Buying a Used 8700K or 6700K PC

Coffee Lake and Skylake i7 builds still show up across Ontario marketplaces. We currently list an 8700K + 1080 Ti on Z370 and a 6700K + 1080 on a Maximus VIII Hero. Here is what to check so the price matches the platform.

What these CPUs are still good for

Both chips handle 1080p gaming when paired with a capable GPU. The 8700K's six cores age better for Discord, browser tabs, and light streaming. The 6700K is a four-core eight-thread part: fine for many games, softer when you pile on background apps.

Windows 11 and BIOS questions

Many Z170 and Z370 boards can run Windows 11 after BIOS updates and TPM settings. Ask whether the seller already installed Windows 11 cleanly, or if the PC still boots Windows 10. A working activated install saves you an afternoon, but hardware health matters more than the sticker.

Motherboard and cooler tips

ROG boards like the Maximus VIII Hero look premium and usually have solid VRMs for the 6700K. TUF Z370 boards are practical Coffee Lake companions. Confirm the cooler is mounted correctly: a tired stock cooler on an 8700K will thermal throttle in Ontario summers.

Upgrade walls you cannot ignore

These platforms stop at their generation. You cannot drop a modern Ryzen or 14th gen Intel into a Z170 board. GPU upgrades are still possible if the PSU and case allow it. If you want a long upgrade path, look at AM4 or AM5 instead of stretching Skylake further.

Red flags on Kijiji-style listings

Vague 'i7 gaming PC' titles without a full model number, missing PSU brand, and no interior photos are yellow flags. Ask for a short boot to desktop clip and a GPU-Z or Task Manager GPU screenshot. Our inspection checklist covers the rest of the meetup.

Frequently asked questions

Is an i7-8700K still good for gaming in 2026?

Yes for 1080p with a decent GPU. It is weaker for heavy streaming and creator work than modern six- and eight-core chips.

Should I buy a 6700K PC to upgrade later?

Only if the price is low and you accept a dead-end CPU path. Plan a GPU or full platform move later, not a drop-in CPU swap.

Do these builds support Windows 11?

Often yes with a BIOS update and TPM enabled. Confirm the current OS and that the seller did not leave it on a broken installer.

Key takeaways

• Match price to platform age: 8700K ages better than 6700K for multitasking.
• Confirm Windows 11 readiness and cooler health before you pay.
• Treat these as complete 1080p boxes, not long upgrade platforms.