Intel Core i5-9400F vs Intel Core i5-9600K
30.1Single-core36
27.9Multi-core29.8
27.8Gamingspec-based31
3 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9400F8 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9600K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-9600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 32 to 28.5, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+6) and multi-core (+2). Intel Core i5-9400F 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 i5-9400F
- 32% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 95 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $157 vs $262
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-9600K
- Stronger single-core score: 36 vs 30
- 28% higher Base clock: 3.7 GHz vs 2.9 GHz
- 20% higher PassMark: 11,200 vs 9,300
- 14% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 6,700 vs 5,900
- 13% higher Geekbench 6 (single): 1,580 vs 1,400
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019 | 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 i5-9400F | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 6 |
| Performance cores | 6 | 6 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 6 | 6 |
| Base clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.7 GHz+28% |
| Boost clock | 4.1 GHz | 4.6 GHz+12% |
| L2 cache | 2 MB | 2 MB |
| L3 cache | 9 MB | 9 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | — | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | — | 1,150 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9400F | Intel Core i5-9600K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,400Bottom 24% | 1,580+13%Bottom 38% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 4,500Bottom 16% | 5,000+11%Bottom 21% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,080Bottom 14% | 1,200+11%Bottom 24% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 5,900Bottom 18% | 6,700+14%Bottom 21% |
| PassMark | 9,300Bottom 15% | 11,200+20%Bottom 17% |
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