Core i5-6600 vs Microsoft SQ1

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 i5-6600 vs Microsoft SQ1 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 i5-6600 vs Microsoft SQ1: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-6600

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.
✅+200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Costs $76 less on MSRP ($224 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
✅Delivers 34.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.0 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($224 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Microsoft SQ1 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Microsoft SQ1

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +13.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,039 vs 6,058).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 6 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.1 vs 27.0 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $224 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6600 better than Microsoft SQ1?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Microsoft SQ1 is ahead with a 13.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6600 pulls ahead with 0.3% better PassMark. Core i5-6600 also has the bigger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 200% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i5-6600 is the better buy right now. Core i5-6600 comes in $76 cheaper on MSRP at $224 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% better PassMark. The compromise is that Microsoft SQ1 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 13.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 34.3% better value on MSRP (27.0 vs 20.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Microsoft SQ1 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6600 vs Microsoft SQ1 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-6600

The Core i5-6600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,058 points. Launch price was $224.

Microsoft SQ1

The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-6600 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Microsoft SQ1 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-6600 versus 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 — a 26.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-6600. The Core i5-6600 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Microsoft SQ1 uses Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6600 scores 6,058 against the Microsoft SQ1's 6,039 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-6600. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6600 vs 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1.

Feature	Core i5-6600	Microsoft SQ1
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+30%	3 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)+200%	2 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	14 nm	7 nm-50%
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019)
PassMark	6,058	6,039

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6600 was priced at $224, while the Microsoft SQ1 came in at $300. On launch pricing ($224 vs $300), Core i5-6600 was $76 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6600 delivers 27.0 pts/$ vs 20.1 pts/$ for the Microsoft SQ1 — making the Core i5-6600 the 29.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-6600	Microsoft SQ1
MSRP	$224-25%	$300
Performance per Dollar	27.0+34%	20.1
Release Date	2015	2019

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