How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i3-8100 scores 24/100 overall; Intel Core i5-8600K scores 31.1/100. Intel Core i3-8100 wins 2 individual spec rows, Intel Core i5-8600K wins 12.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i3-8100 and the Intel Core i5-8600K?

Intel Core i3-8100 advantages: 32% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 95 W; Has Cooler included — the other doesn't; Lower launch price: $117 vs $257. Intel Core i5-8600K advantages: Stronger Single-core score: 35 vs 26; Stronger Multi-core score: 30 vs 24; Stronger gaming score: 29 vs 22; 79% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 6,800 vs 3,800; 74% higher PassMark: 10,600 vs 6,100.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i3-8100 or Intel Core i5-8600K?

Intel Core i3-8100 launched cheaper at $117, versus $257 for the Intel Core i5-8600K.

Intel Core i3-8100 vs Intel Core i5-8600K

Intel

Intel Core i3-8100

$117

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-8600K

$257

26.3Single-core34.5

23.7Multi-core30

21.9Gaming29.1

2 spec wins — Intel Core i3-810012 spec wins — Intel Core i5-8600K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-8600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 31.1 to 24, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+8) and gaming (+7). Intel Core i3-8100 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.

Which would you pick?

Key differences

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i3-8100

32% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 95 W
Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
Lower launch price: $117 vs $257

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-8600K

Stronger Single-core score: 35 vs 26
Stronger Multi-core score: 30 vs 24
Stronger gaming score: 29 vs 22
79% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 6,800 vs 3,800
74% higher PassMark: 10,600 vs 6,100

General

General comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-8600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-8600K
Announced	2017	2017
Socket	LGA1151-v2	LGA1151-v2
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Base TDP	65 W+32%	95 W
Unlocked multiplier	No	Yes
Cooler included	Yes	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-8600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-8600K
Cores	4	6+50%
Performance cores	4	6+50%
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	4	6+50%
Base clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
Boost clock	3.6 GHz	4.3 GHz+19%
L2 cache	1 MB	2 MB+50%
L3 cache	6 MB	9 MB+50%

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-8600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-8600K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Intel UHD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,100 MHz	1,150 MHz+5%

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-8600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-8600K
Memory support	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2666
Max memory	64 GB	64 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-8600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-8600K
PCIe version	3	3
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i3-8100 versus Intel Core i5-8600K
Spec	Intel Core i3-8100	Intel Core i5-8600K
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,200Top 83%	1,480+23%Top 69%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	3,350Top 90%	5,400+61%Top 71%
Cinebench R23 (single)	—	1,210Top 71%
Cinebench R23 (multi)	3,800Top 92%	6,800+79%Top 73%
PassMark	6,100Top 90%	10,600+74%Top 77%

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Intel Core i3-8100vs Intel Core i5-4690KVS Intel Core i3-8100vs Intel Core i7-3770VS Intel Core i3-8100vs Intel Core i7-4770VS Intel Core i3-8100vs Intel Core i5-6500VS Intel Core i5-8600Kvs AMD Ryzen 5 2600VS Intel Core i5-8600Kvs AMD Ryzen 3 3100VS Intel Core i5-8600Kvs Intel Core i5-9600KVS Intel Core i5-8600Kvs Intel Core i7-5960XVS

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