Scored using Processors Methodology v1.0
Processors Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Processors Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Intel Core i5 9600KF Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price:~£210PassMark benchmark result:10652N. of physical cores:6CPU boost clock speed:4.6 GHzCPU socket:LGA1151TDP (Thermal design power):95 W

Intel Core i5 9600KF Review: Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

5.5

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

5.1

Technical score

10%

9.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 53% of processors
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

60%

4.8

Performance

18%

5.0

Cache & Architecture

10%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.3

Power & Thermal

4%

7.7

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated Graphics

â–¼Worse than 59% of processors
9.4

User score

User score
9.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 2,517 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
★Better than 94% of processors
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intel-core-i5-9600kf

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 9600KF

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

4.8

Performance

18%

5.0

Cache & Architecture

10%

5.9

Memory & PCIe

7%

5.3

Power & Thermal

4%

7.7

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated Graphics

5.1
User score
User score
9.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 2,517 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
9.4
Popularity
Popularity
10.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Intel Core i5 9600KF has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.9% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

5.5

Overall score

40%

9.4

Price

6.7
Brand name
Intel
Processor type
desktop
Processor type
desktop
This processor 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
LGA1151
CPU socket
LGA1151
This processor uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.7% of processors and equal to that of 9.4% of processors.
Chipset
Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310
Chipset
Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310
This processor supports Z390, Z370, Q370, H370, B365, B360, H310 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 57.2% of processors and equal to that of 4.4% of processors.
CPU architecture
x86-64
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor 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.
Show more
N. of physical cores
6
N. of physical cores
6
This processor has 6 CPU cores, which is more than 49.9% of processors and equal to 13.4% of processors.
CPU threads
6
CPU threads
6
This processor offers 6 CPU threads, which is fewer than 64.9% of processors and equal to 2.2% of processors.
Threads per core
1
Threads per core
1
This processor offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.8% of processors and equal to 30.2% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4.6 GHz
CPU boost clock speed
4.6 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4.6 GHz which is higher than that of 62.5% of processors and equal to that of 4.5% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
6x 3.7 GHz
CPU base clock speed
6x 3.7 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 6x3.7 GHz which is higher than that of 71.7% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
14 nm
Semiconductor size
14 nm
This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.6% of processors and equal to that of 33.9% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
This processor 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
9 MB
L3 cache
9 MB
This processor 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
1.5 MB
L2 cache
1.5 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 1.5 MB which is smaller than that of 62.2% of processors and equal to that of 4.6% of processors.
L1 cache
384 KB
L1 cache
384 KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 384 KB which is larger than that of 44.9% of processors and equal to that of 15.7% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
This processor 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
2,666 MHz
Maximum memory speed
2,666 MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,666 MHz, which is lower than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2666 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2666 MHz, which is lower than that of 58.3% of processors and equal to 8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
This processor 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
no
Integrated graphics
no
This processor does not include integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
N/A
Integrated media encoders/decoders
N/A
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
95 W
TDP (Thermal design power)
95 W
This processor has a TDP of 95 W which is higher than that of 88.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
95 W
Base power (PL1)
95 W
This processor has a base power of 95 W which is higher than that of 88.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.8% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
?
Tau (power duration limit)
8 seconds
Tau (power duration limit)
8 seconds
This processor has a turbo duration of 8 seconds which is longer than that of 89.9% of processors and equal to that of 7% of processors.
Configurable TDP
no
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core i5 9600KF vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceCache & ArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated GraphicsPower & Thermal
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Unlocked multiplier
    yes
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
  • 2.97x faster classroom rendering
    Blender (bmw27) benchmark result
    991
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (991 vs 334.1). The average processor needs 334.1 for the Blender Classroom test.
    991 vs 334.1
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Memory overclocking
    yes
    This processor supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • Higher base clock
    CPU base clock speed
    6 x 3.7 GHz
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.7 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    6x3.7 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    128 GB
    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
  • 7% higher boost clock
    CPU boost clock speed
    4.6 GHz
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    4.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i5 9600KF is more popular than the average processor (10 vs 1).
    10 vs 1
  • 17.9% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Intel Core i5 9600KF
    the average processor
    Intel Core i5 9600KF has a higher user score than the average processor (9.43 vs 8.000).
    9.43 vs 8
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i5 9600KF is more popular than the average processor (10 vs 1).
    10 vs 1
  • 17.9% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Intel Core i5 9600KF
    the average processor
    Intel Core i5 9600KF has a higher user score than the average processor (9.43 vs 8.000).
    9.43 vs 8
  • Modern CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA1151
    This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP4).
    LGA1151 vs FP4
  • Advanced security extensions
    Security extensions
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard
    This processor provides more advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Unlocked multiplier
    yes
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
  • 2.97x faster classroom rendering
    Blender (bmw27) benchmark result
    991
    This processor has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (991 vs 334.1). The average processor needs 334.1 for the Blender Classroom test.
    991 vs 334.1
  • Higher base clock
    CPU base clock speed
    6 x 3.7 GHz
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (6x3.7 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    6x3.7 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • 7% higher boost clock
    CPU boost clock speed
    4.6 GHz
    This processor has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    4.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 19.4% higher multi-core score
    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    5,768
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (5,768 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    5,768 vs 4,829
  • 8.6% better single-core performance
    PassMark single-core benchmark score
    2,714
    This processor has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,714 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.
    2,714 vs 2,500
  • 10.8% higher single-core score
    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    1,630
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,630 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,630 vs 1,471
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Microarchitecture codename
    Coffee Lake Refresh
    This processor uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake).
    Coffee Lake Refresh vs Kaby Lake
  • 15.5% smaller die size
    Die size
    149.6 mm²
    This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (149.6 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    149.6 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Memory overclocking
    yes
    This processor supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    128 GB
    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
  • No configurable TDP
    Configurable TDP
    no
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.11x higher base power
    Base power (PL1)
    95 W
    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 multithreading support
    Multithreading
    no
    This processor does not support multithreading, the average processor does. 74.2% of processors support multithreading.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Semiconductor size
    14 nm
    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
    L2 per core
    0.25 MB/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
  • Narrower instruction support
    Instruction sets
    MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 2.11x higher TDP
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    95 W
    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
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    L3 per core
    1.5 MB/core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.7 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • Narrower instruction support
    Instruction sets
    MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2
    This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • No multithreading support
    Multithreading
    no
    This processor does not support multithreading, the average processor does. 74.2% of processors support multithreading.
  • 24.9% slower Blender rendering
    Blender (bmw27) benchmark result
    291.3
    This processor has a higher Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (291.3 vs 387.66). The average processor needs 387.66 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    291.3 vs 387.66
  • 2 fewer CPU threads
    CPU threads
    6
    This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (6 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    6 vs 8
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Threads per core
    1
    This processor has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
    1 vs 2
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Semiconductor size
    14 nm
    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
    L2 per core
    0.25 MB/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
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    L3 per core
    1.5 MB/core
    This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.7 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
    L2 cache
    1.5 MB
    This processor 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
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    Max memory speed (JEDEC)
    DDR4-2666 MHz
    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
  • 9.2% lower memory bandwidth
    Maximum memory bandwidth
    41.6 GB/s
    This processor 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.
    41.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
  • 9.1% lower memory speed
    Maximum memory speed
    2,666 MHz
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2666 MHz vs 2933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2933 MHz.
    2,666 MHz vs 2,933 MHz
  • No integrated graphics
    Integrated graphics
    no
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • No configurable TDP
    Configurable TDP
    no
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2.11x higher base power
    Base power (PL1)
    95 W
    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
  • 2.11x higher TDP
    TDP (Thermal design power)
    95 W
    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
  • 20 seconds shorter turbo duration
    Tau (power duration limit)
    8 seconds
    This processor has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (8 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
    8 seconds vs 28 seconds

