Core i5-6260U vs Core i7-875K
Core i5-6260U
Core i7-875K
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-6260U is positioned at rank 406 and the Core i7-875K is on rank 1012, so the Core i5-6260U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6260U
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-875K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6260U | Core i7-875K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($175) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6260U | Core i7-875K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($175) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-6260U and Core i7-875K
Core i5-6260U
The Core i5-6260U 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 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 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: 3,200 points. Launch price was $304.
Core i7-875K
The Core i7-875K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,177 points. Launch price was $486.
Processing Power
The Core i5-6260U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-875K offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-875K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-6260U versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-875K — a 21.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-875K (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.93 GHz). The Core i5-6260U uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-875K uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6260U scores 3,200 against the Core i7-875K's 3,177 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-6260U. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i5-6260U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-875K.
| Feature | Core i5-6260U | Core i7-875K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.6 GHz+24% |
| Base Clock | 1.8 GHz | 2.93 GHz+63% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | 8 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 512 kB+100% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-69% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 3,200 | 3,177 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 979 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-6260U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-875K uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6260U versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-875K — the Core i5-6260U supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-6260U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-6260U) vs 16 (Core i7-875K) — the Core i7-875K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i5-6260U | Core i7-875K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1356 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133+33% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-875K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6260U) vs VT-x (Core i7-875K). The Core i5-6260U includes integrated graphics (Iris Graphics 540), while the Core i7-875K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6260U targets Mainstream Laptop, Core i7-875K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-6260U rivals A12-9720P.
| Feature | Core i5-6260U | Core i7-875K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Iris Graphics 540 | — |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | Desktop |
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