Intel Core i5-8600K vs AMD Ryzen 5 7600 vs AMD Ryzen 9 7950X

Intel Core i5-8600K

The Intel Core i5-8600K is a high-end desktop processor with six cores based on the Coffee Lake architecture and was announced in September 2017. The processor clocks at between 3.6 and 4.3 GHz and can execute up to six threads simultaneously (no HyperThreading). According to Intel, the CPU is manufactured in an improved 14nm (14nm++) process. The i5-8600K is comparatively easy to overclock thanks to the unlocked multiplier.

Performance

Due to the two additional cores, performance has increased significantly compared to the Core i7-7700K when all cores are in use. Single-core performance has not improved since its Kaby Lake predecessor. As a high-end model, the i5-8600K is suitable for the most demanding applications and games.

Graphics

The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 iGPU is basically identical to the previous generation Intel HD Graphics 630. Only some low demanding games are playable with this graphics card (see GPU page linked above).

Power Consumption

Intel specifies the TDP with 95 watts. Therefore, well-dimensioned cooling systems should easily manage to deal with the created heat. We expect increased efficiency due to the higher performance.

AMD Ryzen 5 7600

The AMD Ryzen 5 7600 is a fast mid-range desktop processor of the Raphael series. It offers 6 cores based on the Zen 4 architecture that supports hyperthreading (12 threads). The cores clock from 3.8 (base) up to 5.1 GHz (single core boost).

The Raphael series still uses a chiplet design with two CCD-clusters (each with 8 possible cores) in 5nm and an IO-die (including the memory controller and the Radeon Graphics iGPU) in 6nm.

The R5 7600X is rated at 65 Watt TDP.

AMD Ryzen 9 7950X

The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is a fast high-end desktop processor of the Raphael series. It offers 16 cores based on the Zen 4 architecture that supports hyperthreading (32 threads). The cores clock from 4.5 (base) up to 5.7 GHz (single core boost). The 7950X is the second fastest Ryzen at launch.

The Raphael series still uses a chiplet design with two CCD-clusters (each with 8 possible cores) in 5nm and an IO-die (including the memory controller and the Radeon Graphics iGPU) in 6nm.

Performance

The average 7950X in our database is in the same league as the Core i9-13900K, Ryzen 9 7945HX, Ryzen 9 7950X3D, as far as multi-thread benchmark scores are concerned. This is a super-fast chip, as of mid 2023.

The R9 7950X is rated at a TDP of 170 Watt and proved to be rather power-hungry in applications and games.