Intel Core i5-9600K vs Intel Core i7-8700
The Intel Core i7-8700 is the faster chip for gaming by roughly 2%. Here is the full spec-by-spec breakdown.
| Specification | Intel Core i5-9600K | Intel Core i7-8700 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 58/100 | 59/100 |
| Tier | C | C |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Cores | 6 | 6 |
| Threads | 6 | 12 |
| Base clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.6 GHz | 4.6 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 95 W | 65 W |
| Release year | 2018 | 2017 |
Which should you buy?
For gaming specifically, the Intel Core i7-8700 is the better buy — it holds a 2% lead in our index, which shows up most at 1080p and in CPU-bound titles like strategy and simulation games. The Intel Core i7-8700 runs 30W 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.