Core i5-6600K vs Core i7-6700TE

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 i7-6700TE 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 i7-6700TE: 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

✅+1.6% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $61 less on MSRP ($242 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
✅Delivers 27.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.0 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($242 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-6700TE across 27 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌160% higher power demand at 91W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-6700TE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-6700TE

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.5% higher average FPS across 27 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 91W, a 56W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Core i5-6600K needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,203 vs 6,301).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.5 vs 26.0 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $242 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6600K better than Core i7-6700TE?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-6700TE is ahead with a 9.5% average FPS lead across 27 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6600K pulls ahead with 1.6% better PassMark. Core i7-6700TE also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-6600K is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-6600K is the better buy right now. Core i5-6600K comes in $61 cheaper on MSRP at $242 MSRP versus $303 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.6% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-6700TE is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 9.5% average FPS lead across 27 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 27.2% better value on MSRP (26.0 vs 20.5 PassMark/$), 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 i7-6700TE is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-6600K vs Core i7-6700TE 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 i7-6700TE

The Core i7-6700TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,203 points. Launch price was $303.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-6600K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-6700TE's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-6600K versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-6700TE — a 13.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-6600K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). Both are built on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-6600K scores 6,301 against the Core i7-6700TE's 6,203 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i5-6600K. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6600K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-6700TE.

Feature	Core i5-6600K	Core i7-6700TE
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+15%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+46%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	6,301+2%	6,203
Geekbench 6 Single	—	914
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,244

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the LGA1151 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i5-6600K	Core i7-6700TE
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	—	64 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-6600K) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-6700TE). The Core i7-6700TE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i5-6600K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6700TE targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-6700TE rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core i5-6600K	Core i7-6700TE
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 530
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Gaming

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6600K was priced at $242, while the Core i7-6700TE came in at $303. On launch pricing ($242 vs $303), Core i5-6600K was $61 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6600K delivers 26.0 pts/$ vs 20.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-6700TE — making the Core i5-6600K the 23.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-6600K	Core i7-6700TE
MSRP	$242-20%	$303
Performance per Dollar	26.0+27%	20.5
Release Date	2015	2015

Search Core i5-6600K on Amazon

Search Core i7-6700TE 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.