Core i5-9600K vs Core i5-9600KF
Core i5-9600K
Core i5-9600KF
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 i5-9600KF
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-9600K | Core i5-9600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($178) | ✅ More affordable ($150) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-9600K | Core i5-9600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+19%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($178) | ✅ More affordable ($150) |
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 i5-9600KF
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 i5-9600KF
The Core i5-9600KF is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) 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: 10,646 points. Launch price was $262.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-9600K and Core i5-9600KF share an identical 6-core/6-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-9600K versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-9600KF — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.7 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i5-9600K uses the Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-9600KF uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-9600K scores 10,645 against the Core i5-9600KF's 10,646 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-9600KF. Both processors carry 9 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i5-9600K | Core i5-9600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 6 | 6 / 6 |
| Boost Clock | 4.6 GHz | 4.6 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 9 MB (total) | 9 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Coffee Lake-R (2018−2019) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 10,645 | 10,646 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 7,301 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,600 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 6,200 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches 2666 on the Core i5-9600K versus DDR4-2666 on the Core i5-9600KF — the Core i5-9600K supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 128 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z390,Q370,H370,B360,H310 (Core i5-9600K) and H310,B360,B365,H370,Z370,Z390 (Core i5-9600KF).
| Feature | Core i5-9600K | Core i5-9600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 2666+66550% | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 128 | 128 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-9600K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-9600KF). The Core i5-9600K includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i5-9600KF requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-9600KF targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i5-9600K | Core i5-9600KF |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-9600K launched at $263 MSRP, while the Core i5-9600KF debuted at $262. At current prices ($178 vs $150), the Core i5-9600KF is $28 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-9600K delivers 59.8 pts/$ vs 71.0 pts/$ for the Core i5-9600KF — making the Core i5-9600KF the 17.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-9600K | Core i5-9600KF |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $263 | $262 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $178 | $150-16% |
| Performance per Dollar | 59.8 | 71.0+19% |
| Release Date | 2018 | 2019 |
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