7th Gen Intel Core i5 7600K
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 4.2 GHz Boost Clock
- Core/Thread Count:
- 4 Core / 4 Thread
- Cache:
- 8MB L3
- CPU Socket:
- FCLGA 1151
- CPU Series:
- Kaby Lake
- Form Factor:
- Desktop
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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026
7th Gen Intel Core i5 7600K Review
The 7th Gen Intel Core i5 7600K is an unlocked 4-core desktop processor built on Kaby Lake, boosting up to 4.2 GHz within an 8MB L3 cache on the LGA 1151 socket.
As a popular enthusiast gaming chip predating Intel's later shift to 6-core mainstream desktop parts, this processor's unlocked multiplier made it a common overclocking choice throughout the late 2010s.
Integrated Graphics
The standard variant includes basic Intel integrated graphics for display output; enthusiast desktop builds around this chip typically pair it with a discrete GPU.
How Is the Core i5 7600K in Terms of Performance
The unlocked multiplier and genuinely high 4.2 GHz boost clock made this chip a popular enthusiast gaming choice at launch, predating Intel's later shift to 6-core mainstream desktop chips.
Benchmarks
Cinebench R20 single-core scores of 433 reflect solid per-core performance for its generation, a key reason this chip remained a popular gaming CPU choice for years after launch.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Core i5 |
| Product Line | Core i |
| Model Number | 7600K |
| Codename | Kaby Lake |
| Release Year | 2017 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Kaby Lake, 7th Gen Intel Core |
| Socket | LGA1151 |
| Socket Status | End of Life |
| Process Node | 14 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 4 |
| Efficiency Cores | 0 |
| Total Threads | 4 |
| SMT Enabled | No |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 3.8 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz |
| Unlocked Multiplier | Yes |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 1 MB |
|---|---|
| L3 Cache | 6 MB |
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 91 W |
|---|---|
| Max Operating Temp | 100 C |
| Bundled Cooler | None |
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR4 |
|---|---|
| Max Memory Speed | 2400 MT/s |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 64 GB |
| ECC Support | No |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|---|
| iGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 630 |
| iGPU Compute Units | 24 |
| Copilot Plus Certified | No |
Expansion
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
|---|---|
| PCIe Lanes | 16 |
Commercial
| Launch MSRP | 242 USD |
|---|---|
| Retail Availability | Discontinued |
| Form Factor | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Core/Thread Count | 4 Core / 4 Thread |
| Cache | 8MB L3 |
| Boost/Base Clock | 4.2 GHz Boost Clock |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- Enthusiast gaming desktop builds from this era wanting genuine overclocking flexibility on a 4-core chip
Not for
- Buyers wanting the latest architecture — 8th Gen and newer chips offer meaningfully more cores and better IPC
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the 7th Gen Intel Core i5 7600K?
The 7th Gen Intel Core i5 7600K is a processor from Intel. Key specs: Boost/Base Clock 4.2 GHz Boost Clock, Core/Thread Count 4 Core / 4 Thread, Cache 8MB L3, CPU Socket FCLGA 1151, CPU Series Kaby Lake, 7th Gen Intel Core.
Will the 7th Gen Intel Core i5 7600K work with my current setup?
The 7th Gen Intel Core i5 7600K lists CPU Socket is FCLGA 1151. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the 7th Gen Intel Core i5 7600K best suited to?
It suits enthusiast gaming desktop builds from this era wanting genuine overclocking flexibility on a 4-core chip.
What are the drawbacks of the 7th Gen Intel Core i5 7600K?
It is a poor fit for buyers wanting the latest architecture — 8th gen and newer chips offer meaningfully more cores and better ipc.