Core i5-6600K vs Xeon E3-1275L v3
Core i5-6600K
Xeon E3-1275L v3
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 i5-6600K is positioned at rank 662 and the Xeon E3-1275L v3 is on rank 650, so the Xeon E3-1275L v3 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6600K
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E3-1275L v3
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6600K | Xeon E3-1275L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($105) | ✅ More affordable ($29) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Legacy / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6600K | Xeon E3-1275L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+264%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($105) | ✅ More affordable ($29) |
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 i5-6600K and Xeon E3-1275L v3
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.
Xeon E3-1275L v3
The Xeon E3-1275L v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 6,327 points. Launch price was $800.
Processing Power
The Core i5-6600K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1275L v3's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-6600K versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon E3-1275L v3 — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i5-6600K is built on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-6600K scores 6,301 against the Xeon E3-1275L v3's 6,327 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E3-1275L v3. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6600K vs 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Xeon E3-1275L v3.
| Feature | Core i5-6600K | Xeon E3-1275L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 3.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz+30% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB Intel® Smart Cache+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | — |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | — |
| PassMark | 6,301 | 6,327 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 900 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 3,000 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-6600K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1275L v3 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-6600K | Xeon E3-1275L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1150 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | — | DDR3-1600 |
| Max RAM Capacity | — | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | — | 2 |
| ECC Support | — | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-6600K) / VT-x, VT-d (Xeon E3-1275L v3). The Xeon E3-1275L v3 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics P4600), while the Core i5-6600K requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Xeon E3-1275L v3 targets Low Power Server. Direct competitor: Xeon E3-1275L v3 rivals Xeon E3-1270 v3.
| Feature | Core i5-6600K | Xeon E3-1275L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | — | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics P4600 |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Low Power Server |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6600K launched at $242 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1275L v3 debuted at $350. At current prices ($105 vs $29), the Xeon E3-1275L v3 is $76 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6600K delivers 60.0 pts/$ vs 218.2 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1275L v3 — making the Xeon E3-1275L v3 the 113.7% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6600K | Xeon E3-1275L v3 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $242-31% | $350 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $105 | $29-72% |
| Performance per Dollar | 60.0 | 218.2+264% |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2014 |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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