Intel Core i5-9600KF vs. Intel Core i3-9100F - Better for Gaming?

Started by SoMonReddit on May 08, 2024

I recently bought a new gaming PC and I'm debating between the Intel Core i5-9600KF and Intel Core i3-9100F for my build. Can anyone here help me decide which one would be better for gaming? I've seen some comparisons online, but I'd like to hear from people who have actually used these CPUs.

Solved by melonhead316 in post #4
@SoMonReddit If you're on a tight budget, the i3-9100F might be a better choice. However, I must say that I've had a chance to use both CPUs and found the i5-9600KF to provide smoother gameplay without encountering bottlenecks. The TechReviewer article Intel Core i5-9600KF vs. Intel Core i3-9100F discusses this in more detail. You might want to check it out.

Personally, I think the i5-9600KF has a clear advantage in gaming due to its higher single-core max turbo boost frequency. The extra core also helps prevent bottlenecks during games. However, it's more expensive than the i3-9100F. Have you considered your budget constraints?

Yes, I have a strict budget, but I want to make sure I'm not sacrificing too much in terms of gaming performance.

@SoMonReddit If you're on a tight budget, the i3-9100F might be a better choice. However, I must say that I've had a chance to use both CPUs and found the i5-9600KF to provide smoother gameplay without encountering bottlenecks. The TechReviewer article Intel Core i5-9600KF vs. Intel Core i3-9100F discusses this in more detail. You might want to check it out.

Solution

Thanks for the suggestion, @melonhead316. I'll definitely read that article. So if I go with the i3-9100F, can I still expect decent gaming performance?

You can expect good gaming performance from the i3-9100F, but it might not be as smooth or efficient as the i5-9600KF in some games, especially those that are more demanding. If you can stretch your budget a bit, I'd recommend going for the i5.

That makes sense. What about multitasking? How do these CPUs perform when running multiple applications at the same time?

The i5-9600KF handles multitasking better than the i3-9100F due to its higher core count and better single-core performance. If you plan on using resource-intensive programs alongside your games, the i5 would be a better choice.

That's good to know. I'll have to think about my budget again. What are your thoughts on the DDR support for both CPUs?

The DDR support is similar for both the i5-9600KF and i3-9100F, with both supporting DDR4 memory. However, the i5 has a higher maximum stock speed at 2666 MHz compared to the i3's 2400 MHz. This could potentially lead to better overall performance.

Alright, I see. Another concern is the PCIe version. How do these CPUs compare in that aspect?

@MythikiX Both the i5-9600KF and i3-9100F have support for PCIe 3.0, which might limit the potential of recent SSDs and graphics cards. You might want to consider this if you plan on upgrading your GPU or storage in the future.

That's something I didn't think about. Thanks for pointing that out. So it seems like the i5-9600KF has some advantages, but at a higher cost. The i3-9100F might be more suitable for me if I can compromise on some performance.

It really depends on your budget and what you prioritize in a gaming setup. Both CPUs are capable of delivering good gaming experiences, just with varying levels of efficiency and smoothness. If the price difference is significant, the i3-9100F might be worth considering. But if you can afford it, the i5-9600KF would offer better performance overall.

Thanks for all your input, everyone. I'll do some more research and make a decision based on my budget and needs. I appreciate the advice!