Intel Core i5-8600K socket: LGA 1151
The Intel Core i5-8600K uses the LGA 1151 socket on revision 2 boards. It is a 6-core unlocked Coffee Lake chip without Hyper-Threading that runs to 4.3 GHz, on 300 series boards.
- Socket
- LGA 1151
- Launched
- October 2017
- Cores and threads
- 6 and 6
- Base power
- 95 W
- Codename
- Coffee Lake
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i5
- Clocks
- 3.6 / 4.3 GHz
Intel Core i5-8600K specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 6 (no Hyper-Threading) |
| Core architecture | Skylake based cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 3.6 GHz base, up to 4.3 GHz (Turbo Boost 2.0) |
| Cache | 9 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 95 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4 up to 2666 MT/s, two channels, up to 64 GB |
| PCI Express | 16 lanes from the CPU, PCIe 3.0 |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 (up to 1.15 GHz) |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (K series) |
| Package | FCLGA1151 |
| Cooler in the box | None |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i5-8600K needs a motherboard with a LGA 1151 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 300 series: B365 and Z390 | Z390, B365 | Works out of the box |
| 300 series: H310, B360, H370, Q370, Z370 | Z370, H370, B360, H310, Q370 | Works out of the box |
| 200 series | Z270, H270, B250, Q270, Q250 | Not supported |
| 100 series | Z170, H170, B150, H110, Q170, Q150 | Not supported |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1151.
Recommended GPU pairing
| Recommended tier | Mid-range 1080p |
|---|---|
| Example GPUs | GeForce GTX 1060 6GB, Radeon RX 580 |
| Target resolution | 1080p high settings |
Six physical cores with boost to 4.3 GHz, 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes and DDR4 line up with mid-range 1080p cards from late 2017. A faster card still works and the balance shifts with game, settings and resolution.
This is a rough match for a new build at the stated resolution, not a limit. A faster card still works and helps at higher resolutions or in games that load the GPU more than the CPU. A slower card is fine for lighter games and office use. The exact balance shifts with the game, the settings and the resolution, so no percentage is given.
LGA 1151 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,151 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | August 2015 |
| Memory | DDR4 on most boards (some early boards use DDR3L). DDR4 only on the second revision |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Core i5-8600K is
The Core i5-8600K is a six core, six thread processor that Intel released in October 2017 with the 8th Gen Coffee Lake range. Its cores run 3.6 GHz base to 4.3 GHz turbo with Turbo Boost 2.0. Cache is 9 MB of shared L3.
Two extra cores over the prior i5 changed the tier overnight, even without Hyper-Threading. Launch-era builds paired it with mid-range cards for 1080p high-refresh play. The TDP is 95 W on the 14 nm process.
Intel UHD Graphics 630 cover display output, at up to 1.15 GHz. The multiplier is unlocked. Intel includes no cooler with K-series processors.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 8600K fits the LGA 1151 socket on revision 2 boards only, and it launched the revision: Z370 boards took it from day one, with Z390, B365, H370, B360, H310 and Q370 following. Revision 1 boards with 100 or 200 series chipsets never support it, whatever the BIOS says.
A Z-series board is required for multiplier overclocking. B-series and H-series boards run rated clocks with memory tuning on most models.
Confirm the minimum BIOS version in the maker's CPU support list when buying late-production boards.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
The memory controller supports DDR4 up to 2666 MT/s officially. Two channels carry up to 64 GB. Faster kits run through XMP profiles, which Z-series boards accept while H-series and B-series boards hold narrower ranges.
The CPU supplies 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the processor. Chipset lanes cover the remaining slots and drives at lower speeds.
Cooling should exceed the 95 W base rating under boost. Plan a capable tower cooler on the 75 mm LGA 1151 pattern. The CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide lists bracket requirements.
Six cores become the i5 standard
The 8600K matters because it moved the mainstream i5 from four cores to six at the same time as the i7 moved to six with threading. That kept the i5 relevant in games long past its launch, since titles scaled with physical cores first. The 95 W TDP asks for real cooling when overclocked, so a capable tower cooler covers headroom on Z-series boards.
The LGA 1151 revision split arrived with Coffee Lake: revision 2 boards only, never 100 or 200 series. Within revision 2 the upgrade path runs to the 9th Gen chips, which keep six cores without threading at the i5 tier while the i7 and i9 add cores. At launch Z370 stood alone as the only 300 series chipset; Z390 followed with the 9th Gen in October 2018, and the budget H370 and B360 chipsets arrived in April 2018.
Upgrade paths
Against the Intel Core i7-8700K, the 8600K trades threading for lower price with most gaming pace intact. Against the Intel Core i7-9700K, it gives up two cores on the same socket, subject to BIOS.
Moving to LGA 1200 needs a new board while keeping DDR4. The 8600K fits a Z370 gaming PC that values clocks over threads.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i5-8600K use?
It uses LGA 1151 on revision 2 boards with 300 series chipsets, written FCLGA1151 in Intel's documents.
Does the 8600K have Hyper-Threading?
No. Like the 9th Gen i5 line, the 8600K has no Hyper-Threading, so 6 cores give 6 threads.
Does the 8600K run in a Z270 motherboard?
No. Z270 and other 100 and 200 series boards are revision 1 and never support Coffee Lake processors.
What memory speed does the 8600K support?
Officially up to DDR4-2666. Faster kits run through XMP profiles, which count as overclocking.
Does the 8600K come with a cooler?
No. K-series processors ship without a cooler.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .