Intel Core i5-9600KF vs Intel Core i7-8700K

The Intel Core i7-8700K is the faster processor, scoring 32/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 30/100 for the Intel Core i5-9600KF — roughly 7% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy.

Intel

Intel Core i5-9600KF

30
Gaming score / 100
Check Intel Core i5-9600KF price

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Winner

Intel Core i7-8700K

32
Gaming score / 100
Check Intel Core i7-8700K price

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Specs compared

SpecIntel Core i5-9600KFIntel Core i7-8700K
Gaming score30/10032/100
Cores / Threads6 / 66 / 12
Boost clock4.60 GHz4.70 GHz
TDP95 W95 W
SocketLGA1151LGA1151
MSRP$89.00$119.00

Intel Core i5-9600KF vs Intel Core i7-8700K: which should you buy?

The Intel Core i7-8700K is the faster processor, scoring 32/100 on our gaming benchmark versus 30/100 for the Intel Core i5-9600KF — roughly 7% faster. That said, the gap is small, so the cheaper option is often the smarter buy. For your specific games and resolution, run both through our comparison tool, check pairing with the bottleneck calculator, or see where each lands on the tier list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Intel Core i5-9600KF better than the Intel Core i7-8700K?
The Intel Core i7-8700K is faster for gaming, scoring 32/100 versus 30/100 for the Intel Core i5-9600KF (about 7% faster).

Should I buy the Intel Core i5-9600KF or the Intel Core i7-8700K?
For raw gaming performance, choose the Intel Core i7-8700K. If it costs notably more for only a small gain, the Intel Core i5-9600KF can be the better value. Check current prices before deciding.

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