Core i5-11600K vs Core i5-11600KF

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-11600K vs Core i5-11600KF FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-11600K vs Core i5-11600KF: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-11600K

2021

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 750, while Core i5-11600KF needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 74.5 vs 82.1 PassMark/$ ($262 MSRP vs $237 MSRP).

Core i5-11600KF

2021

Why buy it

✅Costs $25 less on MSRP ($237 MSRP vs $262 MSRP).
✅Delivers 10.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 82.1 vs 74.5 PassMark/$ ($237 MSRP vs $262 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (19,468 vs 19,520).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-11600K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-11600K better than Core i5-11600KF?

Yes. Core i5-11600K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-11600K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i5-11600K is still the faster CPU overall, but Core i5-11600KF is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i5-11600K comes in 10.5% more expensive on MSRP at $262 MSRP versus $237 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-11600KF is also 10.3% better value on MSRP (82.1 vs 74.5 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-11600K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 12 threads instead of 6/12. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-11600K vs Core i5-11600KF Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-11600K

The Core i5-11600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 19,520 points. Launch price was $299.

Core i5-11600KF

The Core i5-11600KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.9 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-3200. Passmark benchmark score: 19,468 points. Launch price was $299.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-11600K and Core i5-11600KF share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-11600K versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-11600KF — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). Both are built on the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-11600K scores 19,520 against the Core i5-11600KF's 19,468 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-11600K. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-11600K	Core i5-11600KF
Cores / Threads	6 / 12	6 / 12
Boost Clock	4.9 GHz	4.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz	3.9 GHz
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)	12 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Rocket Lake (2021)	Rocket Lake (2021)
PassMark	19,520	19,468
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	11,277
Geekbench 6 Single	—	2,138
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	8,631

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1200 socket with PCIe 4.0. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 20 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Intel 500 series,Intel 400 series (Core i5-11600K) and LGA1200 (Core i5-11600KF).

Feature	Core i5-11600K	Core i5-11600KF
Socket	LGA1200	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0	PCIe 4.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity	128 GB	128 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20	20

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Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-11600K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-11600KF). The Core i5-11600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 750), while the Core i5-11600KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11600K targets Desktop, Core i5-11600KF targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-11600KF rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.

Feature	Core i5-11600K	Core i5-11600KF
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 750	—
Unlocked	Yes	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-11600K was priced at $262, while the Core i5-11600KF came in at $237. On launch pricing ($262 vs $237), Core i5-11600KF was $25 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11600K delivers 74.5 pts/$ vs 82.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-11600KF — making the Core i5-11600KF the 9.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-11600K	Core i5-11600KF
MSRP	$262	$237-10%
Performance per Dollar	74.5	82.1+10%
Release Date	2021	2021

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