Intel Core i5-9600K vs Intel Core i9-9900K
36Single-core40.4
29.8Multi-core41.2
31Gaming47.4
1 spec wins — Intel Core i5-9600K12 spec wins — Intel Core i9-9900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-9900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 42.5 to 32, pulling ahead mainly in gaming (+16) and Multi-core (+11). Intel Core i5-9600K 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
- Lower launch price: $262 vs $488
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-9900K
- Stronger Single-core score: 40 vs 36
- Stronger Multi-core score: 41 vs 30
- Stronger gaming score: 47 vs 31
- 167% higher threads: 16 vs 6
- 85% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 12,400 vs 6,700
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2018 | 2018 |
| Socket | LGA1151-v2 | LGA1151-v2 |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 95 W | 95 W |
| Max turbo power | 119 W | 119 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Performance cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 6 | 16+167% |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz+3% | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.6 GHz | 5 GHz+9% |
| L2 cache | 2 MB | 2 MB+33% |
| L3 cache | 9 MB | 16 MB+78% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU clock | 1,150 MHz | 1,200 MHz+4% |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,580Top 56% | 1,720+9%Top 51% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 5,000Top 76% | 8,800+76%Top 46% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,200Top 72% | 1,280+7%Top 62% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 6,700Top 75% | 12,400+85%Top 45% |
| PassMark | 11,200Top 76% | 18,600+66%Top 53% |
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