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Intel Core i5 6600K Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price:~£250PassMark benchmark result:6301N. of physical cores:4CPU boost clock speed:3.9 GHzCPU socket:LGA1151TDP (Thermal design power):91 W

Intel Core i5 6600K Review: Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

4.7

▼Worse than 70% of processors

4.2

▼Worse than 80% of processors

9.5

★Better than 95% of processors

3.6
Gaming
Gaming
3.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Measures single-core benchmark performance, peak boost clock speeds, and fast L3 cache sizing critical for high frame rates.
When it matters
When you want to play demanding mobile games, 3D titles, or run graphics-intensive apps smoothly.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
4.0
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
4.3
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
4.5
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
1.6
L3 cache
8.0%
2.3
N. of physical cores
1.9
Video editing
Video editing
1.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Assesses multi-core benchmark throughput, total physical core and thread count, and cache bandwidth for rapid video rendering.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this processors meets your specific video editing needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
45.0%
1.7
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
2.3
N. of physical cores
20.0%
2.1
CPU threads
15.0%
1.6
L3 cache

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 6600K

4.7

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Platform

7.5

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Brand name

Intel

Processor type

CPU socket

Chipset

CPU architecture

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Performance

3.5

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N. of physical cores

CPU threads

Threads per core

CPU boost clock speed

CPU base clock speed

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Cache & Architecture

4.6

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Semiconductor size

Foundry

L3 cache

L2 cache

L1 cache

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Memory & PCIe

5.3

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DDR memory version

Maximum memory speed

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

?

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

?

Maximum memory capacity

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Integrated Graphics

6.8

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Integrated graphics

Integrated GPU model

Integrated GPU execution units

Integrated GPU base frequency

Integrated media encoders/decoders

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1

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Power & Thermal

5.2

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TDP (Thermal design power)

Base power (PL1)

Boost power (PL2)

Tau (power duration limit)

Configurable TDP

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Intel Core i5 6600K vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i5 6600K better than the average processor?

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Unlocked for overclocking
Unlocked multiplier
yes
▲ Better than 78% of models
This processor has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.
Supports memory overclocking
Memory overclocking
yes
▲ Better than 56% of models
This processor supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.
31.1% smaller die size
Die size
122 mm²
▲ Better than 80% of models
Market range: <99 mm² – >257 mm²
This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (122 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
122 mm² vs 177 mm²
10x more popular
Intel Core i5 6600K is more popular than the average processor (10 vs 1).
10 vs 1
19% higher user score
User score
9.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Intel Core i5 6600K
the average processor
Intel Core i5 6600K has a higher user score than the average processor (9.52 vs 8.000).
9.52 vs 8
Modern CPU socket
CPU socket
LGA1151
▲ Better than 61% of models
This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP4).
LGA1151 vs FP4
Advanced security extensions
Security extensions
AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard
▼ Worse than 56% of models
This processor provides more advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor).
AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor

10x more popular
Intel Core i5 6600K is more popular than the average processor (10 vs 1).
10 vs 1
19% higher user score
User score
9.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Intel Core i5 6600K
the average processor
Intel Core i5 6600K has a higher user score than the average processor (9.52 vs 8.000).
9.52 vs 8

Modern CPU socket
CPU socket
LGA1151
▲ Better than 61% of models
This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP4).
LGA1151 vs FP4
Advanced security extensions
Security extensions
AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard
▼ Worse than 56% of models
This processor provides more advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor).
AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor

Unlocked for overclocking
Unlocked multiplier
yes
▲ Better than 78% of models
This processor has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not. 21.7% of processors have an unlocked multiplier.

31.1% smaller die size
Die size
122 mm²
▲ Better than 80% of models
Market range: <99 mm² – >257 mm²
This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (122 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
122 mm² vs 177 mm²

Supports memory overclocking
Memory overclocking
yes
▲ Better than 56% of models
This processor supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not. 43.6% of processors support memory overclocking.

Why is Intel Core i5 6600K worse than the average processor?

