Core i5-11600K vs Core i7-9700K
Core i5-11600K
Core i7-9700K
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-11600K
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-9700K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-11600K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($170) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-11600K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+60%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($170) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($200) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-11600K and Core i7-9700K
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 i7-9700K
The Core i7-9700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 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: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 14,397 points. Launch price was $374.
Processing Power
The Core i5-11600K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, while the Core i7-9700K offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-9700K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-11600K versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i7-9700K — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i5-11600K uses the Rocket Lake (2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-9700K uses Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-11600K scores 19,520 against the Core i7-9700K's 14,397 — a 30.2% lead for the Core i5-11600K. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-11600K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 8 / 8+33% |
| Boost Clock | 4.9 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.9 GHz+8% | 3.6 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) | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) |
| PassMark | 19,520+36% | 14,397 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-11600K uses the LGA1200 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-9700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-3200 memory speed. Both support up to 128 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i5-11600K) vs 16 (Core i7-9700K) — the Core i5-11600K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel 500 series,Intel 400 series (Core i5-11600K) and Intel 300 series (Core i7-9700K).
| Feature | Core i5-11600K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 4.0+33% | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-3200 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20+25% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Only the Core i5-11600K supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 750 (Core i5-11600K) and UHD Graphics 630 (Core i7-9700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11600K targets Desktop, Core i7-9700K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-11600K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 750 | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-11600K launched at $262 MSRP, while the Core i7-9700K debuted at $385. At current prices ($170 vs $200), the Core i5-11600K is $30 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11600K delivers 114.8 pts/$ vs 72.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-9700K — making the Core i5-11600K the 45.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-11600K | Core i7-9700K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $262-32% | $385 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $170-15% | $200 |
| Performance per Dollar | 114.8+59% | 72.0 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2018 |
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