i5-11600K vs Ryzen 9 7900
Full specification comparison between the Intel Core i5-11600K (2021) and the AMD Ryzen 9 7900 (2023).
i5-11600K
Intel Entry-level
- ✓ Cheaper at launch ($262 vs $429)
- ✓ Better performance per dollar
Ryzen 9 7900
AMD High-end
- ✓ ~32% faster on average
- ✓ More cores (12 vs 6)
- ✓ Larger L3 cache (64 MB vs 12 MB)
- ✓ Higher boost clock (5.4 vs 4.9 GHz)
- ✓ Lower power draw (65 W vs 125 W)
Verdict: The Ryzen 9 7900 is roughly 32% faster than the i5-11600K on average — a clear, noticeable performance advantage.
Note they use different platforms (AM5 vs LGA1200), so this is a motherboard decision too, not just a CPU swap.
At launch pricing, the i5-11600K offers more performance per dollar, and the Ryzen 9 7900 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 | i5-11600K | Ryzen 9 7900 |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Rocket Lake | Zen 4 |
| Socket | LGA1200 | AM5 |
| Release year | 2021 | 2023 |
| Est. gaming perf. | ||
| Est. multi-core perf. | ||
| Est. single-core perf. | ||
| Cores | ||
| Threads | ||
| Max boost clock | ||
| L3 cache | ||
| TDP (base) | ||
| Integrated graphics | UHD 750 | Radeon Graphics |
| Launch MSRP |
Green bars mark the better value in each row (for power and price, lower wins).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ryzen 9 7900 better than the i5-11600K?
Yes — based on aggregated benchmark data, the Ryzen 9 7900 is about 32% faster than the i5-11600K on average.
How much faster is the Ryzen 9 7900 than the i5-11600K?
Roughly 32% on average in gaming workloads. The gap varies by title, resolution and settings.
Which processor is better value?
Comparing launch prices, the i5-11600K delivers more performance per dollar. Check current street prices, as market pricing often shifts the value equation.