CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-10600 vs Intel Core i7-8670
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-10600 is a 6-core, 12-thread desktop processor hitting high turbo frequencies of 4.8 GHz, making it a strong contender for high-refresh-rate gaming and responsive productivity.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clocks make everyday tasks and application launches feel instantaneous.
12 threads make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Excellent high-refresh-rate gaming performance thanks to 4.8 GHz boost.
Handles modern games easily when paired with a mid-to-high-end GPU.
Virtualization
Handles virtualization workloads comfortably.
Capable of running multiple VMs smoothly.
Efficiency
Higher clocks result in increased power draw under load compared to lower i5 models.
Good efficiency within the 65W envelope.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Fast clock speeds help with CPU-based inference tasks
- No AI hardware
- Standard CPU inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ideal for 144Hz+ gaming
- Minimizes bottlenecks with high-end GPUs
- High single-core speed is a major advantage
- Won't bottleneck RTX 3060 or RX 6600 class GPUs
- High turbo boost ensures smooth frame times
- Great for 60Hz and 144Hz gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Very high 4.8 GHz turbo boost
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- Excellent single-threaded performance
- Includes integrated graphics
- Aggressive out-of-the-box turbo behavior
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Higher power draw under load
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
- Memory speed capped at 2666 MT/s natively
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Easy to cool (65W)
- Good turbo boost speeds
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Limited upgrade path on LGA 1151
- Marginal improvement over i7-8700
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-10600
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600XTRival
Gaming Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10600KRival
Enthusiast Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10500Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XRival
High-End Desktop
- Intel Core i5-11400Alt
Better IPC and newer platform features.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Superior gaming and productivity performance.
Much cheaper with only slightly lower clocks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 3700XAlt
More cores for multi-threaded workloads.
Intel Core i7-8670
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8600Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
Much faster single-core and newer platform.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Better performance and modern features.
Cheaper 10th gen alternative with similar performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More cores and better efficiency.
Our Verdict on Each
Offering near-flagship i5 clock speeds out of the box, the i5-10600 is an excellent choice for gamers who want top-tier performance without needing to overclock.
Best for: The Intel Core i5-10600 is recommended for gamers and power users who want maximum out-of-the-box single-threaded performance without the hassle of overclocking. Its 4.8 GHz turbo boost makes it exceptionally capable for high-refresh-rate 1080p gaming, easily keeping up with high-end GPUs. It is an excellent choice for pre-built systems or custom builds where the user wants top-tier i5 performance but doesn't want to spend extra on a Z-series motherboard and expensive cooling required for an unlocked K-series chip. Because it hits such high frequencies, a decent aftermarket cooler is recommended to sustain boost clocks. It is perfect for users who value instant, reliable performance for gaming and daily tasks, though those needing PCIe 4.0 should look to newer generations.
Read the full reviewA well-balanced 65W hexa-core CPU that offers excellent value for 1080p gaming and everyday productivity without the premium of K-series chips.
Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system for 1080p gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-10600 or Intel Core i7-8670?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-10600 leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Intel Core i5-10600 and Intel Core i7-8670.
Do Intel Core i5-10600 and Intel Core i7-8670 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-10600: LGA 1200, Intel Core i7-8670: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-10600 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-10600 (16,700), Intel Core i7-8670 (14,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.