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70.4% lower multi-core score
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
1,429
▼ Worse than 75% of models
Market range: <763 – >14k
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,429 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
1,429 vs 4,829
2 fewer CPU cores
N. of physical cores
4
▼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4 vs 6
48.7% weaker multi-core performance
Cinebench R20 multi-core benchmark score
1,433
▼ Worse than 72% of models
Market range: <702 – >10.8k
This processor has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,433 vs 2,791). The average processor scores 2,791 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
1,433 vs 2,791
40.4% lower PassMark score
PassMark benchmark result
6,301
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (6,301 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
6,301 vs 10,572.5
No configurable TDP
Configurable TDP
no
▼ Worse than 53% of models
This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
4 fewer CPU threads
CPU threads
4
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
4 vs 8
2.02x higher base power
Base power (PL1)
91 W
▼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
91 W vs 45 W
9.3% lower boost clock
CPU boost clock speed
3.9 GHz
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor 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

8.5% worse value for money
Intel Core i5 6600K has worse value for money than the average processor (6.05 vs 6.6).
6.05 vs 6.56

5 years older release date
Release date
2015
▼ Worse than 81% of models
Market range: <2k – >2k
This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2015 vs 2020).
August 2015
2015 vs 2020
No crypto acceleration
Cryptographic acceleration
AES
▼ Worse than 65% of models
This processor does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does. 0.00% of processors include crypto acceleration.
AES vs AES, SHA
Narrower instruction support
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2
▼ Worse than 51% of models
This processor supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA

70.4% lower multi-core score
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
1,429
▼ Worse than 75% of models
Market range: <763 – >14k
This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,429 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
1,429 vs 4,829
2 fewer CPU cores
N. of physical cores
4
▼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4 vs 6
48.7% weaker multi-core performance
Cinebench R20 multi-core benchmark score
1,433
▼ Worse than 72% of models
Market range: <702 – >10.8k
This processor has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,433 vs 2,791). The average processor scores 2,791 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
1,433 vs 2,791
40.4% lower PassMark score
PassMark benchmark result
6,301
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (6,301 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
6,301 vs 10,572.5
4 fewer CPU threads
CPU threads
4
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
4 vs 8
9.3% lower boost clock
CPU boost clock speed
3.9 GHz
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor 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
No multithreading support
Multithreading
no
▼ Worse than 74% of models
This processor does not support multithreading, the average processor does. 74.2% of processors support multithreading.
17.6% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
Cinebench R20 single-core benchmark score
403
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <282 – >775
This processor has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (403 vs 489). The average processor scores 489 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
403 vs 489
7.4% weaker single-core performance
PassMark single-core benchmark score
2,314
▼ Worse than 55% of models
Market range: <1.4k – >4k
This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,314 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.
2,314 vs 2,500
1 fewer threads per core
Threads per core
1
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0 – >2.5
This processor has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
1 vs 2

16.7% larger process node
Semiconductor size
14 nm
▼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor 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
50% less L2 per core
L2 per core
0.25 MB/core
▼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <0.25 MB/core – >2 MB/core
This processor 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.
0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
60% smaller L2 cache
L2 cache
1 MB
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor 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.
1 MB vs 2.5 MB
12.5% less L3 per core
L3 per core
1.5 MB/core
▼ Worse than 54% of models
Market range: <1 MB/core – >3 MB/core
This processor has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.7 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
33.3% smaller L1 cache
L1 cache
256 KB
▼ Worse than 59% of models
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
256 KB vs 384 KB
Less advanced microarchitecture
Microarchitecture codename
Skylake
▼ Worse than 62% of models
This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
Skylake vs Kaby Lake
64.6% fewer transistors
N. of transistors
1.75 billion
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Market range: <1.303 billion – >25 billion
This processor has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.8 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
1.75 billion vs 4.95 billion
25% smaller L3 cache
L3 cache
6 MB
▼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
6 MB vs 8 MB

