The fastest gaming processor of all time, but not much

Intel has launched its 9th generation processors: the $ 263 Core i5-9600K, the $ 385 Core i7-9700K and the $ 499 Core i9-9900K, the latter making Intel the "best gaming processor in the world" ".

Our sister site, Tom's Hardware, has tested this bold assertion by comparing three 9th generation processors to their eighth generation predecessors for many gaming tests to determine which one is doing the best. If you want a closer look at the Core i9-9900K, do not forget to check Tom's Hardware and see why they awarded him a prize of the publisher's choice.

Without doubt, the Core i9-9900K and its 9th generation brothers and sisters are faster than previous models, but in most cases, the gap is too narrow to allow an upgrade from the 8th generation. generation. Let's see how this fight went.

Middle-earth: Shadow Of War

In Middle-earth: Shadow Of War benchmark (Ultra, 1080p, DX11), the Core i9-9900K (5.0 GHz) reached 92 frames per second, but the Core i7-8700K (4.9 GHz) the decimal .

Meanwhile, the core Core i9-9900K and Core i7-9700K each averaged 91.5 fps, while the Core i7-8700K Core and Core i5-9600K clocked 91.4 fps. The Core i5-8600K has fallen behind its competitors by a single decimal at 91.3.

In terms of value, the Core i7-8700K (4.9 GHz) wins this round, especially because it followed the all-powerful 9th ​​Gen Core i9.

Hitman

The reference Hitman (Ultra, 1080p, Direct 3D12) widened the gap between decimals and decimals (exciting). The Core i9-9900K (5.0 GHz) beat the Core i7-8700K (4.9 GHz) by 0.6 fps, from 140 to 139.4 fps.

The Intel Core i7-9700K has achieved 138.8 frames per second, or 134.5 frames per second of its "higher" brother, the Core i9-9900K core. And it's worth noting that the 132.9 fps of the Core i5-9600K has surpassed the Core i7-8700K core. The Core i5-8600K was delayed by some images, at 130.3 fps.

The Core i9-9900K (5.0 GHz) had better frame rates, but you would not notice the difference between that and a much cheaper 8th Gen Core i7.

Grand Theft Auto V

The gaps widened further when you started Grand Theft Auto V in Ultra, DX11 in 1080p, while the Core i9-9900K (5.0 GHz) reached 114.5 fps and the Core i7-8700K (4.9 GHz) ) on average 111.7 fps.

Once again, the Core i7-9700K (108.2 fps) beat the Core i9-9900K (106.6 fps) base of a few frames, which is disappointing given its supposed power increase. And the core Core i7-8700K (102.6 fps) defeated the Core i5-9600K (102.5 fps) this time, but by a single decimal. The Core i5-8600K again returned similar results at 100 fps.

MORE: Nvidia RTX GPU Revealed: Specifications, Release Date and Price

Intel Core i9-9900K (5.0 GHz) processors were successful with better frame rate differences, which could make the difference between choosing to play in higher resolutions and HDR.

CARS Project 2

The 9th generation processors managed to reach the reference level of the CARS 2 project (Ultra, 1080p, DX12) while remaining above their predecessors (for the most part). The 116.3 fps of the Core i9-9900K (5.0 GHz) slipped beyond the Core i7-8700K (4.9 GHz), which reached 114.8 fps.

The Core i9-9900K Core has maintained a resolution of 116.3 fps, which corresponds to the Core i7-9700K (114.2 fps) and the Core i7-8700K (113.2 fps). However, there is one anomaly: the Core i5-8600K (112.5 fps) has surpassed the Core i5-9600K (104 fps) in terms of the largest difference of all benchmarks.

Despite this, the 9th generation processors still managed to stay on top, and even the Core i9-9900K core beat the Core i7-8700K (4.9 GHz) in this round.

Far Cry 5

The 9th generation CPU retains a similar hierarchy on the Far Cry 5 benchmark (Ultra, 1080p, DX11), the 8th generation lagging slightly behind. The Core i9-9900K (5.0 GHz) reached 110.3 fps, slightly exceeding the 109.4 fps Core i7-8700K (4.9 GHz).

The 9th generation's top brothers, Core i9-9900K Core and Core i7-9700K 108 and 107.8 frames per second on average, respectively. Redeeming itself, the Core i5-9600K (107.6 fps) won the Core i7-8700K (107.4 fps) and Core i5-8600K (107.1 fps).

If all you're playing is Far Cry 5, then the Core i5-9600K is the big winner, especially since it defeated the 8th Gen Core i7 and achieved similar results to those of its big brothers and sisters.

Bottom line

Yes, Intel 9th ​​generation processors are faster for games and can occasionally save you images, which can be useful for playing games in 4K or HDR. However, the number of extra frames you get is not worth it if you already have an 8th generation processor, especially since the new chips will earn you $ 499.

You would be perfectly safe to switch to the 8th generation, or if you already have one, save for a GeForce RTX from Nvidia graphics cards. If you have a slower processor, somewhere in the 6th generation, then I recommend you upgrade. If not, use this extra money for a 4K display, bigger SSD storage or even better helmet.

Credit: Intel; Tom's Hardware