The Intel Core i5-6600K is based on the new "Skylake" 14nm manufacturing process. Sporting 4 physical cores with base/turbo clocks of 3.5/3.9 GHz the 6600K and its predecessor, the 4690K share the same basic configuration and disappointingly, offer similar performance. Comparing the 6600K and 6700K shows that the 6700K has faster multi and single core performance. The improved multi core performance is due to Hyperthreading which is the key differentiator for the i7-6700K. The gap in single core performance can largely be eliminated by overclocking the i5-6600K so although the stock effective speed is significantly higher on the 6700K, this gap diminishes significantly when both processors are overclocked. At a 30% discount, the 6600K is the better value gaming CPU. [Aug '15CPUPro]
This was the ultimate niche CPU. At the time of its release, it had an optimal combination of multi-core performance without sacrificing as much single- and quad- as the higher-core CPUs, at an excellent price-point. It utilizes quad-channel RAM. If you were a content creator without external funding, had one machine in the budget, then this chip might even now in mid-2019 be what you're looking for.
The higher-end Threadrippers will throw more cores at you... for up to five times the price. If you've a home studio, running a DAW on the same PC you use for everything; or you do your own video editing; or you're an independent streamer; then those extra 12 or 18 cores aren't really going to help you that much anyway, for all that extra cash - AND those CPUs have lower performance in more common applications (single- low-thread apps). Not worth it. Intel isn't even on the table, of course.
If you're reading this in the future: these benchmarks have multiple categories for a reason. Read and think. Find the best combination for what you intend to do with it - not some arbitrary "the best" overall. There is no such thing, because you won't be using your computer for Overall, now will you? [Aug '19spacefiddle]
We calculate effective speed which measures real world performance for typical users. Effective speed is adjusted by current prices to yield a value for money rating. Our calculated values are checked against thousands of individual user ratings. The customizable table below combines these factors to bring you the definitive list of top CPUs. [CPUPro]
Welcome to our PC speed test tool. UserBenchmark will test your PC and compare the results to other users with the same components. You can quickly size up your PC, identify hardware problems and explore the best value for money upgrades.