25.5% lower memory bandwidth
Maximum memory bandwidth
34.1 GB/s
▼ Worse than 74% of models
Market range: <25 GB/s – >100 GB/s
This processor 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.
34.1 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
27.3% lower memory speed
Maximum memory speed
2,133 MHz
▼ Worse than 75% of models
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2133 MHz vs 2933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2933 MHz.
2,133 MHz vs 2,933 MHz
Older DDR support
DDR memory version
DDR3L/DDR4
▼ Worse than 78% of models
This processor supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4 vs DDR4).
DDR3L/DDR4 vs DDR4

Narrower media codec support
Integrated media encoders/decoders
H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1
Category Benchmark
This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
Inferior integrated GPU
Integrated GPU model
Intel HD Graphics 530
▼ Worse than 78% of models
This processor uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 530 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
Intel HD Graphics 530 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630

No configurable TDP
Configurable TDP
no
▼ Worse than 53% of models
This processor does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
2.02x higher base power
Base power (PL1)
91 W
▼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
91 W vs 45 W
2.02x higher TDP
TDP (Thermal design power)
91 W
▼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
91 W vs 45 W
51.7% higher boost power
Boost power (PL2)
91 W
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (91 W vs 60 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 60 W.
91 W vs 60 W
20 seconds shorter turbo duration
Tau (power duration limit)
8 seconds
★ Better than 90% of models
Market range: <8 seconds – >28 seconds
This processor has a lower turbo duration limit than the average processor (8 seconds vs 28 seconds). The average processor maintains turbo for 28 seconds.
8 seconds vs 28 seconds

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

expertreviews.co.uk

05/08/2015

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5-6600K (Skylake) review - Expert Reviews

The Intel Core i5-6600K (Skylake) is a 14nm quad-core processor offering strong, mid-range performance for gaming and productivity with improved per-clock efficiency over Haswell predecessors. It features excellent overclocking capabilities, with many units easily reaching 4.5GHz on air, alongside improved integrated Intel HD Graphics 530, making it a compelling, yet expensive, upgrade that requires a new LGA 1151 motherboard and DDR4 memory. While lacking Hyper-Threading, the 6600K excels in single-core tasks and supports modern, fast storage technologies.

digitalfoundry.net

21/10/2015

Summary of the review

Intel Skylake: Core i5 6600K review - Digital Foundry Would you like a similar list for compatible motherboards or DDR4 memory kits from that same era...

The 2015 Digital Foundry review identifies the Intel Core i5-6600K as a premier "default choice" for gaming, boasting improved IPC for superior performance in CPU-bound titles like The Witcher 3 and GTA 5. A significant advantage, or "pro," is the platform shift to the Z170 chipset and DDR4 memory, which delivers substantial performance gains, alongside excellent overclocking potential that allows for stable speeds of 4.5GHz on air. However, the review notes a key "con" in that the performance jump over predecessors like the i5-4690K is modest, making the upgrade less compelling for users already on recent platforms. Furthermore, while the i5-6600K thrives in gaming, the lack of Hyper-Threading means it falls behind the i7-6700K in heavy, multi-threaded productivity tasks, constituting a disadvantage for workstation use. Despite these limitations, the i5-6600K is lauded as a robust, future-proof, and highly capable option for new system builds, delivering an optimal balance of cost, power efficiency, and gaming performance.

pcmag.com

12/10/2015

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5-6600K Review - PCMag

The Intel Core i5-6600K is a quad-core "Skylake" processor that PCMag highlights as a strong choice for price-conscious gamers and performance enthusiasts, offering a 3.5GHz base clock with an unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking. It excels in single-threaded tasks, often matching earlier Core i7 performance, while supporting modern chipset features like additional PCIe lanes for high-speed storage. However, the CPU lacks Hyper-Threading, limiting it to four concurrent threads and causing it to fall behind in heavily multi-threaded workloads compared to higher-end options. Furthermore, the transition to the Skylake platform requires upgrading to an LGA 1151 motherboard and DDR4 memory, and its integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 still underperforms in gaming relative to dedicated GPUs or AMD alternatives. Ultimately, it is positioned as a high-value, efficient choice for gaming and general productivity rather than heavy media creation. Key pros include strong performance, flexible overclocking, and modern platform support, while cons focus on the lack of Hyper-Threading and necessary upgrade costs.

