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Intel Core i5 8600 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$90
  • PassMark benchmark result: 9964
  • N. of physical cores: 6
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.3 GHz

Intel Core i5 8600 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.5

Technical Score

10.0%

8.3

User score

Good
5.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

5.3

Performance

18.0%

4.9

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.0

Platform

1.0%

6.5

Integrated Graphics

Good
8.3

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

7.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(114)
amazon
4.5
(52)
amazon
1.0
(2)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 4.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.3

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.1

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.5

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.3

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

  • 5.4
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    9.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.6

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.2

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.3

    L3 cache

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-8600 is an 8th Generation 'Coffee Lake' desktop processor featuring 6 physical cores and 6 threads with a 14nm lithography. It operates at a base clock speed of 3.10 GHz, reaching a maximum turbo frequency of 4.30 GHz, and includes 9 MB of Intel Smart Cache alongside integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630. Main pros include its solid 1080p gaming performance, a power-efficient 65W TDP that allows it to run relatively cool with the included stock cooler, and support for up to 128 GB of DDR4-2666 memory and Intel Optane. However, it lacks hyper-threading and features a locked multiplier, which prevents traditional overclocking and limits its performance in highly multithreaded professional workloads compared to higher-tier models.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 8600

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

5.3

Performance

18.0%

4.9

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.7

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

8.0

Platform

1.0%

6.5

Integrated Graphics

5.5
Intel Core i5 8600 has a technical score of 5.49 points, which is higher than that of 55.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

7.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(114)
amazon
4.5
(52)
amazon
1.0
(2)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.3
Intel Core i5 8600 has a user score of 8.25 points, which is higher than that of 84.8% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
7.3
Intel Core i5 8600 has a popularity of 7.3 points, which is higher than 85.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.8

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

7.0
Intel Core i5 8600 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is higher than 72.2% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i5 8600 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1151
Intel Core i5 8600 uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310
Intel Core i5 8600 supports Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 57.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i5 8600 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

6
Intel Core i5 8600 has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 49.9% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

6
Intel Core i5 8600 offers 6 CPU threads, which is fewer than 64.8% of processors and equal to 2.2% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Intel Core i5 8600 offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.3 GHz
Intel Core i5 8600 reaches a boost clock of 4.3 GHz which is higher than that of 48.2% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

6 x 3.1 GHz
Intel Core i5 8600 has a base clock of 6x3.1 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i5 8600 uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i5 8600 is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

9 MB
Intel Core i5 8600 has an L3 cache of 9 MB which is larger than that of 51.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1.5 MB
Intel Core i5 8600 has an L2 cache of 1.5 MB which is smaller than that of 62.5% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

384 KB
Intel Core i5 8600 has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 45% of processors and equal to that of 15.8% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
Intel Core i5 8600 supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 26.3% of processors and equal to that of 31.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,666 MHz
Intel Core i5 8600 supports memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2666 MHz
Intel Core i5 8600 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 55.3% of processors and equal to 7.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

2,666 MHz
Intel Core i5 8600 supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is higher than that of 88.6% of processors and equal to 1% of processors.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
Intel Core i5 8600 supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 61.9% of processors and equal to 21.4% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i5 8600 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 630
Intel Core i5 8600 uses the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 44.3% and equal to that in 8.3%.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i5 8600 has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i5 8600 has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

VP9 (HW decode)
Intel Core i5 8600 supports VP9 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 76.2% of processors and equal to 3.6% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 8600 has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 8600 has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i5 8600 has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i5 8600 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i5 8600 vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 8600 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 8600 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 8600 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 8600 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 8600 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
    When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    Intel Core i5 8600 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
  • 7.33x more popular
    Intel Core i5 8600 is more popular than the average processor (7.33 vs 1,000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i5 8600 is more popular than the average processor (7.33 vs 1,000).7.33 vs 1
  • 3.1% higher user score
    Intel Core i5 8600 has a higher user score than the average processor (8.25 vs 8,000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Intel Core i5 8600 has a higher user score than the average processor (8.25 vs 8,000).8.25 vs 8
  • 13.5% smaller die size
    Intel Core i5 8600 has a lower die size than the average processor (154 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i5 8600 has a lower die size than the average processor (154 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².154 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 8600 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
    What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i5 8600 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).LGA1151 vs FP2
  • Broader instruction support
    Intel Core i5 8600 supports a broader instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, CLMUL, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 8600 supports a broader instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, CLMUL, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, CLMUL, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 8600 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
  • Broader instruction support
    Intel Core i5 8600 supports a broader instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, CLMUL, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 16% faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i5 8600 has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (385 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 13.5% smaller die size
    Intel Core i5 8600 has a lower die size than the average processor (154 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 8600 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Intel Core i5 8600 has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 8600 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 8600 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i5 8600 has an older release date than the average processor (2018 vs 2020).
    April 2,018
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 8600 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core i5 8600 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 2 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 8600 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (6 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 8600 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 8600 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.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 8600 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 40% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 8600 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 9.2% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 8600 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (41.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i5 8600 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i5 8600 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 8600 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 8600 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i5 8600 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 8600 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i5 8600 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 8600 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i5 8600 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
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 8600 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i5 8600 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 8600 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.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i5 8600 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
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 8600 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 8600 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i5 8600 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
    When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 8600 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).VP9 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 8600 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i5 8600 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core
  • 40% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 8600 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i5 8600 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
Total
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Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 8600 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
114 Reviews
amazon
4.5
52 Reviews
amazon
1.0
2 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 8600?

  • Solid gaming performance for a mid-range budget, often rivaling older i7 models
  • Includes a stock cooler in the box, which reduces the overall build cost
  • High single-core turbo frequency of up to 4.3 GHz, beneficial for many games
  • Improved multitasking over previous 4-core i5 models due to its 6-core architecture
  • Relatively energy-efficient with a 65W TDP

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 8600?

  • Locked multiplier means it cannot be easily overclocked compared to 'K' series models
  • Lacks Hyper-Threading, limiting its performance in heavily multithreaded tasks like streaming or professional video editing compared to Ryzen competitors
  • Stock cooler can be loud and is sometimes considered inferior to aftermarket or AMD stock solutions
  • Requires a 300-series chipset motherboard, making it incompatible with older LGA1151 boards
  • Outdated by modern standards, with a limited upgrade path on its current platform

Expert reviews

T
techpowerup.com
25/04/2018
Intel Core i5-8600 3.1 GHz Review

The Intel Core i5-8600, analyzed by TechPowerUp, is a 6-core/6-thread "Coffee Lake" processor designed for high-efficiency, non-overclocking gaming builds, featuring a 4.3 GHz maximum Turbo Boost. It offers exceptional gaming performance that matches higher-end chips, high power efficiency with a 65W TDP, and includes a stock cooler, making it a strong, cost-effective, plug-and-play...Read more

G
guru3d.com
03/04/2018
Intel Core i5 8600 processor (65W) review

The Guru3D review of the 65W Intel Core i5-8600 highlights a highly efficient, 6-core Coffee Lake processor designed for gamers seeking high performance without overclocking. Running at 3.1 GHz base and 4.3 GHz boost, the CPU delivers strong, responsive performance, specifically within games. Key pros include excellent energy efficiency and low temperatures (~50°C under load), while...Read more

G
guru3d.com
03/04/2018
Review: Intel Core i5 8600 processor (65W) review

The Guru3D review highlights the Intel Core i5-8600 as a highly efficient 6-core processor operating at a 65W TDP, making it suitable for quiet, compact builds with moderate operating temperatures. It offers strong gaming performance via 3.1 GHz base and 4.1 GHz all-core turbo speeds, providing a cost-effective alternative to 'K' series chips without requiring aggressive cooling....Read more

C
conseil-config.com
04/04/2018
Intel Core i5-8600 review: A great alternative to unlocked models

The Intel Core i5-8600 is a 6-core/6-thread 8th Gen Coffee Lake processor, offering an all-core Turbo of 4.1 GHz (3.1 GHz base) and a 65W TDP for efficient, non-overclocked performance. It excels as a mid-to-high-end gaming CPU, delivering performance near the i5-8600K, while including a stock cooler and supporting wide compatibility for budget-friendly motherboards, though it lacks...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hwupgrade.it
15/05/2026
Intel Core i5-8600 CPU datasheet - Hardware Upgrade

The Intel Core i5-8600, part of the 8th generation "Coffee Lake" family, features six physical cores running at 3.1 GHz (up to 4.3 GHz Turbo), delivering significant performance gains over previous 4-core i5 models in both productivity and gaming. While utilizing the 14nm++ process and 9 MB L3 cache, it lacks Hyper-Threading, placing its multi-threaded capabilities slightly behind...Read more

(Translated)Show original
S
smartworld.it
21/03/2024
Is Horizon Forbidden West on PC worth your money?

The PC version of Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition, handled by Nixxes, is lauded as a technically masterful port featuring extensive customization, excellent scalability for older hardware, and support for modern technologies like DLSS and Frame Generation. Gameplay improvements include deeper, tactical combat with new Valor Surges, a stunning, diverse open world, and...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hardware.info
03/04/2018
Intel Core i5 8600 & i7 8700 review: Fresh Coffee", "Intel Core i5 8600 & i7 8700 review: Freshly Brewed

The Hardware.info review highlights the Intel Core i5-8600 and i7-8700 as 65W Coffee Lake processors designed for efficiency, bridging the gap between locked and unlocked models. These six-core chips provide excellent single-core performance and strong gaming capabilities, with the i7-8700 featuring Hyper-Threading for superior multi-threaded workloads compared to the i5-8600. While...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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