CPU
GPU
Core i7-5930K
Core i5-9600
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. The Core i7-5930K is positioned at rank #849 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 i7-5930K
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-9600
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-5930K | Core i5-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($410) | ✅ More affordable ($219) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell-E (2014) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Coffee Lake (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-5930K | Core i5-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+86%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($410) | ✅ More affordable ($219) |
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.
Path of Exile 2
League of Legends
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-5930K and Core i5-9600
Core i7-5930K
The Core i7-5930K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell-E (2014) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 140 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 10,369 points. Launch price was $613.
Core i5-9600
The Core i5-9600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake (2017−2019) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 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): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 10,313 points. Launch price was $213.
Processing Power
The Core i7-5930K packs 6 cores / 12 threads, matching the Core i5-9600's 6 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-5930K versus 4.6 GHz on the Core i5-9600 — a 21.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-9600 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-5930K uses the Haswell-E (2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-9600 uses Coffee Lake (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-5930K scores 10,369 against the Core i5-9600's 10,313 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-5930K. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,000 vs 1,443, a 36.3% lead for the Core i5-9600 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 15 MB (total) on the Core i7-5930K vs 9 MB (total) on the Core i5-9600.
| Feature | Core i7-5930K | Core i5-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 6 / 12 | 6 / 6 |
| Boost Clock | 3.7 GHz | 4.6 GHz+24% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+13% | 3.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 15 MB (total)+67% | 9 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Haswell-E (2014) | Coffee Lake (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 10,369 | 10,313 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,000 | 1,443+44% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 6,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-5930K uses the LGA2011 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-9600 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR4-2133 memory speed. The Core i5-9600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 4 (Core i7-5930K) vs 2 (Core i5-9600). PCIe lanes: 40 (Core i7-5930K) vs 16 (Core i5-9600) — the Core i7-5930K offers 24 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: X99 (Core i7-5930K) and B360,H370,H310,Q370,Z390,B365 (Core i5-9600).
| Feature | Core i7-5930K | Core i5-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA2011 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | DDR4-2666 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 4+100% | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 40+150% | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-5930K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-5930K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-9600). The Core i5-9600 includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-5930K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-5930K targets High End Desktop, Core i5-9600 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-5930K rivals Ryzen 5 1600; Core i5-9600 rivals Ryzen 5 3600.
| Feature | Core i7-5930K | Core i5-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | UHD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | High End Desktop | Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-5930K launched at $583 MSRP, while the Core i5-9600 debuted at $224. At current prices ($410 vs $219), the Core i5-9600 is $191 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-5930K delivers 25.3 pts/$ vs 47.1 pts/$ for the Core i5-9600 — making the Core i5-9600 the 60.2% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-5930K | Core i5-9600 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $583 | $224-62% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $410 | $219-47% |
| Performance per Dollar | 25.3 | 47.1+86% |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2019 |
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