guru3d.com

05/08/2015

Summary of the review

Core i5 6600K processor review: Desktop Skylake - Guru 3d

The Guru3D review characterizes the Intel Core i5-6600K as a 14nm Skylake processor focusing on platform advancements, offering a 3.5 GHz base clock (3.9 GHz boost) and a modest 5-10% IPC improvement over Haswell. While raw CPU performance gains are limited, the Z170 platform provides key updates, including native DDR4 memory support, M.2 storage, and USB 3.1 connectivity. The chip shows excellent overclocking potential, reaching 4.6-4.7 GHz, alongside high energy efficiency with a 25W idle power draw and low operating temperatures. However, the review notes high upgrade costs due to the requirement for a new LGA1151 motherboard, while the 4-core, 4-thread design lacks hyper-threading and the iGPU remains entry-level.

tomshardware.com

05/08/2015

Summary of the review

Skylake: Intel's Core i7-6700K And i5-6600K

Intel's Skylake architecture, featuring the Core i7-6700K and i5-6600K, transitions to a 14nm process node, a new LGA 1151 socket, and DDR4 memory, offering solid IPC gains over Haswell. The processors provide impressive multi-threaded performance and granular BCLK overclocking, though they require a complete platform overhaul. A key disadvantage noted is the underwhelming HD Graphics 530, which underperforms compared to previous integrated solutions. Skylake delivers excellent single-core performance and significantly improved power efficiency at idle, often staying under 4W, though full-load power consumption can exceed the 91W TDP. While the architecture offers improved PCIe lane allocation, the high upgrade cost for CPU, motherboard, and RAM, along with the lack of a bundled cooler, are notable drawbacks. In summary, the i7-6700K and i5-6600K are strong, efficient performers for desktop users willing to adopt a new platform.

m.hexus.net

11/08/2015

Summary of the review

Review: Intel Core i5-6600K (14nm Skylake)

The Intel Core i5-6600K (14nm Skylake) is positioned as a sensible, overclockable choice for enthusiasts, offering 3.5GHz base/3.9GHz boost speeds and a strong performance-to-price ratio, though it lacks Hyper-Threading. While benchmarking shows an iterative 7-10% performance increase over Haswell, the platform's true advantages are support for DDR4 memory and the high-speed PCIe lanes of the Z170 chipset. Key highlights include improved per-clock efficiency and gaming performance, but disadvantages include a surprisingly high 91W TDP and lackluster HD 530 integrated graphics. Upgrading to this LGA 1151 chip may not be justified for existing "K" series users due to the incremental performance gain, requiring a platform-wide investment.

gamestar.de

21/08/2015

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5-6600K - The better Skylake CPU for gamers?", "Core i7-6700K and i5-6600K review: Intel's Skylake is great for gamers, but not for everyo...

The GameStar review identifies the Intel Core i5-6600K as the superior choice for gamers compared to the i7-6700K due to its high, overclockable performance on the Skylake architecture. Key advantages include strong single-core speed, an unlocked multiplier, and support for the modern Z170 platform with DDR4 memory, making it an excellent base for new systems. However, the 6600K offers only minor performance improvements (5-10%) over the older Haswell-based i5-4690K, making it a questionable upgrade for recent Intel users. The absence of Hyper-Threading can cause bottlenecks in heavily multi-threaded tasks, while the required switch to an LGA 1151 motherboard and DDR4 RAM increases the total platform transition cost. Ultimately, the i5-6600K is highly recommended for building a new, high-performance gaming PC, offering great value over the i7 without significant gaming compromises. While the integrated HD 530 graphics are improved, a dedicated GPU is necessary, and users upgrading from recent Haswell systems may not find the 6600K's gains justify the expense.

