Core i5-5675R vs Core i7-2600K

CPU

GPU

Core i5-5675R

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2015

Buy on Amazon

Core i7-2600K

4 Cores8 Thrd95 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2011

Buy on Amazon

Core i5-5675R vs Core i7-2600K Performance Spectrum

Core i5-5675R

4 / 4

5,564

+1.5%

5,484

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.

Core i5-5675R vs Core i7-2600K 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 i5-5675R vs Core i7-2600K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-5675R

2015

Why buy it

✅+1.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 65W instead of 95W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2600K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌
6.9% HIGHER MSRP
$339 MSRPvs$317 MSRP
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2600K.

Core i7-2600K

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Costs $22 less on MSRP ($317 MSRP vs $339 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-5675R.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,484 vs 5,564).
❌46.2% higher power demand at 95W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-5675R better than Core i7-2600K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2600K is ahead with a 9.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-5675R pulls ahead with 1.5% better PassMark. Core i7-2600K also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-5675R is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-5675R is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i5-5675R comes in 6.9% more expensive on MSRP at $339 MSRP versus $317 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.5% better PassMark. Core i7-2600K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 5.4% better value on paper (17.3 vs 16.4 PassMark/$), 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 i5-5675R 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 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-5675R vs Core i7-2600K Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-5675R

The Core i5-5675R is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 15 May 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333, DDR3L-1600, DDR3L-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 5,564 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-2600K

The Core i7-2600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,484 points. Launch price was $317.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-5675R packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2600K's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i5-5675R versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600K — a 5.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600K (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i5-5675R uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2600K uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-5675R scores 5,564 against the Core i7-2600K's 5,484 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i5-5675R. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,157 vs 707, a 48.3% lead for the Core i5-5675R that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-5675R vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2600K.

Feature	Core i5-5675R	Core i7-2600K
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	3.8 GHz+6%
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	3.4 GHz+10%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Broadwell (2015−2019)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	5,564+1%	5,484
Geekbench 6 Single	1,157+64%	707

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-5675R uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2600K uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1866 on the Core i5-5675R versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2600K — the Core i5-5675R supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z97,H97 (Core i5-5675R) and P67,Z68,Z77,H67,H61,B75 (Core i7-2600K).

Feature	Core i5-5675R	Core i7-2600K
Socket	BGA1364	LGA1155
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1866+40%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-2600K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-5675R) vs VT-x (Core i7-2600K). Both include integrated graphics — Iris Pro Graphics 6200 (Core i5-5675R) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2600K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-5675R targets All-in-One Desktop, Core i7-2600K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-5675R rivals A10-7890K; Core i7-2600K rivals FX-8150.

Feature	Core i5-5675R	Core i7-2600K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Iris Pro Graphics 6200	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x
Target Use	All-in-One Desktop	Gaming Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-5675R was priced at $339, while the Core i7-2600K came in at $317. On launch pricing ($339 vs $317), Core i7-2600K was $22 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-5675R delivers 16.4 pts/$ vs 17.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-2600K — making the Core i7-2600K the 5.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-5675R	Core i7-2600K
MSRP	$339	$317-6%
Performance per Dollar	16.4	17.3+5%
Release Date	2015	2011

Search Core i5-5675R on Amazon

Search Core i7-2600K on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.