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Intel Core I5 9600KF (9th Gen) processor
Intel

9th Gen Intel Core i5 9600KF

Processors (CPUs)View on intel.com
Boost/Base Clock:
4.6 GHz / 3.7 GHz
Core/Thread Count:
6 Core / 6 Thread
Cache:
9MB L3 + 1.5MB L2 + 512KB L1
TDP:
95 Watts
CPU Process Node:
14 Nanometers
CPU Socket:
LGA 1151
CPU Series:
Coffee Lake Refresh
Memory Support:
DDR4-2666
Form Factor:
Desktop

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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026

9th Gen Intel Core i5 9600KF Review

The 9th Gen Intel Core i5 9600KF is the F-suffix variant of the unlocked i5-9600K, a 6-core desktop processor without integrated graphics, running a genuinely high 3.7 GHz base clock that boosts to 4.6 GHz within a 95 Watt TDP.

Sharing identical CPU specifications with the standard i5-9600K, this variant drops the integrated GPU for a lower price, appropriate for enthusiast gaming builders who already have a discrete GPU planned.

Integrated Graphics

This F-suffix variant ships without a functional integrated GPU; a discrete graphics card is required for display output, in exchange for a lower price than the standard i5-9600K.

How Is the Core i5 9600KF in Terms of Performance

The 6-core layout with an unlocked multiplier and genuinely high 4.6 GHz boost clock gives this chip excellent gaming performance, delivering identical CPU-side capability to the integrated-graphics i5-9600K.

Benchmarks

As the F-suffix twin of the i5-9600K, this chip shares the same 6-core architecture and 4.6 GHz boost ceiling, delivering identical CPU-side gaming performance to its integrated-graphics sibling.

Specifications

Identity

BrandIntel
Product LineCore i5
Product LineCore i5
Model Number9600KF
CodenameCoffee Lake Refresh
Release Year2019

Segment and platform

Market SegmentDesktop
MicroarchitectureCoffee Lake Refresh, 9th Gen Intel Core
SocketLGA 1151
Socket StatusEnd of Life
Process Node14 nm
Process Node14 nm

Core configuration

Performance Cores6
Efficiency Cores0
SMT EnabledNo

Clock speeds

P-Core Base Clock3.7 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock4.6 GHz

Cache

L2 Cache1.5 MB
L3 Cache9 MB

Power and thermal

Base Power95 W
Max Turbo Power95 W

Memory

Memory TypeDDR4-2666
Memory TypeDDR4
Max Memory Speed2666 MT/s
Memory Channels2
ECC SupportNo

Graphics and AI

Integrated GraphicsNo
Copilot Plus CertifiedNo

Expansion

PCIe Generation3.0
PCIe Lanes16

Commercial

Launch MSRP262 USD
Retail AvailabilityRetail
Form FactorDesktop
Core/Thread Count6 Core / 6 Thread
TDP95 W
Cache9MB L3 + 1.5MB L2 + 512KB L1
Boost/Base Clock4.6 GHz / 3.7 GHz

Expert Review

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Best for

  • Enthusiast gaming desktop builds with a discrete GPU already planned wanting unlocked 6-core performance at a lower price

Not for

  • Buyers wanting a fallback integrated GPU — the standard i5-9600K includes UHD 630

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the 9th Gen Intel Core i5 9600KF?

The 9th Gen Intel Core i5 9600KF is a processor from Intel. Key specs: Boost/Base Clock 4.6 GHz / 3.7 GHz, Core/Thread Count 6 Core / 6 Thread, Cache 9MB L3 + 1.5MB L2 + 512KB L1, TDP 95 Watts, CPU Process Node 14 Nanometers.

Will the 9th Gen Intel Core i5 9600KF work with my current setup?

The 9th Gen Intel Core i5 9600KF 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 9th Gen Intel Core i5 9600KF best suited to?

It suits enthusiast gaming desktop builds with a discrete gpu already planned wanting unlocked 6-core performance at a lower price.

What are the drawbacks of the 9th Gen Intel Core i5 9600KF?

It is a poor fit for buyers wanting a fallback integrated gpu — the standard i5-9600k includes uhd 630.

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