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Intel Core i5-6600K

Intel
VS
Performance
7,75421% of 36,991

The Core i5-6600K has 21% of the performance compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

Performance per dollar
32.0426% of 121.53

The Core i5-6600K has 26% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.

Specs at a glance
Cores / Threads4 / 4
Memory SupportDDR3, DDR4
Clock3.5 GHz / 3.9 GHz
Release DateQ3 2015
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Summary

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About the Intel Core i5-6600K CPU

The Intel Core i5-6600K is an end-of-life 4-core (4-thread) processor built for the desktop CPU market. It launched in Q3 2015 with a suggested retail price of $242. It is part of Intel's Core i5 lineup, which is based on the Skylake microarchitecture. The i5-6600K is compatible with Intel Socket 1151 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process. It features the HD Graphics 530 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i5-6600K supports DDR3, DDR4 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i5-6600K has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 6 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i5-6600K features 4 total cores which can process 4 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.5 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.9 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is unlocked, enabling overclocking for those seeking to push the CPU's performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i5-6600K includes an integrated graphics solution called HD Graphics 530. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Core i5-6600K has the 321st best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 720 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 20.96% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 7,754 score and $242 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 32.04. This is the 112th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

General Info

General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.

InfoValue
ManufacturerIntel
SeriesCore i5
Market SegmentDesktop
Release DateQ3 2015
Launch Price (MSRP)$242
Production StatusEnd-of-life
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Benchmark Performance

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Performance
7,75421% of 36,991

The Core i5-6600K has 21% of the performance compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

The Core i5-6600K is ranked 321st with a score of 7,754.

Performance per dollar
32.0426% of 121.53

The Core i5-6600K has 26% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.

The Core i5-6600K is ranked 112th with a performance per dollar of 32.04.

Relative Performance

Core i5-6600K's average score in the benchmark can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, more powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

CPUBenchmark Performance
Core i7-4790S8,643+11%
Core i7-2600K8,527+10%
Ryzen 5 2400G8,241+6%
Core i7-5700HQ8,081.5+4%
Core i5-85007,942+2%
Core i5-6600K7,754
Ryzen 5 14007,363.5-5%
Core i5-11400T7,319-6%
FX-83507,230-7%
Ryzen 3 2200G6,805-12%

Relative Value For Money

Core i5-6600K's average performance per dollar in the benchmark can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score generally implies better value for your moeny.

CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Core i5-446034.75+8%
Core i5-640034.52+8%
Core i7-377034.18+7%
Core i5-355033.98+6%
Core i7-6700K33.12+3%
Core i5-6600K32.04
Core i7-4790K31.1-3%
Core i5-2500K30.42-5%
Core i5-347030.3-5%
Core i7-3770K29.45-8%

Benchmark Scores

This table showcases the Core i5-6600K's average performance scores across industry-standard CPU benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

  • Popular
BenchmarkValue
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
7,754
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
601.5
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
166
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
4,054
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
1,437
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
6,320
CPU Mark Single-Thread
2,326
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

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Manufacturing Details

Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.

SpecValue
ManufacturerIntel
FoundryIntel
Process Size14 nm

Architecture

CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.

SpecValue
SeriesCore i5
MicroarchitectureSkylake
CodenameSkylake
Memory SupportDDR3, DDR4
Memory ChannelsDual-channel
ECC MemoryNo

Cores & Clock Speeds

Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.

SpecValue
Cores4
Threads4
Clock Speed3.5 GHz
Turbo Clock3.9 GHz
Base Clock100 MHz
Multiplier35.0x
Multiplier UnlockedYes

Cache

CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.

SpecValue
L1 Cache64 KB
L2 Cache256 KB
L3 Cache6 MB

Compatibility & Power Consumption

Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.

SpecValue
SocketIntel Socket 1151
PCI ExpressPCIe 3.0 x16
Thermal Design Power (TDP)91 W
Tcase Max64 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

Additional CPU features like its bundled cooler, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.

SpecValue
Integrated GraphicsHD Graphics 530
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, AES-NI, CLMUL, FMA3, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, Boost 2.0

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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.