Intel Core i7-8086K socket: LGA 1151

The Intel Core i7-8086K uses the LGA 1151 socket on revision 2 boards with 300 series chipsets. It is an unlocked anniversary six core chip with 5.0 GHz boost.

Launched
June 2018
Cores and threads
6 and 12
Base power
95 W
Codename
Coffee Lake
Segment
Desktop
Clocks
4.0 / 5.0 GHz

Intel Core i7-8086K specifications

Cores6
Threads12
Core architectureCoffee Lake cores on 14 nm
Clocks4.0 GHz base, up to 5.0 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0
Cache12 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3)
Processor base power (TDP)95 W
Manufacturing process14 nm
Memory supportDDR4-2666, two channels, up to 128 GB
PCI Express16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 3.0
Integrated graphicsIntel UHD Graphics 630 (350 MHz to 1.2 GHz)
MultiplierUnlocked
PackageFCLGA1151 (37.5 by 37.5 mm)

Motherboard and chipset compatibility

Intel Core i7-8086K needs a motherboard with a LGA 1151 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.

SeriesChipsetsSupport
300 series: B365 and Z390Z390, B365Works out of the box
300 series: H310, B360, H370, Q370, Z370Z370, H370, B360, H310, Q370Works out of the box
200 seriesZ270, H270, B250, Q270, Q250Not supported
100 seriesZ170, H170, B150, H110, Q170, Q150Not supported

Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1151.

LGA 1151 at a glance

TypeLGA, 1,151 contacts
Package size37.5 × 37.5 mm
IntroducedAugust 2015
MemoryDDR4 on most boards (some early boards use DDR3L). DDR4 only on the second revision
Cooler mounting holes75 × 75 mm

Read the full LGA 1151 socket guide

What the Core i7-8086K is

The Core i7-8086K celebrates 40 years of x86 with an unlocked 5.0 GHz boost. It launched in the second quarter of 2018 with a 4.0 GHz base and up to 5.0 GHz boost at 95 W. Intel bins it above 8700K for enthusiasts who want guaranteed single thread peaks.

Twelve megabytes of Smart Cache feed gaming threads. The very high 4.0 GHz base sustains frame rates without waiting for boost. Twelve threads cover streaming helpers beside play.

UHD Graphics 630 from 350 MHz to 1200 MHz with device ID 0x3E92 handle displays when discrete cards idle. The process is 14 nm and the multiplier is unlocked for tuning. DDR4-2666 in two channels with up to 128 GB suits gaming towers. Technical City lists DDR3 plus DDR4 support, while Intel lists DDR4-2666, and this page uses Intel.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The 8086K fits LGA 1151 on revision 2 boards only. Z370 and Z390 enthusiast boards pair it with strong power stages for 5.0 GHz bursts. Early boards may need a BIOS update for anniversary IDs. Revision 1 never accepts it.

DDR4-2666 in two channels up to 128 GB covers gaming with fast kits. Dual channel operation lifts minimum frame rates. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide explains enthusiast board matching.

Single socket gaming towers are the home. Another unlocked 300 series chip on the same board changes the tuning headroom.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

DDR4-2666 in two channels up to 128 GB with fast SSDs gives responsive gaming. Start with 16 GB of low latency kits. Bandwidth near 41.6 GB per sec feeds six cores.

Sixteen Gen3 lanes in 1x16, 2x8 and 1x8 plus 2x4 splits hold a high end GPU plus NVMe. Most anniversary builds pair strong graphics for 144 Hz play. Chipset lanes add the rest of storage.

95 W unlocked cooling needs a capable tower or liquid loop for sustained 5.0 GHz. The 75 mm LGA 1151 pattern from the CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide applies with even pressure.

Upgrade paths

On the same socket, the Core i7-8700K gives similar threads with slightly lower boost at the same 95 W where listed. The Intel Core i7-8700T trims to 35 W at lower clocks for small cases. Both share 300 series boards.

Pentium anniversary parts suit collectors with fewer cores. They lack threads for modern multitasking.

Past LGA 1151 anniversary builds move to newer unlocked generations. The 8086K covers collectors and gamers where 5.0 GHz must endure. The $425 launch price from Technical City is aggregator data without Intel RCP context, so no price row is included.

Frequently asked questions

What socket does the Core i7-8086K use?

It uses LGA 1151 on revision 2 boards with 300 series chipsets.

How many cores does the 8086K have?

Six cores with Hyper-Threading give twelve threads. Base is 4.0 GHz with boost to 5.0 GHz.

Is the 8086K unlocked?

Yes, the multiplier is unlocked for overclocking on Z boards.

Which graphics does the 8086K include?

UHD Graphics 630 from 350 MHz to 1200 MHz.

What memory does the 8086K support?

DDR4-2666 in two channels up to 128 GB.

Sources and verification

  1. Intel Core i7-8086K Processor specifications (Intel)
  2. Core i7-8086K specs (Technical City)

Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .