The i5-7600K targets high end gamers, it sits just behind the flagship i7-7700K in Intel’s Kaby Lake lineup. The 7600K will likely be the most popular gaming CPU of 2017 (some competition from AMD’s upcoming Zen/Ryzen CPUs, would be very welcome). Comparing the 7600K and 6600K shows that the two processors are very closely matched and comparing the 7600K vs the hyper-threaded 7700K highlights the relative strength of the 7700K for workstation performance. There are no significant architectural differences between Kaby Lake and Skylake so, when fully overclocked, the two generations should perform similarly but Kaby Lake offers faster base clocks, improved speed shift technology which helps CPU responsiveness, and better integrated graphics. [Jan '17CPUPro]
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.