Core i5-7600K vs Core i5-8305G
Core i5-7600K
Core i5-8305G
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. The Core i5-7600K is positioned at rank 578 and the Core i5-8305G is on rank 896, so the Core i5-7600K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7600K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-8305G
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-7600K | Core i5-8305G |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($84) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake G (2018) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-7600K | Core i5-8305G |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+317%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($84) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($350) |
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 i5-7600K and Core i5-8305G
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.
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 | — |
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 | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
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 | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-7600K launched at $217 MSRP, while the Core i5-8305G debuted at $350. At current prices ($84 vs $350), the Core i5-7600K is $266 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7600K delivers 81.1 pts/$ vs 19.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-8305G — making the Core i5-7600K the 122.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-7600K | Core i5-8305G |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $217-38% | $350 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $84-76% | $350 |
| Performance per Dollar | 81.1+318% | 19.4 |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2018 |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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