Core i5-8600vsRyzen Threadripper 7970X
The Core i5-8600 is a no-fuss six-core chip for everyday desktops and budget gaming, while the Threadripper 7970X is a thirty-two-core monster built for heavy pro workstations.
Core i5-8600
Coffee Lake · 14 nm · 2018
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Ryzen Threadripper 7970X
Storm Peak · 5 nm · 2023
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Overall Performance Score
A unified score from combined synthetic and real-world benchmarks. 100 represents the fastest desktop CPU available.
Side-by-Side Specs
Every detail compared. Highlighted cells indicate the leading value for that metric.
Which should you buy?
The Ryzen Threadripper 7970X is the clear winner for heavy workloads, while the Core i5-8600 is only suitable for basic tasks.
The Core i5-8600 is the smarter pick for budget buyers who only need a cheap, low-power CPU for simple everyday computing.
The weaker Core i5-8600 is the right choice for a silent home theater PC where low heat and noise matter more than performance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Core i5-8600 better than the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X?
Overall the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X is the stronger processor: it ranks higher in our aggregate performance score (60 vs 6 out of 100), so it leads the Core i5-8600 in most workloads.
How much faster is the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X than the Core i5-8600?
Based on our aggregated benchmark scores the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X is roughly 900% faster than the Core i5-8600 overall. The real-world gap varies by game, resolution and settings.
Which should you buy, the Core i5-8600 or the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X?
If you want the most performance, pick the Ryzen Threadripper 7970X. If the Core i5-8600 is meaningfully cheaper where you shop, it can be the better value for similar real-world results — check current prices and the full spec comparison above before deciding.