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Intel BX80662I56600K

Core i5-6600K

▲ 7328,833 ▼

4 Cores, 4 Threads @3.5GHz, Skylake.
Release date: Q3 2015.

Average Bench: 72.4% (315th of 1404)

more Based on 342,244 user benchmarks.  Devices: BFEBFBFF000506E3, , 0F8BFBFF000506E3, BFEBFBFF000906E9, 0000000000000000, BFEBFBFF000306D4, 1F8BFBFF000506E3, 0FABFBFF000506E3, 1FABFBFF000506E3 Models: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-6600K CPU @ 3.50GHz, Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-6600K CPU @ 4.40GHz, Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-6600K CPU @ 2.40GHz

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 '15 CPUPro]

Poor: 57%Average: 72.4% Great: 85%
Gaming
Gaming 72%
Battleship
Desktop
Desktop 80%
Battleship
Workstation
Workstation 55%
Yacht

Popular builds with this CPU

Good average bench

The Intel Core i5-6600K averaged 27.6% lower than the peak scores attained by the group leaders. This isn't a great result which indicates that there are much faster alternatives on the comparison list.

Strengths

Avg. Memory Latency 83.3Pts
Avg. Single Core Speed 110Pts

Good consistency

The range of scores (95th - 5th percentile) for the Intel Core i5-6600K is 28%. This is a relatively narrow range which indicates that the Intel Core i5-6600K performs reasonably consistently under varying real world conditions.

Weaknesses

Avg. Multi Core Speed 378Pts
Avg. Octa Core Speed 373Pts
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Average Bench

(Based on 342,244 samples)
Rank 31572.4%
Min Avg Max
68.4 Memory 83.3 95.2
73.2 1-Core 110 136
154 2-Core 218 269
77.5% 137 Pts
Min Avg Max
238 4-Core 352 455
253 8-Core 373 476
48.1% 363 Pts
Min Avg Max
269 64-Core 378 484
23.4% 378 Pts
User Benchmarks Bench Normal Heavy Server
The fastest CPU (mainstream) averages a speed of 100%
LGA1151, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 4 threads
Base clock 3.5 GHz, turbo 3.9 GHz (avg)
72.1% Very good
Memory 79.7
1-Core 123
2-Core 249
83% 151 Pts
4-Core 367
8-Core 405
51% 386 Pts
64-Core 390
24% 390 Pts
LGA1151, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 4 threads
Base clock 3.5 GHz, turbo 3.9 GHz (avg)
70.3% Very good
Memory 81.3
1-Core 105
2-Core 223
76% 136 Pts
4-Core 343
8-Core 348
46% 346 Pts
64-Core 381
24% 381 Pts
U3E1, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 4 threads
Base clock 3.5 GHz, turbo 3.55 GHz (avg)
67.9% Good
Memory 88.2
1-Core 97.8
2-Core 176
72% 121 Pts
4-Core 267
8-Core 330
38% 298 Pts
64-Core 343
21% 343 Pts
U3E1, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 4 threads
Base clock 3.5 GHz, turbo 3.55 GHz (avg)
66.5% Good
Memory 79.1
1-Core 99.3
2-Core 198
71% 125 Pts
4-Core 304
8-Core 354
43% 329 Pts
64-Core 341
21% 341 Pts
LGA1151, 1 CPU, 4 cores, 4 threads
Base clock 3.5 GHz, turbo 3.9 GHz (avg)
55.2% Above average
Memory 78.5
1-Core 81.7
2-Core 140
61% 100 Pts
4-Core 175
8-Core 282
28% 228 Pts
64-Core 251
16% 251 Pts
342,244 MORE »

 Market Share (See Leaders)

The number of benchmark samples for this model as a percentage of all 60,328,959 CPUs tested.

 Prices

If you buy via one of these links, our site may earn a commission.

MSRP ≈ $243 @ launch in Aug '15
EbayUS $14310 mins €123USDEUR = 0.86
AmazonUS $19520 days €168USDEUR = 0.86
BHPhotoUS $2505 years €215USDEUR = 0.86
Send price feedback
Custom PC Builder (Start a new build) Build your perfect PC: compare component prices, popularity, speed and value for money.

CHOOSE A COMPONENT:

CPU GPU SSD HDD RAM MBD
Typical Core i5-6600K Builds (Compare 9,945 builds) See popular component choices, score breakdowns and rankings.
Gaming
Gaming 62%
Destroyer
Desktop
Desktop 83%
Aircraft carrier
Workstation
Workstation 49%
Yacht

Motherboard: Asus Z170 PRO GAMING - €254

CPU
Core i5-6600KIntel  €123Bench 72%, 342,244 samples2,629x
GPU
GTX 1070Nvidia  €172Bench 80%, 1,459,281 samples1,565x
GTX 1060-6GBNvidia  €112Bench 56%, 1,368,019 samples1,012x
GTX 1080Nvidia  €277Bench 102%, 1,082,454 samples888x
SSD
850 Evo 250GBSamsung  €60Bench 103%, 951,591 samples655x
850 Evo 500GBSamsung  €94Bench 112%, 695,664 samples593x
860 Evo 1TBSamsung  €119Bench 112%, 602,853 samples238x
RAM
Vengeance LPX DDR4 3000 C15 2x8GBCorsair  €37Bench 82%, 606,405 samples615x
Fury DDR4 2666 C15 2x8GBHyperX  €145Bench 83%, 37,519 samples412x
Fury DDR4 2133 C14 2x8GBHyperX  €107Bench 73%, 59,072 samples406x
EDIT WITH CUSTOM PC BUILDER Value: 86% - Excellent Total price: €645

Popular Core i5-6600K compatible motherboards:

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  • - RAM tests include: single/multi core bandwidth and latency.
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Processor Rankings (Price vs Performance) March 2023 CPU Rankings.

