OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i5-10600K review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£210PassMark multi-core score:14253N. of physical cores:6CPU boost clock speed:4.8 GHzCPU socket:LGA1200TDP (Thermal design power):125 W

Intel Core i5-10600K Review: Compare 74 technical specifications, 37 expert and video reviews and 2 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i5-10600K
6.2/10

Overall score

Score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

40%

5.6

Technical score

25%

8.0

Reviews score

25%

5.6

List score

10%

5.6

Sentiment score

▼Worse than 69% of processors
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components

70%

6.2

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

▼Worse than 66%
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 53% of models
Score components

60%

5.9

Performance

18%

4.0

Architecture

10%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.5

Power & Thermal

4%

7.7

Platform

1%

6.5

Integrated graphics

▼Worse than 53%
8.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 72% of models

80%

7.6

Average grade

20%

9.6

Popularity

Grades by review (37)
22 reviews: 12 with a printed score, 10 estimated from the review. 15 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 72%
5.6

List score

List score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (2)
List score: in 2 of 87 lists (2%)
★Better than 94%
  • intel-core-i5-10600k
intel-core-i5-10600k
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i5-10600K

Based on 10 · 12

Reviewers praise its strong gaming and overclocking headroom, but criticise its value, motherboard compatibility and weaker productivity performance.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i5-10600K

Based on 77 owners sharing their experience in online comments

64%positive4%mixed32%negative

Owners mostly praise strong gaming performance and overclocking, while high temperatures and game performance issues frustrate some.

What owners dislike

  • Some owners see very high temperatures, around 90°C, when overclocking to 4.8 GHz or higher, especially with weaker airflow or modest coolers.7
  • Some owners cannot reach 5.1 GHz or higher and get crashes or blue screens unless they raise voltage, which then pushes temperatures up.6
  • Some owners report frame drops in heavily modded or open-world games, and a few say it runs worse than their previous chip.4
  • Some owners with RTX 3060 Ti or 2060 cards see low GPU usage, and say the CPU limits the graphics card in some games.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5-10600K

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 53% of models
Score components:

60%

5.9

Performance

18%

4.0

Architecture

10%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.5

Power & Thermal

4%

7.7

Platform

1%

6.5

Integrated graphics

5.6
Reviews score
8.0
List score
5.6
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components:

70%

6.2

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

7.1
Processor type
desktop
This processor belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 39.5% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA1200
This processor uses the LGA1200 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 68.1% of processors and equal to that of 5.2% of processors.
Chipset
?
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2
This processor supports SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 instruction sets, which is narrower support than 88.2% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of physical cores
6
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 47.7% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
12
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 12 CPU threads, which is more than 53% of processors and equal to 14.2% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.8 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.8 GHz which is higher than that of 69.2% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 4.1 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 6x4.1 GHz which is higher than that of 74.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
14,253
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 14,253 in PassMark, which is higher than 56.8% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
14 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 32.9% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
This processor is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.9% of processors and equal to that of 29% of processors.
L3 cache
12 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 12 MB which is larger than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 9.3% of processors.
L2 cache
1.5 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 1.5 MB which is smaller than that of 63.7% of processors and equal to that of 4.5% of processors.
L1 cache
384 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 44% of processors and equal to that of 15.7% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This processor supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 25.2% of processors and equal to that of 31.1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
2,666 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 56.7% of processors and equal to 7.9% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 59.8% of processors and equal to 7.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 59.3% of processors and equal to 22.8% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Integrated graphics
yes
This processor includes integrated graphics. 14.7% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
Intel UHD Graphics 630
This processor uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 45.6% of processors and equal to that in 8% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
24
Market range: <6 – >64
This processor has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.1% of processors and equal to 20.8% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
350 MHz
Market range: <300 MHz – >800 MHz
This processor has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 42.7% of processors and equal to that of 25.4% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
JPEG (HW decode/encode)
This processor supports JPEG (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 78.2% of processors and equal to 0.5% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
125 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 125 W which is higher than that of 91.7% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
125 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 125 W which is higher than that of 91.7% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
182 W
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 182 W which is higher than that of 90.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.6% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
56 seconds
Market range: <8 seconds – >28 seconds
This processor has a turbo duration of 56 seconds which is shorter than that of 96.1% of processors and equal to that of 3.9% of processors.
Configurable TDP
yes
This processor supports configurable TDP. 46.4% of processors offer this.
cTDP: 95 W
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i5-10600K vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 2 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    6 vs 4
  • 9.1% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.8 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.8 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x4.1 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x4.1 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 19.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 72% of models

    80%

    7.6

    Average grade

    20%

    9.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (37)
    22 reviews: 12 with a printed score, 10 estimated from the review. 15 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.0 vs 6.7
  • 4 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    12 vs 8
  • 36.1% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,090 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    7,090 vs 5,209
  • 19.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 72% of models

    80%

    7.6

    Average grade

    20%

    9.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (37)
    22 reviews: 12 with a printed score, 10 estimated from the review. 15 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.0 vs 6.7
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1200 vs FP5).
    LGA1200 vs FP5
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 2 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (6 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    6 vs 4
  • 9.1% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.8 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.8 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x4.1 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x4.1 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 4 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    12 vs 8
  • 36.1% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,090 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    7,090 vs 5,209
  • 2.25x faster classroom rendering
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (763.5 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    763.5 vs 340.075
  • 24.3% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (14,253 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    14,253 vs 11,469
  • 13.8% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,912 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    2,912 vs 2,558
  • 9.9% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,687 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,687 vs 1,535
  • 13 higher clock multiplier
    This processor has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (41 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
    41 vs 28
  • 8.1% more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 15.8% smaller die size
    This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (149 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    149 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 28.2% lower list score
    List score
    5.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (2)
    List score: in 2 of 87 lists (2%)
    5.6 vs 7.8
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • 2.84x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (182 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    182 W vs 64 W
  • 2.78x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    125 W vs 45 W
  • 46.5% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (213 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    213 vs 398.015
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    14 nm vs 12 nm
  • Narrower media codec support
    This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (JPEG (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
    JPEG (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
  • 28.2% lower list score
    List score
    5.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (2)
    List score: in 2 of 87 lists (2%)
    5.6 vs 7.8
  • 22.2% lower sentiment score
    5.6 vs 7.2
  • 2.1% worse value for money
    Intel Core i5-10600K has worse value for money than the average processor (7.14 vs 7.3).
    7.14 vs 7.29
  • Narrower instruction support
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V).
    SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA, AMD-V
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • More limited crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 46.5% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (213 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    213 vs 398.015
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    Comet Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 50% less L2 per core
    This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 50% smaller L2 cache
    This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    1.5 MB vs 3 MB
  • 16.7% lower memory speed
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    2,666 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • 11.3% lower memory bandwidth
    This processor has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (41.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    41.6 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR4-2666 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR4-2,666 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • Narrower media codec support
    This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (JPEG (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
    JPEG (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
  • 2.78x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    125 W vs 45 W
  • 2.84x higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (182 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    182 W vs 64 W
  • 2.78x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (125 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    125 W vs 45 W
  • 28 seconds shorter turbo duration
    This processor has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (56 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
    56 seconds vs 28 seconds

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Maraksot78
≈ estimated
05/03/2021
Hands-on review · gaming tests at 1080p and 1440p
Verdict
Intel Core i5-10600K pairs well with a 5600 XT for solid high-refresh 1080p and 60fps 1440p gaming.
8.0
Gamers Nexus
≈ estimated
22/05/2020
Overclocking test · cache, core and RAM tuning benchmarks
Verdict
Intel Core i5-10600K is worth tuning: a few minutes of work brings its biggest gains in games.
9.0
optimum
≈ estimated
21/05/2020
Hands-on review · gaming benchmarks and overclocking
Verdict
Intel Core i5-10600K is one of the best mainstream gaming CPUs, with strong overclocking headroom, though it costs more than the Ryzen 5 3600.
6.0
Gear Seekers
≈ estimated
20/05/2020
Build showcase · benchmarks and value comparison
Verdict
Intel Core i5-10600K performs as expected for mid-range gaming, but the Ryzen 5 3600 is the better value at a lower price.
4.0
KitGuruTech
≈ estimated
20/05/2020
Review · benchmarks, gaming and temperature tests
Verdict
Intel Core i5-10600K is fine for gaming today, but it is too expensive for a platform that will age quickly, so it is not recommended.
5.0
Hardware Canucks
≈ estimated
20/05/2020
Hands-on review · benchmarks, power and temperature tests
Verdict
Intel Core i5-10600K is too little, too late against AMD; for gaming, skip it and put the money into a graphics card.
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
04/06/2020
Lab test · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is the strongest gaming chip in its tier, with room to overclock, but it needs a new motherboard and lacks PCIe 4.0.
8.0
gamersnexus.net
≈ estimated
04/06/2020
Benchmark review · Production apps
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is finally competitive in rendering, but it is weak in Photoshop and draws far more power when overclocked.
8.7
pcgamer.com
✓ explicit
03/06/2020
Hands-on test · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is a top gaming chip that now handles multi-threaded tasks, but it draws a lot of power when overclocked.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
29/01/2021
Hands-on test · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is a strong mid-range gaming chip, but without PCIe 4.0 support it is a hard sell for a future-proof build.
8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
20/05/2020
Lab test · Mainstream PC
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is a fast gaming chip with Hyper-Threading, but it trails the Ryzen 5 3600X in multi-core work and needs a new board.
5.0
bit-tech.net
≈ estimated
10/06/2020
Lab test · Overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is a solid Core i5 upgrade with a slight gaming edge and a 5GHz overclock, but Ryzen 7 3700X stays faster in Blender.
6.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
26/05/2020
Lab test · Gaming and productivity
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is a strong 1080p gaming chip with Hyper-Threading, but Ryzen chips win heavy multi-core work and it needs a new board.
9.0
windowscentral.com
≈ estimated
16/09/2020
Hands-on test · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is the strongest mid-range gaming chip, with room to overclock, though it draws more power and needs a new motherboard.
8.0
koru-cottage.com
≈ estimated
25/08/2021
Personal build · Upgrade notes
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is a clear step up from an i5-8400 for everyday PC work, but it needs a new LGA1200 motherboard.
8.0
bekawe-media.de
≈ estimated
27/05/2020
Hands-on test · Upgrade check
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K matches the Core i7-8700K in speed, but it needs a new Z490 board and runs hotter under full load.
8.6
chip.de
✓ explicit
01/02/2021
Lab test · Mid-range CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is a strong mid-range chip for everyday use and gaming, but it needs a new motherboard and a separate cooler.
8.0
ginjfo.com
✓ explicit
20/05/2020
Lab test · Gaming and benchmarks
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is a strong gaming chip that beats the Core i9-9900K in game tests, but it falls behind the Ryzen 9 3900X in heavy multi-threaded work.
8.4
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
20/05/2020
Hands-on test · Design and features
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is a 6-core chip that boosts higher than its predecessor, but it needs a new socket and board and draws 125W.
9.4
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
20/05/2020
Full review · Platform and performance
Verdict
The Core i5-10600K is a six-core, 12-thread chip strong in gaming and overclocking, but it runs hot and needs a new LGA1200 board.
9.0
muycomputer.com
≈ estimated
22/07/2020
Lab test · Gaming and overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is a top gaming chip that runs cool, but its safe overclock tops out at 4.9GHz and it lacks PCIe 4.0.
8.0
razorman.net
≈ estimated
12/06/2020
Brief test · Overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is an overclocker's chip, reaching a stable 4.95GHz with only a modest voltage increase.
8.0
global.techradar.com
✓ explicit
21/05/2020
Lab test · Gaming and multi-core
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-10600K is a strong choice for gaming, but without PCIe 4.0 it is hard to recommend for a PC meant to last.
tweakers.net
08/06/2020
Not graded yet

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i5-10600K

  • Leading gaming performance that nearly matches higher-tier i9 models
  • Excellent single-threaded performance for day-to-day tasks
  • High overclocking headroom with a stable and mature 14nm architecture
  • Reintroduction of Hyper-Threading (6 cores/12 threads) significantly boosts multi-threaded productivity
  • Relatively easy to cool compared to other 10th Gen K-series chips
  • Includes integrated graphics, useful for troubleshooting or non-gaming builds
  • Good value for money compared to 10th Gen i7 and i9 processors

What customers don't like about Intel Core i5-10600K

  • High power consumption (125W TDP) compared to similarly performing AMD rivals
  • Lacks native PCIe 4.0 support, limiting future-proofing for high-speed SSDs
  • Requires a new LGA 1200 motherboard, increasing the total cost of an upgrade
  • Does not include a stock CPU cooler in the box
  • Still trails behind AMD's Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 in heavy multi-threaded workloads like content creation
  • Platform longevity is limited as the LGA 1200 socket was short-lived

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-10600K is a 10th-generation Comet Lake desktop processor featuring 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 125W TDP, designed for the LGA 1200 socket. It operates at a base frequency of 4.1 GHz with a maximum turbo boost of 4.8 GHz and includes 12MB of Intel Smart Cache along with integrated UHD Graphics 630. Its main advantages include exceptional gaming performance that rivals higher-end i9 models, an unlocked multiplier for straightforward overclocking, and the introduction of Hyper-Threading to the i5 lineup for improved multitasking. However, it lacks a bundled CPU cooler, does not support PCIe 4.0, and has relatively high power consumption compared to its competitors.

Compare Intel Core i5-10600K with other processors

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5-10600K and other processors

No results found