Gen 8
As per tradition, Intel are moving fast, this year alone I have built in three different CPU generations from Intel: 6th gen, 7th & now 8th gen. Having built PCs since Intels first Pentium CPU, I can't ever recall having 3 generation changes in the space of a year. I don't blame them though, with AMD's recent launch of the Ryzen Threadripper series, they don't want AMD to have victory for long and will do whatever it takes to stay on top.
Availability
With each new CPU launch stock becomes somewhat a nightmare to secure in large quantities. If you can't get your hands on an 8700k, it's now a great time to consider a 7th gen 7600K build instead, prices have dropped as suppliers are trying to get rid of the old gen stock.
Differences between previous gen
What are the main differences between the 8600K & the 7600K?
Slight turbo speed increase from 4.2GHz to 4.3GHz.
Two more cores (6 total).
Two more threads (6 total).
Increased Cache from 6MB to 9MB.
4% more effecient (power saving).
23% faster than 7600K.
Compatibility
As mentioned in the 8700K Unboxing, the 8th CPUs are not compatible with existing LGA1151 sockets and no BIOS update can fix this as Intel have changed the die layout on the CPU which makes it internally & eternally incompatible, even though it physically fits.
Packaging
You also get an upgrade in the packaging, which was long over due, the cardboard is much thicker.
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Intel i5-8600K CPU Unboxing