Core i5-9600K vs Core 5 120UL
Core i5-9600K
Core 5 120UL
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 i5-9600K
Performance Per Dollar Core 5 120UL
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-9600K | Core 5 120UL |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($178) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($270) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Raptor Lake-PS (2024) / 10 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-9600K | Core 5 120UL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+53%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($178) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($270) |
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 i5-9600K and Core 5 120UL
Core i5-9600K
The Core i5-9600K 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 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 9 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 10,645 points. Launch price was $262.
Core 5 120UL
The Core 5 120UL is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 April 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Raptor Lake-PS (2024) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1700. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 10,558 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i5-9600K packs 6 cores / 6 threads, while the Core 5 120UL offers 10 cores / 12 threads — the Core 5 120UL has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-9600K versus 4.6 GHz on the Core 5 120UL — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.7 GHz vs 1.3 GHz). The Core i5-9600K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core 5 120UL uses Raptor Lake-PS (2024) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-9600K scores 10,645 against the Core 5 120UL's 10,558 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-9600K. L3 cache: 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9600K vs 12 MB (total) on the Core 5 120UL.
| Feature | Core i5-9600K | Core 5 120UL |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 10 / 12+67% |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz | 4.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz+185% | 1.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 9 MB (total) | 12 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core)+400% |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) | Raptor Lake-PS (2024) |
| PassMark | 10,645 | 10,558 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-9600K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core 5 120UL uses LGA1700 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-9600K | Core 5 120UL |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1700 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0+67% |
| Max RAM Speed | 2666 | — |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | — |
| RAM Channels | 2 | — |
| ECC Support | ❌ | — |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: true (Core i5-9600K) / not specified (Core 5 120UL). The Core i5-9600K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core 5 120UL requires a dedicated GPU.
| Feature | Core i5-9600K | Core 5 120UL |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | true | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-9600K launched at $263 MSRP, while the Core 5 120UL debuted at $277. At current prices ($178 vs $270), the Core i5-9600K is $92 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9600K delivers 59.8 pts/$ vs 39.1 pts/$ for the Core 5 120UL — making the Core i5-9600K the 41.9% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-9600K | Core 5 120UL |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $263-5% | $277 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $178-34% | $270 |
| Performance per Dollar | 59.8+53% | 39.1 |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2024 |
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