Intel Fastest Processor for Games & Streaming

Intel Core i7-8700K

The fastest processor for your system for games & streaming

The Core i7-8700K has the highest stock clockspeeds Intel has ever offered, with the only potential upgrade right now being the higher clocked and limited supply Core i7-8086K. Either way, you get six cores and a huge boost to overall processing power, making this the fastest mainstream Intel processor. Most games don't currently use more than four cores, but that's starting to change, and the additional computational power can be very useful for streaming and other background tasks.

The i7-8700K is basically a response to AMD becoming competitive in the CPU scene again, with Ryzen offering 8-core/16-thread CPUs for under $300. If you're not totally focused on games, AMD's Ryzen 7 parts are a compelling alternative that can often beat the 8700K, but for games and multi-GPU, Intel still reigns supreme.

There are two main complaints against the i7-8700K. First, you'll need to buy your own cooler. Enthusiasts might do that regardless, but I'd love the option to get an appropriate cooler with a boxed CPU. The other complaint is that Intel's TIM (Thermal Interface Material) can limit overclocking potential. I consider delidding and using liquid metal a great investment for long-term overclocking, as it provides a potential 15-20C drop in thermals.