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Core i7-10700K — Comet Lake · 8C/16T · 125 W · LGA1200
Intel

Core i7-10700K

Comet Lake · 8C/16T · 125 W · LGA1200

70
/ 100
From $374
VS
Core i5-11600K — Rocket Lake · 6C/12T · 125 W · LGA1200
Intel

Core i5-11600K

Rocket Lake · 6C/12T · 125 W · LGA1200

70
/ 100
From $269
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Core i7-10700K lands at 70 and Core i5-11600K at 70. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Core i7-10700K if…

  • ✓Strong per-core performance
  • ✓Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
  • ✓Wide platform availability

Pick Core i5-11600K if…

  • ✓Strong per-core performance
  • ✓Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
  • ✓Wide platform availability
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Gaming

Tie

Frame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Creators & productivity

Tie

Rendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Power efficiency

Tie

Performance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Core i5-11600K

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Core i5-11600K more score per dollar ($269 vs $374).

Core i7-10700K 70
vs
70 Core i5-11600K

Score breakdown

Core i7-10700K
70
single 72
multi 70
gaming 69
efficiency 77
Core i5-11600K
70
single 72
multi 70
gaming 69
efficiency 78

Specs side-by-side

Core i7-10700K versus Core i5-11600K — full spec comparison
Spec Core i7-10700K Core i5-11600K
Architecture
Comet Lake
Rocket Lake
Cores
▲ 8
6
Threads
▲ 16
12
TDP
125 W
125 W
Socket
LGA1200
LGA1200
Release year
2020
2021

Core i7-10700K

Pros
  • +Strong per-core performance
  • +Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
  • +Wide platform availability
Cons
  • −Power draw on top SKUs
  • −Frequent socket changes
  • −Arrow Lake gaming regressions

Core i5-11600K

Pros
  • +Strong per-core performance
  • +Hybrid P/E cores (12th gen+)
  • +Wide platform availability
Cons
  • −Power draw on top SKUs
  • −Frequent socket changes
  • −Arrow Lake gaming regressions

FAQ: Core i7-10700K vs Core i5-11600K

Which is better, Core i7-10700K or Core i5-11600K? +

Both score 70 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Core i7-10700K worth the price? +

At $374, Core i7-10700K delivers a Specdex score of 70 — strongest in efficiency.

Is Core i5-11600K worth the price? +

At $269, Core i5-11600K delivers a Specdex score of 70 — strongest in efficiency.

Does Core i7-10700K or Core i5-11600K last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is the better value, Core i7-10700K or Core i5-11600K? +

Core i5-11600K — more score per dollar ($269 vs $374). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.