Core i5-7600K vs Core i5-8305G

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 i5-7600K vs Core i5-8305G 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 i5-7600K vs Core i5-8305G: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-7600K

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $133 less on MSRP ($217 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
✅Delivers 61.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 31.4 vs 19.4 PassMark/$ ($217 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 630, while Core i5-8305G needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌40% higher power demand at 91W vs 65W.

Core i5-8305G

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 65W instead of 91W, a 26W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,801 vs 6,813).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 19.4 vs 31.4 PassMark/$ ($350 MSRP vs $217 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-7600K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7600K better than Core i5-8305G?

Yes. Core i5-7600K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-7600K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-7600K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-7600K is the better buy right now. Core i5-7600K comes in $133 cheaper on MSRP at $217 MSRP versus $350 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 61.6% better value on MSRP (31.4 vs 19.4 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-8305G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-7600K vs Core i5-8305G Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-7600K

The Core i5-7600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 91 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,813 points. Launch price was $242.

Core i5-8305G

The Core i5-8305G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2270. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,801 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-7600K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i5-8305G's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i5-7600K versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-8305G — a 10% clock advantage for the Core i5-7600K (base: 3.8 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-7600K uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-8305G uses Kaby Lake G (2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7600K scores 6,813 against the Core i5-8305G's 6,801 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-7600K. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-7600K	Core i5-8305G
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+11%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.8 GHz+36%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Kaby Lake G (2018)
PassMark	6,813	6,801
Cinebench R23 Multi	4,143	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,100	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,800	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7600K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-8305G uses FCBGA2270 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-7600K	Core i5-8305G
Socket	LGA1151	FCBGA2270
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7600K) / not specified (Core i5-8305G). The Core i5-7600K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-8305G requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7600K targets Gaming/Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-7600K	Core i5-8305G
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Gaming/Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7600K was priced at $217, while the Core i5-8305G came in at $350. On launch pricing ($217 vs $350), Core i5-7600K was $133 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7600K delivers 31.4 pts/$ vs 19.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-8305G — making the Core i5-7600K the 47.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7600K	Core i5-8305G
MSRP	$217-38%	$350
Performance per Dollar	31.4+62%	19.4
Release Date	2017	2018

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