Intel Core i5-6600K vs Intel Core i7-5960X
29Single-core20.5
24Multi-core34.1
23.8Gamingspec-based43.4
7 spec wins — Intel Core i5-6600K10 spec wins — Intel Core i7-5960X
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i7-5960X wins this desktop processor face-off, 32.3 to 25.4, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+10). Intel Core i5-6600K 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 i5-6600K
- Stronger single-core score: 29 vs 21
- 36% lower process: 14 nm vs 22 nm
- 35% lower Base TDP: 91 W vs 140 W
- 28% higher Cinebench R23 (single): 1,110 vs 870
- 26% higher Geekbench 6 (single): 1,300 vs 1,030
- Lower launch price: $242 vs $999
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i7-5960X
- Stronger multi-core score: 34 vs 24
- 300% higher threads: 16 vs 4
- 233% higher L3 cache: 20 MB vs 6 MB
- 150% higher CPU PCIe lanes: 40 vs 16
- 147% higher PassMark: 15,800 vs 6,400
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2015 | 2014 |
| Socket | LGA1151 | LGA2011-v3 |
| Process | 14 nm+36% | 22 nm |
| Base TDP | 91 W+35% | 140 W |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler included | No | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 8+100% |
| Performance cores | 4 | 8+100% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 0 |
| Threads | 4 | 16+300% |
| Base clock | 3.5 GHz+17% | 3 GHz |
| Boost clock | 3.9 GHz+11% | 3.5 GHz |
| L2 cache | 1 MB | 2 MB+100% |
| L3 cache | 6 MB | 20 MB+233% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel HD Graphics 530 | — |
| iGPU clock | 1,150 MHz | — |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-2133 / DDR3L-1600 | DDR4-2133 |
| Max memory | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 4+100% |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 3 | 3 |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 16 | 40+150% |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-6600K | Intel Core i7-5960X |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,300+26%Bottom 19% | 1,030Bottom 5% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 3,350Bottom 9% | 6,100+82%Bottom 28% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,110+28%Bottom 17% | 870Bottom 4% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 4,050Bottom 9% | 8,300+105%Bottom 27% |
| PassMark | 6,400Bottom 8% | 15,800+147%Bottom 28% |
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