Intel Core i5-6500 vs Intel Core i5-6600K
25.6Single-core29
22.9Multi-core24
21.9Gamingspec-based23.8
2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-65007 spec wins — Intel Core i5-6600K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i5-6600K wins this desktop processor face-off, 25.4 to 23.5, pulling ahead mainly in single-core (+3) and multi-core (+1). Intel Core i5-6500 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-6500
- 29% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 91 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $192 vs $242
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-6600K
- Stronger single-core score: 29 vs 26
- 16% higher Cinebench R23 (multi): 4,050 vs 3,500
- 14% higher PassMark: 6,400 vs 5,600
- 10% higher Geekbench 6 (single): 1,300 vs 1,180
- 10% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 3,350 vs 3,050
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2015 | 2015 |
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA1151 |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Base TDP | 65 W+29% | 91 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 4 |
| Performance cores | 4 | 4 |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 4 | 4 |
| Base clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.5 GHz+9% |
| Boost clock | 3.6 GHz | 3.9 GHz+8% |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| L3 cache | 6 MB | 6 MB |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 530 | Intel HD Graphics 530 |
| iGPU clock | 1,050 MHz | 1,150 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2133 / DDR3L-1600 | DDR4-2133 / DDR3L-1600 |
| Max memory | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 16 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6500 | Intel Core i5-6600K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,180Bottom 13% | 1,300+10%Bottom 19% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 3,050Bottom 8% | 3,350+10%Bottom 9% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | — | 1,110Bottom 17% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 3,500Bottom 4% | 4,050+16%Bottom 9% |
| PassMark | 5,600Bottom 4% | 6,400+14%Bottom 8% |
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