Intel Core i5-10600K vs Intel Core i7-9700
The Intel Core i5-10600K is the faster chip for gaming by roughly 3%. Here is the full spec-by-spec breakdown.
| Specification | Intel Core i5-10600K | Intel Core i7-9700 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 63/100 | 61/100 |
| Tier | B | C |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Cores | 6 | 8 |
| Threads | 12 | 8 |
| Base clock | 4.1 GHz | 3 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.8 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 125 W | 65 W |
| Release year | 2020 | 2019 |
Which should you buy?
For gaming specifically, the Intel Core i5-10600K is the better buy — it holds a 3% lead in our index, which shows up most at 1080p and in CPU-bound titles like strategy and simulation games. The Intel Core i7-9700 has more cores (8 vs 6), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The Intel Core i7-9700 runs 60W cooler, meaning a cheaper cooler and less case heat. Either way, pair it with a graphics card of similar standing — check the bottleneck calculator before you buy.