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]

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Group Test Results

  • Best user rated - User sentiment trumps benchmarks for this comparison.
  • Best value for money - Value for money is based on real world performance.
  • Fastest real world speed - Real World Speed measures performance for typical consumers.

 Specifications

Essentials

DescriptionIntel® Core™ i5-6600K Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.90 GHz)
Code NameSkylake
Launch DateQ3'15
Processor Numberi5-6600K
# of Cores4
# of Threads4
Cache6 MB SmartCache
Instruction Set64-bit
Instruction Set ExtensionsSSE4.1/4.2, AVX 2.0
Embedded Options AvailableNo
Lithography14 nm
Recommended Price$242.00 - $243.00
Clock Speed3.5 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency3.9 GHz
Bus Speed8 GT/s DMI3
Scalability1S Only
Max TDP91 W
Thermal Solution SpecificationPCG 2015D (130W)
Product BriefLink

Graphics

Processor GraphicsIntel® HD Graphics 530
Graphics Base Frequency350 MHz
Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI/DVI
Wireless DisplayYes
# of Displays Supported3
Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.15 GHz
Quick Sync VideoYes
InTru 3D TechYes
Clear Video HD TechYes
Intel InsiderYes
Clear Video Tech for MIDYes
Graphics Video Max Memory64 GB

Memory

Max Memory Size64 GB
Memory TypesDDR4-1866/2133, DDR3L-1333/1600 @ 1.35V
Memory Channels2
Memory Bandwidth34.1 GB/s
ECC Memory SupportedNo

Expansion Options

PCI Express Revision3.0
PCI Express ConfigurationsUp to 1x16, 2x8, 1x8+2x4
Max # of PCI Express Lanes16

Data Protection

AES New InstructionsYes
Secure KeyYes

Advanced Technologies

Virtualization Tech (VT-x)Yes
Intel 64Yes
Idle StatesYes
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® TechYes
Thermal Monitoring TechnologiesYes
Turbo Boost Tech2.0
Hyper-Threading TechNo
Virtualization for Directed I/O (VT-d)Yes
VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT)Yes
TSX-NIYes
vPro TechNo
Identity Protection TechYes
Stable Image Platform Program (SIPP)No
Small Business AdvantageYes

Package

Package Size37.5mm x 37.5mm
Graphics and IMC Lithography14 nm
Max CPU Configuration1
Sockets SupportedFCLGA1151

Platform Protection

Execute Disable BitYes
OS GuardYes
Trusted Execution TechNo

 Comments

CPUPro
Avatar level
2,053

Official site ark.intel.com/...

Skylake 6th generation Core i5 processor...

Added 7 years ago.
FIN-User
Avatar level
2,374

Excellent (edit your comment) Add link

12 months ago.

USA-User
Avatar level
9,312

Excellent

5 days ago.

https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/60160184 I bought mine the first month it came out in 2015, and it held it up great until now. It's still kicking but I can't take the limitation of 4 cores, 4 threads anymore. I'm upgrading to a cheap 6700k I found until I decide on my new motherboard and CPU. I've been running it on OC since late 2016 from anywhere between 4.20 GHz and 4.8 GHz depending on my needs and weather. Skylake was a great generation, and it's kinda sad to see my i5 go.

Comment 

Great overclocker very stable—Nov '15

GBR-User
Avatar level
5,470

Terrible

4 months ago.

This a great cpu for oc-ing, served me well over the last few years and great for gaming ! Over all 4.5/5.0

CAN-User
Avatar level
4,714

Good

13 months ago.

Have it since 2017... Overclocked at 4.8 with a Gammaxx 400 and it doesn't go above 76 degrees celsius... Great Cpu !

Comment 

It's a beast. Didn't even have the chance to overclock it yet! It's gonna be insane!—Oct '15

ROU-User
Avatar level
4,407

Poor

4 months ago.

i have one and he is very good

ESP-User
Avatar level
3,565

Excellent

20 months ago.

http://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/4719152 Hi guys, I have a pretty bad performance with this processor even when i've been using it for months without problems, i dont know why it is so bad right now. Do you have some clue why is this happening?

CZE-User
Avatar level
3,170

Excellent

15 months ago.

I have this CPU in my PC with Radeon RX 580... ...I have this CPU in OC.: 4,5 GHz and I dont have problem with new games, i love this procesor, low temperature and high fps...

