Intel Core i5-8600K vs Intel Core i5-9600K vs Intel Core i3-9100F

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.

Intel Core i5-9600K

The Intel Core i5-9600K is a high end desktop processor based on the Coffee Lake architecture. It offers an open multiplicator for easy overclocking and integrates 6 cores (no Hyperthreading therefore also 6 threads) clocked at 3.7 - 4.6 GHz and it needs a new Z390 based mainboard. It is manufactured in the second iteration of the improved 14nm process (14nm++).

Compared to the older Core i5-8600K, the 9600K offers about 10 to 15% higher performance. As the CPU still offers 6 cores and threads, the improvements are mostly due to the higher clock speeds. As a fast mid range desktop CPU, the i5-9600K is suited even for very demanding applications and perfect for 3D gaming.

The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics card is clocked at up to 1.15 GHz and offers no advantage compared to previous generations. As it is a very low end GPU, only some low demanding games like Hearthstone can be played with it (see GPU page for benchmarks).

Intel specifies the TDP at 95 Watt, so if the CPU is used in laptops a big and chunky cooling system is needed to avoid throttling and lower clock speeds under sustained loads. When overclocking the CPU, the power consumption can easily rise up to 150 Watt and higher.

Intel Core i3-9100F

The Intel Core i3-9100F is an entry level Quad-Core processor for desktop PCs based on the Coffee Lake architecture. It offers four cores clocked at 3.6 - 4.2 GHz without HyperThreading / SMT support (4 threads only). The CPU is still manufactured in 14nm++ and does not feature an integrated graphics card. 

Compared to the older Core i3-8100, the i3-9100F offers around 10 to 15 percent higher performance. Therefore, the CPU is well suited for simple office tasks but less for high end gaming or demanding applications.

Intel specifies the CPU with a TDP of 65 Watt. For desktops that means that the processor wont need big cooling solutions and can be used in small cases.