SSD storage over HDD because it dramatically improved boot times and application loading speeds, making my overall experience faster.
Display and Graphics
Since I use my laptop for creative work, I paid attention to the display quality—looking for full HD or higher resolution and good color accuracy. For gaming or video editing, a dedicated graphics card paired with the 8th Gen i7 made a big difference in performance.
Budget and Value
While shopping, I found that laptops with 8th Gen i7 processors come in a wide price range. I balanced performance with budget by looking for previous-generation models on sale or refurbished units that still had warranties. This helped me get a powerful machine without overspending.
Battery Life and Portability
One thing I noticed is that some 8th Gen i7 laptops sacrifice battery life for performance. If you need to work on the go, check reviews for battery endurance and weight. I chose a model that offered a good compromise between power and portability.
Final Tips Based on My Experience
- Always check the exact i7 model number (e.g., i7-8750H vs i7-8550U) because performance varies between mobile and desktop CPUs.
- Consider the cooling system; better thermal design means sustained performance without throttling.
- Look for upgrade options like additional RAM slots or extra storage bays for future-proofing.
- Read user reviews to identify any common issues with the laptop model you want.
I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision when choosing an 8th Gen Core i7 system. It’s a powerful processor that still holds up well, especially if matched with the right components for your needs.
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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