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Intel Core i5 6600 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£25
  • Avg. price in US: ~$30
  • PassMark benchmark result: 6071
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.9 GHz

Intel Core i5 6600 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.3

Technical Score

10.0%

9.0

User score

Poor
4.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.7

Performance

18.0%

4.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.0

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.2

Platform

1.0%

6.9

Integrated Graphics

Poor
9.0

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(425)
amazon
4.2
(7)
amazon
5.0
(3)
amazon
4.3
(2)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 3.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    3.6

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.6

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.3

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.5
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.3

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

  • intel-core-i5-6600
intel-core-i5-6600

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-6600 is a 6th Generation 'Skylake' desktop processor featuring 4 cores and 4 threads, a 3.30 GHz base frequency, and a max turbo speed of 3.90 GHz. Built on a 14nm process with a 65W TDP, it includes 6MB of Intel Smart Cache, supports up to 64GB of DDR4-2133 or DDR3L-1600 memory, and utilizes the LGA 1151 socket. Main pros include its energy efficiency, solid quad-core performance for general productivity and mid-range gaming, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 530. However, cons include its lack of Hyper-Threading, a locked multiplier that prevents traditional overclocking, and its status as an older, discontinued platform that does not officially support Windows 11.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 6600

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.7

Performance

18.0%

4.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.0

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.3

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.2

Platform

1.0%

6.9

Integrated Graphics

4.3
Intel Core i5 6600 has a technical score of 4.31 points, which is lower than that of 70.7% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(425)
amazon
4.2
(7)
amazon
5.0
(3)
amazon
4.3
(2)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.0
Intel Core i5 6600 has a user score of 9.02 points, which is higher than that of 88.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
10
Intel Core i5 6600 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 88.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.8

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.3
Intel Core i5 6600 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.3 points, which is lower than 51% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i5 6600 belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1151
Intel Core i5 6600 uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Intel 100 Series, Intel 200 Series
Intel Core i5 6600 supports Intel 100 Series, Intel 200 Series chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 50% of processors and equal to that of 2.1% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i5 6600 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i5 6600 has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Core i5 6600 offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Intel Core i5 6600 offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

3.9 GHz
Intel Core i5 6600 reaches a boost clock of 3.9 GHz which is lower than that of 65% of processors and equal to that of 3.5% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 3.3 GHz
Intel Core i5 6600 has a base clock of 4x3.3 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i5 6600 uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i5 6600 is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

6 MB
Intel Core i5 6600 has an L3 cache of 6 MB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1 MB
Intel Core i5 6600 has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

128 KB
Intel Core i5 6600 has an L1 cache of 128 KB which is smaller than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3L/DDR4
Intel Core i5 6600 supports DDR DDR3L/DDR4, which is older than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 5.4% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,133 MHz
Intel Core i5 6600 supports memory speeds up to 2,133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.6% of processors and equal to 8.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2133 MHz
Intel Core i5 6600 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2,133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.9% of processors and equal to 5.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

64 GB
Intel Core i5 6600 supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.6% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i5 6600 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 530
Intel Core i5 6600 uses the Intel HD Graphics 530 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 78.4% and equal to that in 2.3%.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i5 6600 has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i5 6600 has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 6600 has a TDP of 65 W which is higher than that of 70% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 6600 has a base power of 65 W which is higher than that of 70.3% of processors and equal to that of 16.4% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

65 W
Intel Core i5 6600 has a boost power of 65 W which is higher than that of 50.9% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

8 seconds
Intel Core i5 6600 has a turbo duration of 8 seconds which is longer than that of 89.1% of processors and equal to that of 7.1% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i5 6600 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i5 6600 vs the average processor

  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 6600 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
    What it is: A stock CPU cooler is included in the box with the processor.
    When it matters: When total build cost matters and you need to know whether separate cooling must be bought right away.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 6600 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 6600 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 6600 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i5 6600 is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i5 6600 is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).10 vs 1
  • 10x cheaper
    Intel Core i5 6600 is cheaper than the average processor (£25 vs £250).
    Intel Core i5 6600 is cheaper than the average processor (£25 vs £250).£25 vs £250
  • 12.8% higher user score
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.02 vs 8,000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a higher user score than the average processor (9.02 vs 8,000).9.02 vs 8
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 6600 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
    What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i5 6600 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).LGA1151 vs FP2
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 6600 uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i5 6600 supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • Includes stock cooler
    Intel Core i5 6600 includes a stock cooler, the average processor does not.

Total
Overall
Platform
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 6600 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 5 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i5 6600 has an older release date than the average processor (2015 vs 2020).
    September 2,015
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 6600 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 72.9% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,297 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 6600 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 6600 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 9.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 6600 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 42.4% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (6,071 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 9.3% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,253 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 11.8% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,298 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Intel Core i5 6600 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 6600 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 6600 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 25% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 6600 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 25.5% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (34.1 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 27.3% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,133 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i5 6600 supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4 vs DDR4).
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i5 6600 uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 530 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 6600 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 44.4% higher TDP
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a higher TDP than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 20 seconds shorter turbo duration
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (8 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
  • 72.9% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,297 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,297 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.1,297 vs 4,793
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 6600 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i5 6600 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • No multithreading support
    Intel Core i5 6600 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i5 6600 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 6600 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 6600 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 9.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i5 6600 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i5 6600 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i5 6600 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
    When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 16+

    Intel Core i5 6600 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.4 vs 8
  • 44.4% higher base power
    Intel Core i5 6600 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i5 6600 has a higher base power draw than the average processor (65 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.65 W vs 45 W
Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 6600 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
425 Reviews
amazon
4.2
7 Reviews
amazon
5.0
3 Reviews
amazon
4.3
2 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i5 6600?

