Core i5-6600T vs Xeon W-2104

Intel

Core i5-6600T

4 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon W-2104

4 Cores4 Thrd120 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Core i5-6600T vs Xeon W-2104 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core i5-6600T vs Xeon W-2104 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 i5-6600T vs Xeon W-2104: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-6600T

2015

Why buy it

  • Costs $81 less on MSRP ($213 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
  • Delivers 38.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.1 vs 18.8 PassMark/$ ($213 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 120W, a 85W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Xeon W-2104 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8.3 MB).

Xeon W-2104

2017

Why buy it

  • +37.5% larger total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (5,530 vs 5,565).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 18.8 vs 26.1 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $213 MSRP).
  • 242.9% higher power demand at 120W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6600T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6600T better than Xeon W-2104?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2104 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-6600T 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 i5-6600T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% 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 i5-6600T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-6600T is the better buy right now. Core i5-6600T comes in $81 cheaper on MSRP at $213 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 38.9% better value on MSRP (26.1 vs 18.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Xeon W-2104 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2015) and 37.5% larger total L3 cache (8.3 MB vs 6 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6600T vs Xeon W-2104 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-6600T

The Core i5-6600T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 July 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,565 points. Launch price was $192.

Intel

Xeon W-2104

The Xeon W-2104 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 5,530 points. Launch price was $255.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-6600T and Xeon W-2104 share an identical 4-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-6600T versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon W-2104 — a 9% clock advantage for the Core i5-6600T (base: 2.7 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i5-6600T uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W-2104 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6600T scores 5,565 against the Xeon W-2104's 5,530 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i5-6600T. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6600T vs 8.25 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2104.

FeatureCore i5-6600TXeon W-2104
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 4
Boost Clock
3.5 GHz+9%
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
2.7 GHz
3.2 GHz+19%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8.25 MB (total)+38%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
1 MB (per core)+300%
Process
14 nm
14 nm
Architecture
Skylake (2015−2016)
Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark
5,565
5,530
Cinebench R23 Multi
7,083
Geekbench 6 Single
1,175
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,212
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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6600T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-2104 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-6600TXeon W-2104
Socket
LGA1151
LGA2066
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
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-6600T) / not specified (Xeon W-2104). The Core i5-6600T includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Xeon W-2104 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6600T targets Office. Direct competitor: Core i5-6600T rivals AMD Athlon II X4 640.

FeatureCore i5-6600TXeon W-2104
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 530
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Office
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-6600T was priced at $213, while the Xeon W-2104 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($213 vs $294), Core i5-6600T was $81 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-6600T delivers 26.1 pts/$ vs 18.8 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2104 — making the Core i5-6600T the 32.6% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-6600TXeon W-2104
MSRP
$213-28%
$294
Performance per Dollar
26.1+39%
18.8
Release Date
2015
2017

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