CPU
GPU
Core i5-6600K
Xeon E3-1290 v2
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 E3-1290 v2 is on rank 453, so the Xeon E3-1290 v2 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 E3-1290 v2
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-6600K | Xeon E3-1290 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($105) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($125) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-6600K | Xeon E3-1290 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+18%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($105) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($125) |
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 E3-1290 v2
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 E3-1290 v2
The Xeon E3-1290 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 May 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 87 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,354 points. Launch price was $885.
Processing Power
The Core i5-6600K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1290 v2's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-6600K versus 4.1 GHz on the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — a 5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 3.7 GHz). The Core i5-6600K uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6600K scores 6,301 against the Xeon E3-1290 v2's 6,354 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon E3-1290 v2. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6600K vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1290 v2.
| Feature | Core i5-6600K | Xeon E3-1290 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 4 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz | 4.1 GHz+5% |
| Base Clock | 3.5 GHz | 3.7 GHz+6% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-36% | 22 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 6,301 | 6,354 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-6600K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i5-6600K | Xeon E3-1290 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-6600K launched at $242 MSRP, while the Xeon E3-1290 v2 debuted at $885. At current prices ($105 vs $125), the Core i5-6600K is $20 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6600K delivers 60.0 pts/$ vs 50.8 pts/$ for the Xeon E3-1290 v2 — making the Core i5-6600K the 16.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i5-6600K | Xeon E3-1290 v2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $242-73% | $885 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $105-16% | $125 |
| Performance per Dollar | 60.0+18% | 50.8 |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2012 |
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