Core i5-11600KF vs Core i5-11600K
Core i5-11600KF
Core i5-11600K
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 i5-11600KF
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-11600K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-11600KF | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($157) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($170) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Rocket Lake (2021) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-11600KF | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+8%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($157) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($170) |
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 i5-11600KF and Core i5-11600K
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.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-11600KF and Core i5-11600K share an identical 6-core/12-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-11600KF versus 4.9 GHz on the Core i5-11600K — 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 i5-11600KF scores 19,468 against the Core i5-11600K's 19,520 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-11600K. Both processors carry 12 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-11600KF | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 19,468 | 19,520 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | 11,277 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,138 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 8,631 | — |
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: LGA1200 (Core i5-11600KF) and Intel 500 series,Intel 400 series (Core i5-11600K).
| Feature | Core i5-11600KF | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 20 |
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, EPT (Core i5-11600KF) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-11600K). The Core i5-11600K includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 750), while the Core i5-11600KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-11600KF targets Gaming, Core i5-11600K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-11600KF rivals Ryzen 5 5600X.
| Feature | Core i5-11600KF | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | UHD Graphics 750 |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Gaming | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-11600KF launched at $237 MSRP, while the Core i5-11600K debuted at $262. At current prices ($157 vs $170), the Core i5-11600KF is $13 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-11600KF delivers 124.0 pts/$ vs 114.8 pts/$ for the Core i5-11600K — making the Core i5-11600KF the 7.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-11600KF | Core i5-11600K |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $237-10% | $262 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $157-8% | $170 |
| Performance per Dollar | 124.0+8% | 114.8 |
| Release Date | 2021 | 2021 |
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