Intel Core i5-8400 vs Intel Core i5-9600K
31.1Single-core36
28.6Multi-core29.8
27.2Gaming31
2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-840011 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9600K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-9600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 32 to 29, pulling ahead mainly in Single-core (+5) and gaming (+4). Intel Core i5-8400 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 i5-8400
- 32% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 95 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $182 vs $262
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-9600K
- Stronger Single-core score: 36 vs 31
- Stronger gaming score: 31 vs 27
- 100% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 64 GB
- 32% higher Base clock: 3.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz
- 22% higher PassMark: 11,200 vs 9,200
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-8400 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2017 | 2018 |
| Socket | LGA1151-v2 | LGA1151-v2 |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 65 W+32% | 95 W |
| Max turbo power | — | 119 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-8400 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 6 |
| Performance cores | 6 | 6 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 6 | 6 |
| Base clock | 2.8 GHz | 3.7 GHz+32% |
| Boost clock | 4 GHz | 4.6 GHz+15% |
| L2 cache | 2 MB | 2 MB |
| L3 cache | 9 MB | 9 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-8400 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | 1,050 MHz | 1,150 MHz+10% |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-8400 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-8400 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-8400 | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,370Top 75% | 1,580+15%Top 56% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 4,900Top 78% | 5,000+2%Top 76% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,150Top 75% | 1,200+4%Top 72% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 6,400Top 77% | 6,700+5%Top 75% |
| PassMark | 9,200Top 80% | 11,200+22%Top 76% |
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