Intel Core i5-10600K vs Intel Core i7-9700K
These two processors score identically for gaming. Core count, power draw and platform cost decide it.
| Specification | Intel Core i5-10600K | Intel Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 63/100 | 63/100 |
| Tier | B | B |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Cores | 6 | 8 |
| Threads | 12 | 8 |
| Base clock | 4.1 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost clock | 4.8 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 125 W | 95 W |
| Release year | 2020 | 2018 |
Which should you buy?
Gaming performance is a tie between these two, so the decision comes down to the factors below. The Intel Core i7-9700K has more cores (8 vs 6), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The Intel Core i7-9700K 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.