6th Gen Intel Core i5 6600K
- Boost/Base Clock:
- 3.9 GHz Boost Clock
- Core/Thread Count:
- 4 Core / 4 Thread
- Cache:
- 6MB L3
- CPU Socket:
- FCLGA 1151
- CPU Series:
- Skylake
- Form Factor:
- Desktop
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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026
6th Gen Intel Core i5 6600K Review
The 6th Gen Intel Core i5 6600K is an unlocked 4-core desktop processor built on Skylake, boosting up to 3.9 GHz within a 6MB L3 cache on the LGA 1151 socket.
As one of the most widely adopted enthusiast gaming CPUs of the mid-2010s, this chip's unlocked multiplier and genuinely strong per-core performance kept it relevant among PC gamers for years after launch.
Integrated Graphics
The standard variant includes basic Intel integrated graphics for display output; enthusiast desktop builds around this chip typically pair it with a discrete GPU.
How Is the Core i5 6600K in Terms of Performance
The unlocked multiplier and genuinely strong per-core Skylake performance made this chip a widely adopted enthusiast gaming choice at launch, remaining relevant among PC gamers for years afterward.
Benchmarks
Cinebench R20 single-core scores of 392 reflect solid per-core performance for its generation, a key reason this chip remained a popular gaming CPU choice well beyond its original launch window.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Core i5 |
| Product Line | Core i |
| Model Number | 6600K |
| Codename | Skylake |
| Release Year | 2015 |
Segment and platform
| Market Segment | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Microarchitecture | Skylake, 6th Gen Intel Core |
| Socket | LGA1151 |
| Socket Status | End of Life |
| Process Node | 14 nm |
Core configuration
| Total Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Performance Cores | 4 |
| Efficiency Cores | 0 |
| Total Threads | 4 |
| SMT Enabled | No |
Clock speeds
| P-Core Base Clock | 3.5 GHz |
|---|---|
| P-Core Boost Clock | 3.9 GHz |
| Unlocked Multiplier | Yes |
Cache
| L2 Cache | 1 MB |
|---|---|
| L3 Cache | 6 MB |
Power and thermal
| Base Power | 91 W |
|---|---|
| Bundled Cooler | None |
Memory
| Memory Type | DDR4 |
|---|---|
| Max Memory Speed | 2133 MT/s |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 64 GB |
| ECC Support | No |
Graphics and AI
| Integrated Graphics | Yes |
|---|---|
| iGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 530 |
| iGPU Compute Units | 24 |
| Copilot Plus Certified | No |
Expansion
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
|---|---|
| PCIe Lanes | 16 |
Commercial
| Launch MSRP | 242 USD |
|---|---|
| Retail Availability | Discontinued |
| Form Factor | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Core/Thread Count | 4 Core / 4 Thread |
| Cache | 6MB L3 |
| Boost/Base Clock | 3.9 GHz Boost Clock |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- Buyers of this era wanting genuine overclocking flexibility on a widely adopted enthusiast gaming chip
Not for
- Buyers wanting the latest architecture — 8th Gen and newer chips offer meaningfully more cores and better IPC
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the 6th Gen Intel Core i5 6600K?
The 6th Gen Intel Core i5 6600K is a processor from Intel. Key specs: Boost/Base Clock 3.9 GHz Boost Clock, Core/Thread Count 4 Core / 4 Thread, Cache 6MB L3, CPU Socket FCLGA 1151, CPU Series Skylake, 6th Gen Intel Core.
Will the 6th Gen Intel Core i5 6600K work with my current setup?
The 6th Gen Intel Core i5 6600K lists CPU Socket is FCLGA 1151. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the 6th Gen Intel Core i5 6600K best suited to?
It suits buyers of this era wanting genuine overclocking flexibility on a widely adopted enthusiast gaming chip.
What are the drawbacks of the 6th Gen Intel Core i5 6600K?
It is a poor fit for buyers wanting the latest architecture — 8th gen and newer chips offer meaningfully more cores and better ipc.