A8-6600K vs Core i5-6200U

A8-6600K vs Core i5-6200U Performance Spectrum

A8-6600K

4 / 4

3,002

+0.4%

Ryzen Threadripper 1920

Ryzen AI Max 390

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i5-6200U

2 / 4

2,990

0.0%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A8-6600K vs Core i5-6200U FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A8-6600K vs Core i5-6200U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A8-6600K

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i5-6200U.

Trade-offs

❌566.7% higher power demand at 100W vs 15W.

Core i5-6200U

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 100W, a 85W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than A8-6600K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,990 vs 3,002).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-6600K.

Quick Answers

So, is A8-6600K better than Core i5-6200U?

Yes. A8-6600K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, A8-6600K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A8-6600K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

A8-6600K still makes the most sense overall. A8-6600K comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-6200U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-6600K vs Core i5-6200U Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A8-6600K

The A8-6600K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 1 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Richland (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 3,002 points. Launch price was $142.

Core i5-6200U

The Core i5-6200U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,990 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

The A8-6600K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-6200U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-6600K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the A8-6600K versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i5-6200U — a 40% clock advantage for the A8-6600K (base: 3.9 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The A8-6600K uses the Richland (2013−2014) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-6200U uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the A8-6600K scores 3,002 against the Core i5-6200U's 2,990 — a 0.4% lead for the A8-6600K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-6600K vs 3 MB on the Core i5-6200U.

Feature	A8-6600K	Core i5-6200U
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+50%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+70%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	3 MB
L2 Cache	4096 kB+700%	512 kB
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Richland (2013−2014)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	3,002	2,990
Geekbench 6 Single	—	946

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Memory & Platform

The A8-6600K uses the FM2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-6200U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1866 on the A8-6600K versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6200U — the Core i5-6200U supports 14.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-6600K supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (A8-6600K) vs 12 (Core i5-6200U) — the A8-6600K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: FM2 (A8-6600K) and Integrated (Core i5-6200U).

Feature	A8-6600K	Core i5-6200U
Socket	FM2	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1866	DDR4-2133+14%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Only the A8-6600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (A8-6600K) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6200U). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 8570D (A8-6600K) and HD Graphics 520 (Core i5-6200U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6200U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: A8-6600K rivals Core i3-4130; Core i5-6200U rivals A12-9700P.