chip.de

01/09/2015

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5-6600K (Processor) Review

The Intel Core i5-6600K, reviewed on CHIP.de, is a solid 14nm Skylake processor offering high performance for mid-range gaming, with an unlocked multiplier that enables significant overclocking. Its main advantages include an excellent price-performance ratio compared to the i7-6700K and support for modern DDR4 memory on the LGA 1151/Z170 platform. However, the processor lacks Hyper-Threading, which can limit performance in multi-threaded tasks, and it operates with a 91W TDP while requiring a separately purchased cooler.

computerbase.de

05/08/2015

Summary of the review

Intel Skylake Review: Core i5-6600K and i7-6700K are tuned for efficiency

The 2015 ComputerBase review of Intel’s Skylake architecture highlights the Core i7-6700K and i5-6600K, focusing on the new LGA 1151 platform, DDR4 support, and improved IPC performance. While the i7-6700K offers strong 4.0 GHz performance, its clock speeds are lower than its predecessor, with the i5-6600K established as a solid high-end gaming choice without Hyper-Threading. Key pros include the robust Z170 chipset with ample PCIe 3.0 lanes, high energy efficiency at idle, and a more capable integrated Intel HD 530 GPU. Conversely, cons include the high cost of entry due to mandatory motherboard and RAM upgrades, along with high power consumption and thermal output from the i7-6700K under full load.

config-gamer.fr

28/08/2015

Summary of the review

Core i5-6600K Skylake Benchmarks vs. i5-4690K / i7-3770K / i5-2500K / FX-8350

This Config-Gamer review evaluates the Intel Core i5-6600K (Skylake) against older CPUs (i5-4690K, i7-3770K, i5-2500K, FX-8350) using an overclocked Titan X at 1080p to isolate CPU performance. The Skylake i5-6600K provides a tangible performance boost over the i5-4690K at stock speeds, with up to a 17% increase in The Witcher 3 and matching previous-gen i7-4790K performance in some scenarios. However, performance gains are heavily software-dependent, showing negligible improvements in titles like Assassin's Creed Unity, while the forced CPU bottlenecks caused severe stuttering.

overclocking.com

26/08/2015

Summary of the review

Intel Core i5 6600K Review

The Intel Core i5-6600K is presented as a high-performance 14nm Skylake processor, featuring four cores, a 3.5 GHz base clock, and a fully unlocked multiplier for straightforward overclocking. It excels in gaming and single-core tasks, offering a modern, efficient alternative in late 2015 for users seeking strong performance on the LGA 1151 platform. Key pros include excellent speed, DDR4 support, and improved PCIe flexibility, while a notable con is the lack of Hyper-Threading, limiting its capability in heavily threaded applications. Overclocking is a highlight, with many units capable of reaching 4.5 GHz to 4.6 GHz on standard cooling, though often requiring higher voltages (1.35V-1.4V) compared to previous generations, which increases thermal output. The necessity of a new Z170 motherboard is also noted. Detailed benchmarks for the i5-6600K can be viewed at PCMag.

hardware.fr

05/08/2015

Summary of the review

Intel Core i7-6700K, i5-6600K and Z170: Skylake Review", "Intel Core i7-6700K, i5-6600K and Z170: Testing Skylake

This 2015 review from Hardware.fr highlights Intel's architectural dominance during the transition to Skylake, with the Core i7-6700K and i5-6600K offering superior IPC and gaming performance, though hindered by high platform costs for new motherboards and DDR4 memory. Conversely, AMD struggled with its aging 32nm FX-series architecture, which, despite offering high thread counts, suffered from poor thermal efficiency and lower per-core performance, making them largely a budget-conscious alternative. Ultimately, the performance indices reveal a significant gap, with Intel providing unmatched speed for professionals and gamers, while AMD focused on value-oriented, multi-core solutions.

