Performance comparison: which is faster?
Core i5-7600K (Intel, 2017) and Core i5-7600 (Intel, 2017) are compared here. Compare not only scores, but also whether the motherboard can be reused and which GPU class is balanced with each CPU.
Overall performance: i5-7600K is about 8.2% faster
Both use the same LGA1151 socket, so they can be installed on the same motherboard. For games, performance balance with the GPU (guideline CPU:GPU = 0.9:1) matters more than CPU speed alone.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual speed varies by workload, cooling, and memory configuration.
| Item | i5-7600K | i5-7600 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 9,200 | 8,500 |
| Generation | 7th Gen | 7th Gen |
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| Release Year | 2017 | 2017 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Compatible GPU Example | GeForce GTX 980 Ti | Radeon RX 5500 XT |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize maximum speed for heavy work or a high-end GPU | i5-7600K |
| Upgrade while reusing the current motherboard | Either works (same LGA1151 socket) |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | i5-7600 (the lower model is often sufficient) |
i5-7600K is about 8.2% higher by score (i5-7600K: 9200 points / i5-7600: 8500 points). For gaming, the GPU tier usually matters more than a few percent of CPU difference. For CPU-heavy work such as video editing and streaming, choose the faster CPU.
Both are 7th Gen-generation CPUs.Both use the same LGA1151 socket, so they can be installed on the same motherboard.
Using our CPU:GPU = 0.9:1 guideline, GeForce GTX 980 Ti pairs well with i5-7600K and Radeon RX 5500 XT pairs well with i5-7600. If either GPU is too strong or too weak, one part holds the other back.