  • Reliable gaming performance for 1080p and older titles
  • Efficient power consumption with a low 65W TDP
  • Operates at low temperatures, often described as 'very cool'
  • Strong single-core performance for everyday tasks and snappiness
  • Includes a functional stock cooler that is quiet during normal use
  • Great value for budget-conscious builds or HTPC setups
  • Supports modern features like DDR4 memory and PCIe Gen 3

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 6600?

  • Locked multiplier prevents traditional overclocking (unlike the 'K' variant)
  • Limited to 4 cores and 4 threads, which struggles with modern multitasking
  • Lacks Hyper-Threading, causing bottlenecks in CPU-heavy tasks like video editing
  • Obsolete platform that requires a specific LGA 1151 motherboard and lacks NVMe support on some older boards
  • Struggles with modern AAA games and high-resolution 4K gaming
  • Stock cooler may become noisy or insufficient during intensive gaming sessions
  • Performance gains are modest when compared to older Haswell processors

Expert reviews

O
openbenchmarking.org
Q3 2015
Intel Core i5-6600 - OpenBenchmarking.org

The Intel Core i5-6600 is a Skylake-generation quad-core processor utilizing a 14nm process, DDR4 memory, and the LGA 1151 socket, operating at 3.3GHz with a 3.9GHz boost. Based on Linux performance metrics, it sits around the 49th percentile of performance, serving as a reliable mid-range option for general productivity and open-source workloads. Key advantages include strong...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
29/03/2026
Intel Core i5-6600 @ 3.30GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i5-6600 is a 6th Gen Skylake quad-core processor (LGA 1151) with a 3.30 GHz base clock, capable of boosting to 3.90 GHz at a 65W TDP. It supports DDR4/DDR3L memory and features Intel HD Graphics 530, providing efficient performance suitable for general computing and moderate multitasking. Key advantages include cool operation and solid mid-range performance for the...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
30/03/2026
Intel i5-6600 vs i5-3350P [cpubenchmark.net] by PassMark Software

The PassMark benchmark comparison shows the Intel Core i5-6600 (Skylake) outperforms the older i5-3350P (Ivy Bridge) by approximately 40% in multi-threaded tasks and 26% in single-thread performance, driven by a 3.3 GHz base and 3.9 GHz boost clock. The i5-6600 offers superior, modern specifications, including support for faster DDR4 memory, a higher 64GB RAM capacity, integrated HD...Read more

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core i5-6600 BX80662I56600 - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i5-6600 is a Skylake-generation quad-core processor featuring a 3.3 GHz base and 3.9 GHz turbo clock, positioned as a reliable, budget-friendly option for desktop, office, and light gaming tasks. Key pros include excellent power efficiency with a 65W TDP, support for both DDR3L and DDR4 memory, and solid, stable performance for daily computing. However, the chip lacks...Read more

V
valid.x86.fr
29/03/2026
Intel Core i5-6600 CPU-Z Multi-Thread Benchmark

This CPU-Z benchmark v7f89d/4 highlights the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS, an 8-core, 16-thread processor based on the Zen 4 architecture, achieving a single-thread score of ~655 and a multi-thread score of ~6107. Positioned as a high-end mobile chip, it offers strong, balanced performance for both gaming and creative work, often competing with previous-generation desktop flagships. Pros...Read more

(Translated)Show original
V
valid.x86.fr
29/03/2026
CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i5-6600 (Single-Thread)

The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D is a strategic AM4 platform addition released in early 2024, featuring 8 cores, 16 threads, and 96MB of L3 3D V-Cache, delivering high-end gaming performance for approximately $250. It acts as a lower-clocked (3.0–4.1GHz) alternative to the 5800X3D, sacrificing raw speed for improved affordability and gaming efficiency. While it thrives in gaming, it offers...Read more

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G
gamereactor.fr
05/11/2025
Performance Analysis: Can your PC run Call of Duty: Black Ops 7?

Beenox and Treyarch have unveiled the PC system requirements for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, emphasizing broad accessibility with moderate minimum specifications (Core i5-6600/GTX 970) alongside high-end targets for 4K performance. Pros include highly customizable graphics settings (over 800 options) and a dedicated benchmarking tool developed in parallel with console versions....Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tomshw.it
05/08/2015
Core i7-6700K and Core i5-6600K Review: Skylake Processors Put to the Test

The Intel Core i7-6700K and i5-6600K "Skylake" processors, reviewed by Tom's Hardware, utilize a 14nm architecture requiring a new LGA 1151 socket and Z170 chipset, offering native DDR4-2133 support and granular BCLK overclocking. Performance-wise, the chips show improved Instructions Per Cycle (IPC) over Haswell in intensive tasks, though the integrated HD Graphics 530 remains a...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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