i5-9600K vs i7-8700K
Full specification comparison between the Intel Core i5-9600K (2018) and the Intel Core i7-8700K (2017).
i5-9600K
Intel Entry-level
- ✓ Cheaper at launch ($262 vs $359)
- ✓ Newer (2018 vs 2017)
- ✓ Better performance per dollar
- ✓ More power-efficient
i7-8700K
Intel Entry-level
- ✓ Larger L3 cache (12 MB vs 9 MB)
- ✓ Higher boost clock (4.7 vs 4.6 GHz)
Verdict: The i5-9600K and i7-8700K 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 i5-9600K leads, but the i7-8700K pulls ahead in heavily multi-threaded work like rendering, compiling and video export thanks to its stronger multi-core throughput.
At launch pricing, the i5-9600K offers more performance per dollar, and the i5-9600K 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 | i5-9600K | i7-8700K |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Coffee Lake Refresh | Coffee Lake |
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| Release year | 2018 | 2017 |
| 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 i5-9600K better than the i7-8700K?
They perform almost identically (within ~1%). Choose based on price, power consumption and platform rather than raw speed.
How much faster is the i5-9600K than the i7-8700K?
Roughly 0% on average in gaming workloads. The gap varies by title, resolution and settings.
Which processor is better value?
Comparing launch prices, the i5-9600K delivers more performance per dollar. Check current street prices, as market pricing often shifts the value equation.