Core i5-6600K vs Core i7-4870HQ

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 i5-6600K vs Core i7-4870HQ 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 i5-6600K vs Core i7-4870HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-6600K

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4870HQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,301 vs 6,320).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $242 MSRP, while Core i7-4870HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌93.6% higher power demand at 91W vs 47W.

Core i7-4870HQ

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 47W instead of 91W, a 44W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4870HQ better than Core i5-6600K?

Yes. Core i7-4870HQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4870HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.2% 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 i7-4870HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-4870HQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4870HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $242 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-6600K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (26.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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

Core i5-6600K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6600K vs Core i7-4870HQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-6600K

The Core i5-6600K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 August 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 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): 91 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,301 points. Launch price was $242.

Core i7-4870HQ

The Core i7-4870HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,320 points. Launch price was $434.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-6600K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4870HQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-6600K versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-4870HQ — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-6600K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-6600K uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4870HQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6600K scores 6,301 against the Core i7-4870HQ's 6,320 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-4870HQ. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6600K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4870HQ.

Feature	Core i5-6600K	Core i7-4870HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+5%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+40%	2.5 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	6,301	6,320

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6600K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4870HQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.