PAK-User
Avatar level
3,010

Excellent

6 months ago.

It very good gaiming processor

GRC-User
Avatar level
2,991

Terrible

7 months ago.

I was expecting something more good with 91 wattages... I prefer the 6500

BGR-User
Avatar level
2,740

Excellent

11 months ago.

Horrible at base clocks, extremely underwhelming and you could do with much better for the money. Probably great if you can OC though.

SRB-User
Avatar level
2,620

Poor

22 months ago.

Man i've got it since summer of 2016 and it treats me right

CPUPro
Avatar level
2,053

Outstanding

7 years ago.

yaabalfazl
Avatar level
92

Terrible

5 years ago.

it low for 4k

moonhi123
Avatar level
42

Terrible

4 years ago.

좆망

Allik
Avatar level
24

Outstanding

6 years ago.

I have just upgraded from a gaming laptop (MSI GS70 2PE) to a Desktop PC. Such a good decision. I choosed the i5-6600K for it's price-performance factor (no one is surprised here). I paid less then €200 (bought with company, no TVA). It is overclocked at 4,5Ghz and cooled by a Corsair H80i V2. The average temp is 28°C and the highest temp I have seen was 58°C. All Adobe software open in 2 seconds. After effects never lags. I love it.

PCmaster
Avatar level
10

Excellent

5 years ago.

very good for OC

3dmark
Avatar level
10

Good

4 years ago.

Great IPC and at the time was the best gaming CPU available. Dinged a star as hyperthreading should have been a feature. Just a standard boring 4c now.

fodvapor
Avatar level
8

Outstanding

7 years ago.

The most underrated chip you can overclock!

Crezey21
Avatar level
8

Poor

4 years ago.

i mean, it overclocks, but there are a couple cpu's that are better for a lower price

VaderSS
Avatar level
6

Good

7 years ago.

I was able to overclock to 4600 without knowing much about overclocking, using simple settings in my ASRock Z170M Extreme4. Runs very cool stock, using a Noctua NH-C14S, and only about 30 degC over ambient when overclocked and working hard. Wound up being perfect for my quiet HTPC/Gaming machine. I'm leaving it stock speed for normal use, with the ability to OC if I find I need it in the future, and to tinker and play with to see how fast I can get her.

SoManyBees
Avatar level
6

Excellent

5 years ago.

A rock solid performer. Running a cheap AIO loop I feel pretty confident I can hit a voltage ceiling near thermal max and remain stable. Maybe I just won the silicon lottery but this 6600k is a barn burner.

xcale
Avatar level
6

Excellent

4 years ago.

I had a saved bench at 117% but cannot see it in the list. Curious why?

901Memphis
Avatar level
4

Outstanding

7 years ago.

Awesome performance when stock or overclocked. I am able to benchmark at 4.9 ghz, stable at 4.7 ghz w /1.375v llc level 5 on prolimatech megahalems rev c.

pucgenie
Avatar level
4

Good

6 months ago.

It worked for me.

Darsan095
Avatar level
4

Good

6 years ago.

works fine

KarlS
Avatar level
4

Excellent

6 years ago.

Nice low power taking, overclocks very well even on air cooler with single fan without having high temps(60-70c while heavy gaming). Got mine to 4.5GHz at 1.35v(will tinker bit more to get voltage lower). 10/10 chip for just gaming. Love it

Seyed
Avatar level
2

Outstanding

7 years ago.

When great expectations satisfied with outstanding results!

MrChogie
Avatar level
2

Outstanding

5 years ago.

This cpu is amazing, really easy to overclock too. Got mine up to 4.5ghz using an auto voltage on a sup bar motherboard and it's 109th percentile. You can pick it up for 190 on sites like Jet when you use a first purchase promo. can't recommend enough.

MistressI
Avatar level
2

Outstanding

6 years ago.

Overclocks like a beast, but doesn't have hyperthreading.

Commander_
Avatar level
2

Outstanding

6 years ago.

amazing quad core CPU. Does everything i need It to do, super smooth, got mine to 4.4GHz no problem, and this is my first overclock. Bet I could get it up to 4.6 or 4.7 if I wanted to.

venix
Avatar level
2

Excellent

5 years ago.

decent

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 Frequently Asked Questions

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 Best User Rated
The Best.
CPUGPUSSD
Intel Core i5-13600K $315Nvidia RTX 3060 $350Crucial MX500 250GB $34
Intel Core i5-12600K $194Nvidia RTX 3060-Ti $420Samsung 850 Evo 120GB $106
Intel Core i5-12400F $150Nvidia RTX 4070-Ti $830Samsung 860 Evo 250GB $50
HDDRAMUSB
Seagate Barracuda 1TB (2016) $34Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3200 C16 2x8GB $43SanDisk Extreme 64GB $72
WD Blue 1TB (2012) $30Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3000 C15 2x8GB $43SanDisk Extreme 32GB $28
Seagate Barracuda 2TB (2016) $80G.SKILL Trident Z DDR4 3200 C14 4x16GB $381SanDisk Ultra Fit 32GB $16
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