Intel Core i9-9900K vs Intel Core i5-11600K
The Intel Core i5-11600K is the faster chip for gaming by roughly 2%. Here is the full spec-by-spec breakdown.
| Specification | Intel Core i9-9900K | Intel Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming score | 66/100 | 67/100 |
| Tier | B | B |
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Cores | 8 | 6 |
| Threads | 16 | 12 |
| Base clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.9 GHz |
| Boost clock | 5 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
| Power draw (TDP) | 95 W | 125 W |
| Release year | 2018 | 2021 |
Which should you buy?
For gaming specifically, the Intel Core i5-11600K 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 i9-9900K has more cores (8 vs 6), which helps if you stream, compile or render alongside playing. The Intel Core i9-9900K 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.