i5-9600K vs Ryzen 5 3600
Full specification comparison between the Intel Core i5-9600K (2018) and the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (2019).
i5-9600K
Intel Entry-level
- ✓ Higher boost clock (4.6 vs 4.2 GHz)
- ✓ Has integrated graphics
Ryzen 5 3600
AMD Entry-level
- ✓ ~4% faster on average
- ✓ Larger L3 cache (32 MB vs 9 MB)
- ✓ Lower power draw (65 W vs 95 W)
- ✓ Cheaper at launch ($199 vs $262)
- ✓ Newer (2019 vs 2018)
Verdict: The Ryzen 5 3600 is around 4% faster than the i5-9600K on average — a modest edge you may notice in demanding titles, but not a generational leap.
Note they use different platforms (AM4 vs LGA1151), so this is a motherboard decision too, not just a CPU swap.
At launch pricing, the Ryzen 5 3600 offers more performance per dollar, and the Ryzen 5 3600 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 | Ryzen 5 3600 |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Coffee Lake Refresh | Zen 2 |
| Socket | LGA1151 | AM4 |
| Release year | 2018 | 2019 |
| Est. gaming perf. | ||
| Est. multi-core perf. | ||
| Est. single-core perf. | ||
| Cores | ||
| Threads | ||
| Max boost clock | ||
| L3 cache | ||
| TDP (base) | ||
| Integrated graphics | UHD 630 | None |
| Launch MSRP |
Green bars mark the better value in each row (for power and price, lower wins).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ryzen 5 3600 better than the i5-9600K?
Yes — based on aggregated benchmark data, the Ryzen 5 3600 is about 4% faster than the i5-9600K on average.
How much faster is the Ryzen 5 3600 than the i5-9600K?
Roughly 4% on average in gaming workloads. The gap varies by title, resolution and settings.
Which processor is better value?
Comparing launch prices, the Ryzen 5 3600 delivers more performance per dollar. Check current street prices, as market pricing often shifts the value equation.