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

O
openbenchmarking.org
Q4 2019
Summary of the review
C
cpubenchmark.net
March 2026 (Updated)
Summary of the review
C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
27/02/2020
Summary of the review
H
hardwareluxx.de
19/04/2020
Summary of the review
C
chip.de
28/01/2021
Summary of the review
H
hardware.info
25/05/2019
Summary of the review
T
tweakers.net
19/07/2019
Summary of the review
H
hardware.info
25/05/2019
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on 2,517 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Intel Core i5 9600KF

  • Excellent overclocking potential with many users reaching 5.0 GHz or higher stable
  • High performance-to-price ratio, especially for budget-conscious gaming builds
  • Stays relatively cool and quiet under standard gaming loads with decent cooling solutions
  • Solid single-core performance that delivers high frame rates in 1080p gaming
  • Significant performance upgrade for users coming from 7th Gen Intel or older processors
  • Fast and responsive for everyday productivity and mid-level multitasking

What we don't like about Intel Core i5 9600KF

  • Lack of integrated graphics (KF-series) means a discrete GPU is mandatory and complicates troubleshooting
  • Limited to 6 cores and 6 threads; lack of Hyper-Threading can cause bottlenecks in modern, CPU-intensive games
  • Does not include a stock cooler, requiring an additional purchase of a cooling solution
  • Older 14nm technology results in higher power consumption compared to newer generations
  • Dead-end upgrade path as it is restricted to older LGA 1151 (300-series) motherboards
  • Outperformed in multi-threaded workloads by similarly priced Ryzen alternatives

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-9600KF is a 9th Gen Coffee Lake Refresh desktop processor featuring 6 cores and 6 threads with a 3.70 GHz base frequency and a 4.60 GHz max turbo boost. Built on a 14nm lithography and utilizing the LGA 1151 socket, it includes 9 MB of Intel Smart Cache and has a 95W TDP. Main pros include its unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking, strong single-core performance for gaming, and support for up to 128 GB of DDR4-2666 memory. Notable cons are the lack of integrated graphics, the absence of hyper-threading, and the fact that it does not come with a bundled thermal cooling solution.

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