i5-10600K vs i9-9900K
Full specification comparison between the Intel Core i5-10600K (2020) and the Intel Core i9-9900K (2018).
i5-10600K
Intel Entry-level
- ✓ Cheaper at launch ($262 vs $488)
- ✓ Newer (2020 vs 2018)
- ✓ Better performance per dollar
i9-9900K
Intel Entry-level
- ✓ More cores (8 vs 6)
- ✓ Larger L3 cache (16 MB vs 12 MB)
- ✓ Higher boost clock (5.0 vs 4.8 GHz)
- ✓ Lower power draw (95 W vs 125 W)
Verdict: The i5-10600K and i9-9900K deliver essentially the same level of performance — the difference is within a few percent and won't be noticeable in real use. The decision comes down to price, power draw and features.
For gaming the i5-10600K leads, but the i9-9900K pulls ahead in heavily multi-threaded work like rendering, compiling and video export thanks to its stronger multi-core throughput.
Note they use different platforms (LGA1200 vs LGA1151), so this is a motherboard decision too, not just a CPU swap.
At launch pricing, the i5-10600K offers more performance per dollar, and the i9-9900K is the more power-efficient chip.
Estimated performance
Estimated average 1080p gaming performance compiled from publicly available benchmark data. Individual games vary.
Specs side by side
| Specification | i5-10600K | i9-9900K |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Comet Lake | Coffee Lake Refresh |
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1151 |
| Release year | 2020 | 2018 |
| Est. gaming perf. | ||
| Est. multi-core perf. | ||
| Est. single-core perf. | ||
| Cores | ||
| Threads | ||
| Max boost clock | ||
| L3 cache | ||
| TDP (base) | ||
| Integrated graphics | UHD 630 | UHD 630 |
| Launch MSRP |
Green bars mark the better value in each row (for power and price, lower wins).
Frequently asked questions
Is the i5-10600K better than the i9-9900K?
They perform almost identically (within ~1%). Choose based on price, power consumption and platform rather than raw speed.
How much faster is the i5-10600K than the i9-9900K?
Roughly 0% on average in gaming workloads. The gap varies by title, resolution and settings.
Which processor is better value?
Comparing launch prices, the i5-10600K delivers more performance per dollar. Check current street prices, as market pricing often shifts the value equation.