Core i5-6600 vs Xeon E3-1225 v2

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 Xeon E3-1225 v2 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 Xeon E3-1225 v2: 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

✅Better for gaming: +3.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 65W instead of 77W, a 12W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $224 MSRP, while Xeon E3-1225 v2 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Xeon E3-1225 v2

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-6600 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,015 vs 6,058).
❌18.5% higher power demand at 77W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6600 better than Xeon E3-1225 v2?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1225 v2 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-6600 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-6600 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.6% 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 i5-6600 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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 at an unclear MSRP at $224 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (27.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i5-6600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-6600 vs Xeon E3-1225 v2 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.

Xeon E3-1225 v2

The Xeon E3-1225 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. Passmark benchmark score: 6,015 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-6600 is built on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-6600 scores 6,058 against the Xeon E3-1225 v2's 6,015 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-6600.

Feature	Core i5-6600	Xeon E3-1225 v2
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	—
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	—
Base Clock	3.3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	14 nm	—
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	—
PassMark	6,058	6,015