8th Gen Intel Core i5 8600K
- iGPU:
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 4.3 GHz / 3.6 GHz
- Core/Thread Count:
- 6 Core / 6 Thread
- Cache:
- 9MB L3 + 1.5MB L2 + 384KB L1
- TDP:
- 95 Watts
- CPU Process Node:
- 14 Nanometers
- CPU Socket:
- LGA 1151
- CPU Series:
- Coffee Lake
- Memory Support:
- DDR4-2666
- Form Factor:
- Desktop
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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026
8th Gen Intel Core i5 8600K Review
The 8th Gen Intel Core i5 8600K is an unlocked 6-core desktop processor built on Coffee Lake, running a genuinely high 3.6 GHz base clock that boosts to 4.3 GHz within a 95 Watt TDP on the LGA 1151 socket.
This chip's unlocked multiplier and unusually high base clock made it a genuine enthusiast gaming favorite at launch, appealing to overclockers who wanted 6-core performance without paying for the i7-8700K's hyperthreading.
Intel UHD Graphics 630
A basic integrated GPU intended for display output; enthusiast desktop builds around this chip typically pair it with a discrete GPU.
How Is the Core i5 8600K in Terms of Performance
The unlocked multiplier and unusually high 3.6 GHz base clock give this chip genuinely strong gaming performance, appealing to overclockers who wanted strong per-core performance without paying for the i7-8700K's hyperthreading.
Benchmarks
As a 6-core Coffee Lake chip sharing its core silicon with the i5-8400 and i5-8500, this processor's genuine advantage lies in its unlocked multiplier and higher stock clocks, giving enthusiast overclockers real headroom the locked variants don't offer.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Core i5 |
| Product Line | Core i5 |
| Model Number | 8600K |
| Codename | Coffee Lake |
| Release Year | 2017 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Coffee Lake, 8th Gen Intel Core |
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Socket Status | End of Life |
| Process Node | 14 nm |
| Process Node | 14 nm |
Core configuration
| Performance Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Efficiency Cores | 0 |
| SMT Enabled | No |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 3.6 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 4.3 GHz |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 1.5 MB |
|---|---|
| L3 Cache | 9 MB |
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 95 W |
|---|---|
| Max Turbo Power | 95 W |
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR4-2666 |
|---|---|
| Memory Type | DDR4 |
| Max Memory Speed | 2666 MT/s |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| ECC Support | No |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|---|
| iGPU Model | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| Copilot Plus Certified | No |
Expansion
| PCIe Generation | 3.0 |
|---|---|
| PCIe Lanes | 16 |
Commercial
| Launch MSRP | 257 USD |
|---|---|
| Retail Availability | Retail |
| Form Factor | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Core/Thread Count | 6 Core / 6 Thread |
| TDP | 95 W |
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
| Cache | 9MB L3 + 1.5MB L2 + 384KB L1 |
| Boost/Base Clock | 4.3 GHz / 3.6 GHz |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- Enthusiast gaming desktop builds wanting an unlocked 6-core chip without paying for hyperthreading
Not for
- Buyers needing hyperthreading for lightly multi-threaded work — the i7-8700K offers that alongside similar clocks
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the 8th Gen Intel Core i5 8600K?
The 8th Gen Intel Core i5 8600K is a processor from Intel. Key specs: iGPU Intel UHD Graphics 630, Boost/Base Clock 4.3 GHz / 3.6 GHz, Core/Thread Count 6 Core / 6 Thread, Cache 9MB L3 + 1.5MB L2 + 384KB L1, TDP 95 Watts.
Will the 8th Gen Intel Core i5 8600K work with my current setup?
The 8th Gen Intel Core i5 8600K lists CPU Socket is LGA 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 8th Gen Intel Core i5 8600K best suited to?
It suits enthusiast gaming desktop builds wanting an unlocked 6-core chip without paying for hyperthreading.
What are the drawbacks of the 8th Gen Intel Core i5 8600K?
It is a poor fit for buyers needing hyperthreading for lightly multi-threaded work — the i7-8700k offers that alongside similar clocks.