Intel 10th Generation gave us the extreme heat i9-10900k, a powerhouse of a CPU, but at nearly $500 it may be out of reach for many users. Intel’s i5 10600k comes into play at $263.00—bringing 6 cores and 12 threads with a base frequency of 4.10GHz and Turbo Frequency of 4.8GHz to the z490 Chipset, offering 12MB of Intel’s Smart Cache with a Max memory of 128 GBs @ 2666MHz. The i5 sounds like it could be the perfect medium to high range CPU for users wanting a fantastic price to performance processor. So, let’s dig right into what makes this processor amazing.
Intel Z490 Chipset
The 10th Gen series CPUs supports up to 10 Total USB 3.2 Ports (Up to 6 USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 and up to 10 USB 3.2 Gen 1×1) and 14 USB 2.0 Ports, so connectivity will never be a problem. It also introduces Intel’s Wi-Fi 6(GIG+) which offers up to 3x faster Wi-Fi on Intel-based Wi-Fi 6 routers, offering up more responsive gaming, uninterrupted video conferencing and improved protection from wireless hacking.
Getting into specs, we’ll be comparing the i5-10600k to the i5-9600k.
Essentials
| 9th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processors | 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processors | |
| Vertical Segment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Processor Number | i5-9600K | i5-10600K |
| Status | Launched | Launched |
| Launch Date | Q4’18 | Q2’20 |
| Lithography | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Included Items | Please note: The boxed product does not include a fan or heat sink | |
| Use Conditions | PC/Client/Tablet | PC/Client/Tablet |
| Bus Speed | ||
| TDP | ||
| Supports Overclocking | ||
| Recommended Customer Price | $262.00 – $263.00 | $262.00 – $263.00 |
Intel stays with 14nm Lithography for the i5-10600k. The main drawback of this card is the Thermal wattage or the heat this mid-range card makes. With 7nm Lithography out from AMD, we only wonder what has kept Intel from joining in the 7nm process. At $263.00, the price point is perfect and effectively gives you a top-tier processor anyone can buy.