hardware.fr

05/08/2015

Summary of the review

Intel Core i7-6700K, i5-6600K and Z170: Skylake Review

The Hardware.fr review of the Intel Core i7-6700K and i5-6600K details the transition to the 14nm Skylake architecture and Z170 chipset, noting a modest ~10% performance increase over Haswell. Key platform changes include the removal of the FIVR, a mandatory shift to the LGA 1151 socket, and official support for DDR4 memory. Pros highlighted include improved, granular BCLK overclocking for enthusiasts and excellent idle power efficiency. Additionally, the Z170 platform boosts connectivity with 20 PCIe 3.0 lanes, native USB 3.1 support, and SATA Express functionality. Cons focus on the high total cost of ownership, requiring new motherboards and relatively expensive DDR4 RAM at launch. The review also points out that full-load power consumption can exceed the 91W TDP, and performance gains may not justify an upgrade for users already on Sandy Bridge (i7-2600K) or newer processors. Copy

comptoir-hardware.com

05/08/2015

Summary of the review

Review: Intel Z170 and Core i5-6600K / i7-6700K", "Intel Z170 and Core i5-6600K / i7-6700K Test", "Testing the Intel Z170 and Core i5-6600K / i7-6700K

The Comptoir-Hardware review of the Intel Z170 platform and Core i5-6600K highlights a significant, modernizing shift with the Skylake architecture. Key advantages include the native PCIe 3.0 lines on the Z170 chipset, supporting fast NVMe storage and USB 3.1, along with the adoption of DDR4 memory, though a notable downside is the requirement for a new LGA 1151 motherboard socket. The Core i5-6600K itself is praised for solid IPC improvements and overclocking potential, offering strong performance for its 95W TDP, but it is limited by its 4-core, 4-thread configuration in a world with more demanding multi-threaded workloads. While the platform itself provides revolutionary features, the actual generational CPU performance leap over the older Haswell i5-4690K was only around 11%, leaving some to question the high cost of adopting the new chipset and DDR4 memory. Le Copy

nl.hardware.info

05/08/2015

Summary of the review

Intel Core i7 6700K / Core i5 6600K Skylake Review - Test Methodology

The Hardware.info review of Intel's 14nm Skylake architecture highlights the Core i7-6700K and i5-6600K, introducing the LGA 1151 socket, DDR4 support, and the Z170 chipset with 20 PCIe 3.0 lanes for improved connectivity. While offering a 10-25% performance boost in multi-threaded tasks over Haswell, the CPUs are deemed an evolutionary step, with the i5-6600K noted for high value in gaming. Despite performance gains, the review cites high total cost of ownership due to required motherboard/RAM upgrades and high temperatures during overclocking as primary drawbacks.

Third-party reviews

Based on 2,145 buyer reviews from online shops.

Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this

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What we like about Intel Core i5 6600K

Excellent overclocking potential with a free multiplier
Strong single-core performance ideal for gaming
Support for modern features like DDR4 RAM and NVMe storage via the Z170 chipset
Highly efficient power consumption compared to previous generations
Runs relatively cool, often reaching high clocks with standard air cooling
Significant improvement in integrated graphics performance over the Haswell series

What we don't like about Intel Core i5 6600K

Lacks Hyper-Threading, limiting it to only 4 threads
Frequent 'stuttering' in modern CPU-heavy AAA games due to thread limitations
Requires a new motherboard (Socket LGA 1151) for those upgrading from older platforms
Does not include a stock CPU cooler in the box
Performance gains over previous-gen i5-4690K were considered modest at launch
Struggles with heavy multitasking and video rendering tasks compared to i7 models

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-6600K is a 6th Generation 'Skylake' quad-core desktop processor featuring 4 cores, 4 threads, a 3.5 GHz base frequency, and a 3.9 GHz max turbo frequency. Built on a 14nm process with a 91W TDP, it includes 6MB of Intel Smart Cache, supports DDR4-2133 and DDR3L-1600 memory, and uses the LGA 1151 socket. Main pros include its unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking, strong single-core performance for its era, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 with 4K support. Notable cons are the lack of Hyper-Threading, a higher TDP compared to non-K variants, and it is increasingly limited in modern multi-threaded applications and games due to its 4-thread count.

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