The Core i5-7600K is about 4% faster than the Core i5-7600 in our estimate.
The Core i5-7600K is about 4% faster than the Core i5-7600 in our estimate.
| Core i5-7600K | Core i5-7600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming index | 28 | 27 |
| Cores / threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 |
| Max boost | 4.2 GHz | 4.1 GHz |
| Power (TDP) | 91 W | 65 W |
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| Release year | 2017 | 2017 |
| Launch price | $242 | $213 |
| Performance per $100 (launch) | 11.6 | 12.7 |
On our gaming index the Core i5-7600K scores 28 and the Core i5-7600 scores 27, about 4% faster for gaming. That gap is small and mostly shows up at 1080p with a very fast graphics card.
The Core i5-7600K has 4 cores and 4 threads, and the Core i5-7600 has 4 cores and 4 threads. Core counts are the same, so cache size and clock speed decide the difference. Boost clocks are 4.2 GHz and 4.1 GHz.
Both chips use the LGA1151 socket, so they fit the same motherboards. You can swap one for the other without changing the board.
Rated power is 91 W for the first and 65 W for the second. That is close enough that cooling needs will be similar.
At launch the Core i5-7600K cost $242 and the Core i5-7600 $213, which gives 11.6 and 12.7 points of gaming performance per $100. Today's prices will differ.
At 1080p the Core i5-7600K can feed a card up to the GeForce RTX 5050 before it holds the card back by more than 10 percent. The Core i5-7600 reaches the Arc A750. Both chips are in the same range for graphics card pairing.
Choose the Core i5-7600K if you want the faster gaming chip and the same or more cores. Choose the Core i5-7600 if you would rather spend the difference on a graphics card, which does more for frame rates in most games.
The Core i5-7600K is about 4% faster than the Core i5-7600 in our estimate.
If your graphics card is already the limit in your games, a faster processor adds little. Use the bottleneck calculator to check your own pairing.
Updated October 3, 2026