Intel Core i7-6700K vs Intel Core i5-9600K

The Intel Core i7-6700K, introduced in 2015 under the Skylake S architecture, was aimed at demanding users who valued high performance and utilized overclocking capabilities.

The Intel Core i5-9600K, on the other hand, part of the Coffee Lake S Refresh generation from late 2018, presented a newer option for gamers and enthusiasts who want to benefit from an overclockable CPU.

Both processors are manufactured by Intel using the 14 nm fabrication process. The Intel Core i7-6700K has 4 cores and 8 threads, 8 MB of L3 cache, and a maximum memory bandwidth of 34 GB/s. It features the integrated Intel HD Graphics 530. The Intel Core i5-9600K offers 6 cores and 6 threads, a slightly larger L3 cache of 9 MB, and a higher memory bandwidth of 43 GB/s, complemented by Intel UHD Graphics 630.

Both support PCIe 3.0. In performance benchmarks, the Intel Core i5-9600K shows noticeable advantages over the Intel Core i7-6700K in both single-core and multi-core performance. This is due to its more modern architecture and the higher number of physical cores. For gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i5-9600K is the superior choice due to its better single-core performance and optimized architecture, which is reflected in higher frame rates.

The power consumption of both processors is comparable, with a TDP of 91W for the Intel Core i7-6700K and 95W for the Intel Core i5-9600K. Since these are overclockable "K" models, actual consumption under load may vary. In the used market, the Intel Core i5-9600K generally offers a better price-performance ratio for the improved overall performance.

In summary, the Intel Core i5-9600K is the superior choice for modern applications and games, thanks to its higher core count and architectural improvements. The Intel Core i7-6700K is still a capable CPU for general tasks and older games, especially if a platform upgrade is to be avoided.