Intel Core i5-9600K socket: LGA 1151
The Intel Core i5-9600K uses the LGA 1151 socket on revision 2 boards. It is a 6-core unlocked chip without Hyper-Threading that runs to 4.6 GHz, on 300 series boards with DDR4 memory.
- Socket
- LGA 1151
- Launched
- October 2018
- Cores and threads
- 6 and 6
- Base power
- 95 W
- Codename
- Coffee Lake Refresh
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i5
- Clocks
- 3.7 / 4.6 GHz
Intel Core i5-9600K specifications
| Cores | 6 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 6 (no Hyper-Threading) |
| Core architecture | Skylake based cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 3.7 GHz base, up to 4.6 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 128 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 |
| Launch price | $262 (Intel RCP) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i5-9600K 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 | Needs a BIOS update Needs a BIOS update before a 9th Gen processor will start. Check the board maker's CPU support list. |
| 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 1440p |
|---|---|
| Example GPUs | GeForce RTX 2060, Radeon RX 5600 XT |
| Target resolution | 1440p high settings |
Six physical cores with boost to 4.6 GHz, 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes and DDR4 line up with mid-range 1440p cards from late 2018. 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 i5-9600K is
The Core i5-9600K is a six core, six thread processor that Intel released in October 2018 with the 9th Gen desktop range. Its cores run 3.7 GHz base to 4.6 GHz turbo with Turbo Boost 2.0. Cache is 9 MB of shared L3.
Like the 9th Gen i7 above it, the i5 has no Hyper-Threading: six cores yield six threads. High stock clocks kept it competitive in games of the era. 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. The launch price was $262 (Intel RCP). Intel includes no cooler with K-series processors.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 9600K fits the LGA 1151 socket on revision 2 boards only. Z390 and B365 boards accept it with the shipping BIOS. Z370, H370, B360, H310 and Q370 boards need a BIOS update carrying 9th Gen support. Revision 1 boards with 100 or 200 series chipsets never support it.
A Z-series board is required for multiplier overclocking. B-series boards run rated clocks and suit buyers who choose the K for higher stock clocks rather than overclocking.
Confirm the minimum BIOS version in the maker's CPU support list, particularly on early Z370 boards.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
The memory controller supports DDR4 up to 2666 MT/s officially. Two channels carry up to 128 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, no threading, revision 2 only
The 9600K shows the 9th Gen trade at the i5 tier: physical cores without threading, high clocks, and an unlocked multiplier. Six fast cores carried late-2018 titles well, while threaded work favored chips with threading that cost more to buy new at retail stores.
The LGA 1151 revision split still applies: revision 2 boards only, never 100 or 200 series. Within revision 2 the upgrade path runs through the threaded i7 and i9 chips, which add threads without a board change on Z390 and updated Z370 boards. Within revision 2 the upgrade path runs through the threaded i7 and i9 chips, which add threads without a board change.
Upgrade paths
Against the Intel Core i7-9700K, the 9600K gives up two cores and cache for a lower price with most gaming pace intact. Against the Intel Core i7-8700K, it trades threading for higher stock clocks on newer 300 series boards.
Moving to LGA 1200 needs a new board while keeping DDR4. The 9600K fits a Z390 gaming PC that values clocks over threads.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i5-9600K use?
It uses LGA 1151 on revision 2 boards with 300 series chipsets, written FCLGA1151 in Intel's documents.
Does the 9600K have Hyper-Threading?
No. Like the 9th Gen i7 line, the 9600K has no Hyper-Threading, so 6 cores give 6 threads.
Does the 9600K run in a Z270 motherboard?
No. Z270 and other 100 and 200 series boards are revision 1 and never support 9th Gen processors.
What memory speed does the 9600K support?
Officially up to DDR4-2666. Faster kits run through XMP profiles, which count as overclocking.
Does the 9600K 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 .