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 i5-9600K review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£160PassMark multi-core score:10657N. of physical cores:6CPU boost clock speed:4.6 GHzCPU socket:LGA1151TDP (Thermal design power):95 W

Intel Core i5-9600K Review: Compare 74 technical specifications, 17 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i5-9600K
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 67% of models
Score components

40%

5.1

Technical score

25%

8.0

Reviews score

25%

5.1

List score

10%

8.6

Sentiment score

▼Worse than 67% of processors
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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 60% of models
Score components

70%

6.2

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

▼Worse than 60%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 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 59% of models
Score components

60%

5.0

Performance

18%

4.8

Architecture

10%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.1

Power & Thermal

4%

7.3

Platform

1%

6.5

Integrated graphics

▼Worse than 59%
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%

7.7

Average grade

20%

9.1

Popularity

Grades by review (17)
11 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 8 estimated from the review. 6 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%
5.1

List score

List score
5.1/ 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 (1)
List score: in 1 of 87 lists (1%)
▲Better than 89%
  • intel-core-i5-9600k
  • intel-core-i5-9600k
intel-core-i5-9600k
intel-core-i5-9600k
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 i5-9600K

Based on 10 · 8

Reviewers agree it's a strong gaming chip, but too few cores and threads hold it back in multi-core work.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i5-9600K

Based on 143 owners sharing their experience in online comments

68%positive7%mixed25%negative

Owners praise affordable gaming speed and easy overclocking, while heat and limited threads can constrain demanding games and heavier workloads.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report low or uneven frame rates in demanding titles like Assassin's Creed, Cyberpunk and Fortnite, with the CPU hitting 100% usage at 1440p and above 144 Hz.23
  • Owners report that with only six threads the chip struggles when streaming while gaming, and heavy video editing or rendering pushes it to its limits.9
  • Owners say it now struggles with newer AAA games, with maxed-out CPU use and slow input response during load.8
  • Owners report it runs hot, reaching about 89 degrees in gaming or over 100 degrees on a weak cooler, so a strong cooler is needed.6
  • Owners report overclocking results vary: some reach 5.0 GHz at about 1.28 V while others get only 4.9 GHz or crash at 5.3 GHz.4
  • Some owners say they would choose an AMD chip instead, citing better value or later performance.3

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

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5-9600K

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 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 59% of models
Score components:

60%

5.0

Performance

18%

4.8

Architecture

10%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.1

Power & Thermal

4%

7.3

Platform

1%

6.5

Integrated graphics

5.1
Reviews score
8.0
List score
5.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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 60% of models
Score components:

70%

6.2

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

7.2
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
LGA1151
This processor uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 59% of processors and equal to that of 9% of processors.
Chipset
Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310
This processor supports Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 57.3% of processors and equal to that of 4.2% of processors.
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
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
6
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 6 CPU threads, which is fewer than 66.7% of processors and equal to 2.1% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.6 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.6 GHz which is higher than that of 59.9% of processors and equal to that of 4.7% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 3.7 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 6x3.7 GHz which is higher than that of 70.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
10,657
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 10,657 in PassMark, which is lower than 51.8% 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
9 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 9 MB which is larger than that of 49.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% 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
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
VC-1 (HW decode/encode)
This processor supports VC-1 (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 79.3% of processors and equal to 0.1% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
95 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 95 W which is higher than that of 87.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
95 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 95 W which is higher than that of 87.6% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
118 W
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 118 W which is higher than that of 75.5% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i5-9600K 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
  • 2.88x faster classroom rendering
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (980.5 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    980.5 vs 340.075
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 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%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    9.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (17)
    11 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 8 estimated from the review. 6 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
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.7 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x3.7 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 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
  • 4.5% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.6 GHz vs 4.4 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%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    9.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (17)
    11 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 8 estimated from the review. 6 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
  • 19.4% higher sentiment score
    8.6 vs 7.2
  • Modern CPU socket
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP5).
    LGA1151 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
  • 2.88x faster classroom rendering
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (980.5 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
    980.5 vs 340.075
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.7 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    6x3.7 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 4.5% higher boost clock
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.6 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 19.3% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (6,214 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    6,214 vs 5,209
  • 6.5% better single-core performance
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,723 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    2,723 vs 2,558
  • 9.1% higher single-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,675 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,675 vs 1,535
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
    Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake
  • 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
  • 34.6% lower list score
    List score
    5.1/ 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 (1)
    List score: in 1 of 87 lists (1%)
    5.1 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
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.11x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    95 W vs 45 W
  • No simultaneous multithreading
    This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
  • 84.4% higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (118 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    118 W vs 64 W
  • 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 (VC-1 (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)).
    VC-1 (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)
  • 34.6% lower list score
    List score
    5.1/ 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 (1)
    List score: in 1 of 87 lists (1%)
    5.1 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
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, MPX, 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, MPX, 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
  • 2 years older release date
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2018 vs 2020).
    October 2018
    2018 vs 2020
  • No simultaneous multithreading
    This processor does not support simultaneous multithreading, while the average processor does. 73.8% of processors support it.
  • 2 fewer CPU threads
    This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (6 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    6 vs 8
  • 23.7% slower Blender rendering
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (303.7 vs 398). The average processor needs 398.015 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    303.7 vs 398.015
  • 7.1% lower PassMark score
    This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (10,657 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    10,657 vs 11,469
  • 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
  • 18.9% less L3 per core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.5 MB/core vs 1.85 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 (VC-1 (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)).
    VC-1 (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)
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.11x higher base power
    This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    95 W vs 45 W
  • 84.4% higher boost power
    This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (118 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    118 W vs 64 W
  • 2.11x higher TDP
    This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (95 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    95 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

