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.

Overview

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-6600K is positioned at rank #662 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-6600K

Ryzen 9 7950X

MSRP: $194|Avg: $20

11971%

Core i9-10900T

MSRP: $120|Avg: $5

11311%

Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE

MSRP: $423|Avg: $5

8213%

Ryzen Threadripper 3960X

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85

2474%

Ryzen 9 9950X

MSRP: $649|Avg: $129

1960%

Ryzen 5 8400F

MSRP: $303|Avg: $55

1714%

Ryzen 7 PRO 2700

MSRP: $299|Avg: $60

982%

Ryzen 5 2600X

MSRP: $229|Avg: $55

969%

Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G

MSRP: $150|Avg: $60

882%

#10

Core Ultra 5 245KF

MSRP: $294|Avg: $189

882%

#11

Ryzen 5 5500

MSRP: $159|Avg: $85

872%

#12

Ryzen 5 3600

MSRP: $199|Avg: $80

849%

#13

Core i3-9100E

MSRP: $202|Avg: $30

837%

#14

Core Ultra 5 245K

MSRP: $319|Avg: $200

834%

#15

Core i3-8300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $25

826%

#390

Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

MSRP: $1799|Avg: $1247

98%

#662

Core i5-6600K

MSRP: $242|Avg: $105

100%

#663

Core i5-4440

MSRP: $184|Avg: $101

100%

#664

Core i3-4370

MSRP: $149|Avg: $41

99%

#665

Core i5-7500T

MSRP: $202|Avg: $130

99%

#666

Core i5-7400T

MSRP: $182|Avg: $78

99%

#667

Core i5-4670

MSRP: $213|Avg: $65

99%

#668

Core i5-4570S

MSRP: $195|Avg: $40

99%

#669

Pentium G2010

MSRP: $64|Avg: $5

98%

#671

Core i5-6500TE

MSRP: $192|Avg: $60

98%

#673

Celeron G550T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $5

98%

#674

Core i5-4430

MSRP: $182|Avg: $60

98%

#675

Pentium G2130

MSRP: $75|Avg: $8

98%

#677

Core i5-4460S

MSRP: $182|Avg: $50

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-6600K across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-6600K specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-6600K is a 4-core / 4-thread processor based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 3.5 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 6,301, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i5-6600K
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.9 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	3.5 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Skylake (2015−2016)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	122 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 8 GT/s
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
Unlocked MultiplierWhether the CPU can be overclocked	Yes (Overclockable)
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	6,301

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6600K fits into the LGA1151 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3, DDR4 memory.

Specification	Core i5-6600K
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5 (Desktop)
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1151
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3, DDR4
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-6600K has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 91 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i5-6600K
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	91 Watt

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $105 (MSRP: $242), the Core i5-6600K delivers 60 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #662 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1681 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-6600K
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$242
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$105
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$242
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#662
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1681
Release DateLaunch date	5 August 2015 (10 years ago)
Release Year	2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel