How do the scores compare?

Intel Core i5-9600K scores 32/100 overall; Intel Core i7-7700K scores 29.8/100. Intel Core i5-9600K wins 12 individual spec rows, Intel Core i7-7700K wins 3.

What are the main differences between the Intel Core i5-9600K and the Intel Core i7-7700K?

Intel Core i5-9600K advantages: Stronger gaming score: 31 vs 28; 100% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 64 GB; 50% higher cores: 6 vs 4; 50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4; 50% higher L2 cache: 2 MB vs 1 MB; Lower launch price: $262 vs $339. Intel Core i7-7700K advantages: 33% higher threads: 8 vs 6; 14% higher Base clock: 4.2 GHz vs 3.7 GHz.

Which is cheaper: Intel Core i5-9600K or Intel Core i7-7700K?

Intel Core i5-9600K launched cheaper at $262, versus $339 for the Intel Core i7-7700K.

Intel Core i5-9600K vs Intel Core i7-7700K

WINNER

Intel

Intel Core i5-9600K

$262

Intel

Intel Core i7-7700K

$339

36Single-core34.5

29.8Multi-core28

31Gaming27.5

12 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9600K3 spec wins — Intel Core i7-7700K

InnoReviews verdict

Intel Core i5-9600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 32 to 29.8, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+4) and Multi-core (+2). Intel Core i7-7700K 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 i5-9600K

Stronger gaming score: 31 vs 28
100% higher Max memory: 128 GB vs 64 GB
50% higher cores: 6 vs 4
50% higher Performance cores: 6 vs 4
50% higher L2 cache: 2 MB vs 1 MB
Lower launch price: $262 vs $339

Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-7700K

33% higher threads: 8 vs 6
14% higher Base clock: 4.2 GHz vs 3.7 GHz

General

General comparison: Intel Core i5-9600K versus Intel Core i7-7700K
Spec	Intel Core i5-9600K	Intel Core i7-7700K
Announced	2018	2017
Socket	LGA1151-v2	LGA1151
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Base TDP	95 W	91 W+4%
Max turbo power	119 W	—
Unlocked multiplier	Yes	Yes
Cooler included	No	No

Cores & Clocks

Cores & Clocks comparison: Intel Core i5-9600K versus Intel Core i7-7700K
Spec	Intel Core i5-9600K	Intel Core i7-7700K
Cores	6+50%	4
Performance cores	6+50%	4
Efficiency cores	0	0
Threads	6	8+33%
Base clock	3.7 GHz	4.2 GHz+14%
Boost clock	4.6 GHz+2%	4.5 GHz
L2 cache	2 MB+50%	1 MB
L3 cache	9 MB+13%	8 MB

Integrated GPU

Integrated GPU comparison: Intel Core i5-9600K versus Intel Core i7-7700K
Spec	Intel Core i5-9600K	Intel Core i7-7700K
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630	Intel HD Graphics 630
iGPU clock	1,150 MHz	1,150 MHz

Memory

Memory comparison: Intel Core i5-9600K versus Intel Core i7-7700K
Spec	Intel Core i5-9600K	Intel Core i7-7700K
Memory support	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2400 / DDR3L-1600
Max memory	128 GB+100%	64 GB
Memory channels	2	2

Platform

Platform comparison: Intel Core i5-9600K versus Intel Core i7-7700K
Spec	Intel Core i5-9600K	Intel Core i7-7700K
PCIe version	3	3
CPU PCIe lanes	16	16

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Intel Core i5-9600K versus Intel Core i7-7700K
Spec	Intel Core i5-9600K	Intel Core i7-7700K
Geekbench 6 (single)	1,580+4%	1,520
Geekbench 6 (multi)	5,000+1%	4,950
Cinebench R23 (single)	1,200+2%	1,180
Cinebench R23 (multi)	6,700+24%	5,400
PassMark	11,200+15%	9,700

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