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

9.0
Nicolas11x12 English
≈ estimated
19/01/2019
Hands-on review · stock gaming and power benchmarks
Verdict
Intel Core i5-9600K is a great gaming chip, though other chips offer better price-to-performance.
3.0
Timmy Joe PC Tech
≈ estimated
12/11/2018
Hands-on review · gaming benchmarks and overclocking
Verdict
Intel Core i5-9600K is poor value next to Ryzen rivals, and the reviewer advises against buying it unless you have specific needs.
8.0
Jarrod'sTech
≈ estimated
15/11/2019
Comparison with i7-9700K · gaming and application tests
Verdict
Intel Core i5-9600K offers better value than the i7-9700K and still performs well, though it trails in heavy multithreaded workloads.
7.0
Jarrod'sTech
≈ estimated
15/11/2019
Comparison · benchmarks at stock and overclocked
Verdict
Intel Core i5-9600K offers better value than the i7-9700K and still performs well, though the faster i7-9700K wins in games and multicore work.
Overview video
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
gamersnexus.net
≈ estimated
26/11/2018
Benchmark review · Gaming and rendering
Verdict
The Intel i5-9600K is a decent gaming chip, but it renders slowly and delivers uneven frames in some games, so the Ryzen 7 2700 is better for mixed use.
7.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
21/11/2018
Lab test · Gaming CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-9600K suits 1080p gamers, but for threaded work such as content creation, AMD's Ryzen gives more performance.
9.5
rockpapershotgun.com
≈ estimated
04/07/2019
Gaming test · Overclock results
Verdict
The Intel i5-9600K is the best pure gaming CPU in its price range, but it trails Ryzen badly in multi-core work and gains little in games from overclocking.
9.5
gamestar.de
✓ explicit
12/12/2018
Benchmark test · Head-to-head comparison
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-9600K is a small step up from the 8600K, with higher clocks and should run cooler, but it keeps the same six cores.
7.0
chip.de
≈ estimated
20/12/2018
Lab test · Gaming and all-round CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-9600K is a solid gaming and all-round chip with high clock speeds, but AMD rivals often beat it.
9.0
notebookcheck.com
≈ estimated
19/01/2019
Benchmark test · Overclocking and power
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-9600K is a gaming-focused six-core chip that beats the Ryzen 7 2700 in games, but it runs hot under heavy load and needs a strong cooler.
7.0
techtesters.eu
≈ estimated
22/10/2018
Opinion review · Six-core desktop CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-9600K is a six-core chip with fast single-core speed, but it can't keep up with Ryzen 5 and 7 chips in multi-core work.
8.8
techgaming.nl
✓ explicit
19/10/2018
Hands-on review · Soldered six-core
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-9600K is a reliable six-core chip with a soldered lid that runs stably on Z390 boards, though it offers little new over earlier i5s.
9.0
notebookcheck.nl
≈ estimated
27/01/2019
Benchmark report · Six-core desktop CPU
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-9600K is a six-core chip that runs close to the i7-9700K in benchmarks with a Radeon RX Vega 64, usually within a few frames per second.
6.0
ct.nl
≈ estimated
01/02/2019
Benchmark test · Six-core chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-9600K is a small step up from the 8600K, worth it for its security fixes, but it trails AMD in multi-threaded work.
6.0
techtesters.eu
≈ estimated
22/10/2018
Opinion test · Single-core and gaming
Verdict
The Intel Core i5-9600K is a slightly faster version of the same chip, strong in single-core tests but behind Ryzen in multi-core work.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i5-9600K

  • Excellent single-threaded performance, making it a strong choice for 1080p gaming
  • High overclocking potential, with many users successfully reaching 5.0 GHz or higher
  • Runs relatively cool and energy-efficient compared to newer high-end chips
  • Good value for users already on the LGA 1151 (Z370/Z390) motherboard platform
  • Capable of handling multitasking and productivity tasks like music production effectively

What customers don't like about Intel Core i5-9600K

  • Lacks hyper-threading (6 cores/6 threads), which limits performance in modern multi-threaded applications
  • Does not include a stock CPU cooler, requiring an additional purchase
  • Outperformed in productivity and value by newer generations (e.g., Intel 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 5000 series)
  • Limited upgrade path as it belongs to an older, discontinued motherboard socket
  • Can experience frame-time inconsistency in some CPU-intensive modern games

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-9600K is a 9th Generation 'Coffee Lake Refresh' desktop processor featuring 6 cores and 6 threads with a 14nm lithography. It operates at a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and can reach a maximum turbo frequency of 4.6 GHz, supported by 9 MB of Intel Smart Cache and a 95W TDP. Main characteristics include its unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking, compatibility with the LGA 1151 socket on 300-series motherboards, and integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630. Key pros are its strong single-core performance, which makes it an excellent choice for gaming, and its use of Solder Thermal Interface Material (STIM) for improved heat dissipation. However, its main cons include a lack of Hyper-Threading, which limits its multi-threaded efficiency in heavy workstation tasks compared to rivals, and the fact that it does not include a bundled thermal solution, requiring an additional aftermarket cooler.

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