Intel Core i7-2600K vs Intel Core i5-3570K
The Intel Core i7-2600K is the faster chip for gaming by roughly 3%. Here is the full spec-by-spec breakdown.
| Specification | Intel Core i7-2600K | Intel Core i5-3570K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 38/100 | 37/100 |
| Tier | D | D |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Cores | 4 | 4 |
| Threads | 8 | 4 |
| Base clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.4 GHz |
| Boost clock | 3.8 GHz | 3.8 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 95 W | 77 W |
| Release year | 2011 | 2012 |
Which should you buy?
For gaming specifically, the Intel Core i7-2600K 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 i5-3570K runs 18W 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.