i9-9900K vs Ryzen 5 3600
Full specification comparison between the Intel Core i9-9900K (2018) and the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (2019).
i9-9900K
Intel Entry-level
- ✓ ~7% faster on average
- ✓ More cores (8 vs 6)
- ✓ Higher boost clock (5.0 vs 4.2 GHz)
- ✓ Has integrated graphics
Ryzen 5 3600
AMD Entry-level
- ✓ Larger L3 cache (32 MB vs 16 MB)
- ✓ Lower power draw (65 W vs 95 W)
- ✓ Cheaper at launch ($199 vs $488)
- ✓ Newer (2019 vs 2018)
- ✓ Better performance per dollar
Verdict: The i9-9900K is around 7% faster than the Ryzen 5 3600 on average — a modest edge you may notice in demanding titles, but not a generational leap.
Note they use different platforms (LGA1151 vs AM4), 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 | i9-9900K | 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 i9-9900K better than the Ryzen 5 3600?
Yes — based on aggregated benchmark data, the i9-9900K is about 7% faster than the Ryzen 5 3600 on average.
How much faster is the i9-9900K than the Ryzen 5 3600?
Roughly 7% 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.