Core i5-2405S vs Core i7-6600U

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.

Core i5-2405S vs Core i7-6600U 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.

Core i5-2405S vs Core i7-6600U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2405S

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i7-6600U needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-6600U.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,397 vs 3,407).
❌Launch MSRP is still $309 MSRP, while Core i7-6600U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌333.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 15W.

Core i7-6600U

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 65W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2405S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2405S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6600U better than Core i5-2405S?

Yes. Core i7-6600U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-6600U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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, Core i7-6600U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-6600U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-6600U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $309 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2405S only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (11.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i7-6600U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-2405S vs Core i7-6600U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2405S

The Core i5-2405S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 22 May 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,397 points. Launch price was $472.

Core i7-6600U

The Core i7-6600U 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 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 3,407 points. Launch price was $393.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-2405S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-6600U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-2405S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2405S versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-6600U — a 3% clock advantage for the Core i7-6600U (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-2405S uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-6600U uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2405S scores 3,397 against the Core i7-6600U's 3,407 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-6600U. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-2405S vs 4 MB on the Core i7-6600U.

Feature	Core i5-2405S	Core i7-6600U
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.4 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.6 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)+50%	4 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	3,397	3,407
Geekbench 6 Single	557	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,480	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2405S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-6600U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2405S	Core i7-6600U
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x / EPT (Core i5-2405S) / not specified (Core i7-6600U). The Core i5-2405S includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i7-6600U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2405S targets Budget.