CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-9600K vs Intel Core i7-8700
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-9600K is a 6-core, 6-thread unlocked desktop processor from the Coffee Lake Refresh family, featuring high clock speeds and integrated graphics for mainstream gamers.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Lacks threads for heavy productivity.
12 threads crush office workloads and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Still performs well in gaming when overclocked.
Capable of handling modern GPUs without significant bottlenecking.
Virtualization
Not ideal due to 6 thread limit.
Excellent for home labs and running multiple VMs.
Efficiency
Can draw significant power when pushed to 5GHz.
Highly efficient 65W design for the performance offered.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- No AI hardware
- Good CPU inference due to 12 threads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Excellent single-core speed
- Often hits 5GHz
- Bottlenecked by 6 threads in new games
- Handles RTX 3070/3080 class GPUs well
- High turbo boost ensures high frame rates
- Great for 144Hz gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Soldered IHS for great thermals
- High single-core speed
- Includes integrated graphics
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading
- 95W TDP requires good cooling
- End-of-life platform
- Struggles in modern multi-threaded games
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- 4.6 GHz turbo boost
- Easy to cool
Cons
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Limited to PCIe 3.0
- Platform is dead (LGA 1151)
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-9600K
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600XRival
Enthusiast Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8600KRival
Enthusiast Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Rival
Enthusiast Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700Rival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700Rival
Enthusiast Desktop
Adds Hyper-Threading for better multi-threading.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Modern budget king with much better performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAlt
Massive single-core upgrade.
Cheaper variant if you already have a GPU.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-8700
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700Rival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600XRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700KRival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8600KRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XRival
Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAlt
Faster single-core, newer platform.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Modern alternative with better IPC.
Cheaper, similar performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
More cores, better efficiency.
Our Verdict on Each
A legendary overclocker that dominated 1080p gaming in its era, though its 6-thread limitation shows its age in modern multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: Upgrading an existing Z390/Z370 system
Read the full reviewOne of the best value desktop processors of its generation, offering 95% of the i7-8700K's performance at a lower price and power draw.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1151 system for high-refresh gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-9600K or Intel Core i7-8700?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8700 comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-9600K or Intel Core i7-8700?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8700 leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Intel Core i5-9600K and Intel Core i7-8700.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-8700 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-9600K (95 W), Intel Core i7-8700 (65 W).
Do Intel Core i5-9600K and Intel Core i7-8700 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-9600K: LGA 1151, Intel Core i7-8700: Intel Socket 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8700 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8700 (15,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.