Which Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor suits you?
All processors listed
Which Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor suits you best depends on your usage situation. We've listed all CPUs here:
- Intel Core i5 13600K: future-proof with extreme speeds
- Intel Core i5 14600KF: extremely fast and suitable for overclocking
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600X: new socket and future-proof
All processors from this article
Comparison between the Intel Core i5 and AMD Ryzen 5 processors
| Intel Core i5 13600K | Intel Core i5 14600KF | AMD Ryzen 5 7600X | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clock speed | 5.1GHz | 3.5GHz | 4.7GHz |
| Turbo speed | 5.1GHz | 5.3GHz | 5.3GHz |
| Threads | 20 | 20 | 12 |
| L3 cache | 24MB | 24MB | 32MB |
| Type RAM | DDR5 5600MHz | DDR5 5600MHz | DDR5 5200MHz |
| PCIe version | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| TDP | 125W | 125W | 105W |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 | AM5 |
Intel Core i5 13600K: future-proof with extreme speeds
With 20 threads and 14 cores of which 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores, the Intel Core i5 13600K is the most powerful processor from the mid-range of the 13th generation. The turbo speed of this CPU is 5.1GHz, which makes it the first Intel i5 processor above 5GHz. The largest boost compared to the 12600K is the larger cache memory and memory controller. This CPU stores even more frequently-used files and supports a higher RAM clock speed. In short, everything is faster than with the 12th generation Intel processors.
- Higher clock speeds than the 12th generation i5 CPUs.
- More cache and compatible with faster DDR5 RAM.
- You'll need an LGA 1700 motherboard.
Intel Core i5 14600KF: future-proof with DDR5
The Intel Core i5 14600KF is the most powerful CPU from the Intel 14th generation mid-range class. The clock speed is lower than that of the AMD Ryzen 5 8600G, but the 14600KF has a higher turbo speed. This way, the 14600KF works faster in demanding situations. With the 14 cores and the 20 threads, this processor is suitable for gaming and streaming at the same time. You do need an LGA 1700 socket on your motherboard for this processor, otherwise it won't work. That means you probably need a new motherboard and DDR5 RAM.
- Suitable for a future-proof desktop.
- Very high clock speed and turbo speed for mid-range.
- You need an LGA 1700 motherboard.
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X: new socket and future-proof
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is part of the AMD Ryzen 7000 series and is the first generation that doesn't support AM4 socket. The new AM5 socket has many advantages in combination with the 7600X. The base clock speed goes up to 4.7GHz, with a turbo speed of 5.3GHz even. Thanks to this, the 7600X is more than twice as fast as its predecessor, the 5600X. You can also benefit from the future-proofness of the PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support. In short, the 7600X is a suitable choice if you're looking for a mid-range CPU for a light gaming build.
- The base and turbo speed is twice as high as its predecessor.
- Offers PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support for the AM5 socket.
- You'll need a new AMD AM5 motherboard.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a future-proof processor, choose the Intel Core i5 14600K. You do need an LGA 1700 socket for this, which you'll only find on new motherboards. The 13600K offers more power and supports faster RAM modules up to 5600MHz. Both CPUs support the LGA 1700 socket, so keep this in mind. Are you looking for an AMD build that's future-proof? Choose the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X.
