Intel · Core

Core i5-6600K

Released August 2015

An unlocked four-core Skylake desktop processor with DDR4 support, integrated HD Graphics 530 and a 3.9 GHz maximum turbo clock.

Model history · 5 models, 2011–2015

Cores: 4/4
Boost: 3.9 GHz
L3: 6 MB
Power: 91 W
Socket: LGA1151

Unlocked

What reviewers say

Reviews found modest gains over Haswell and useful overclocking headroom, with the new DDR4 platform better suited to a new build than a recent-system upgrade. Expert Reviews was more enthusiastic about replacing older systems, while HEXUS felt even 2500K owners need not hurry; both identified limits in demanding threaded work.

From expertreviews.co.uk and hexus.net

Specifications

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Cores and clocks

Cores: 4
Threads: 4
Base clock: 3.5 GHz
Boost clock: 3.9 GHz
L3 cache: 6 MB
Cores: Skylake; four cores without Hyper-Threading; unlocked multiplier confirmed in Intel's Gamescom release

Graphics and AI

Built-in graphics: Yes
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 530; maker clocks 350 MHz base and 1.15 GHz maximum dynamic clock, rather than differing launch-review figures

Platform

Socket: LGA1151
Base power: 91 W
Unlocked: Yes
Cooler in the box: No
Memory support: Up to 64 GB; two channels; DDR4-1866/2133 or DDR3L-1333/1600 at 1.35 V; maximum bandwidth 34.1 GB/s; no ECC support
PCIe: 16 CPU lanes; PCIe 3.0
Chipsets: LGA1151 Skylake platform; Intel's 5 August 2015 release names the 6600K boxed processor and systems as available immediately
Process: 14 nm
Cooler: Intel lists no included heatsink; a separate cooler is required, despite the bundled-cooler implication in Expert Reviews

Pros and cons

Pros

Unlocked clock multiplier
Supports DDR4 memory
Integrated HD Graphics 530

Cons

Four threads without Hyper-Threading
Requires a separate cooler
Uses the older LGA1151 platform

Closest rivals

Model	Cores	Boost	L3	Power	Socket	Released
IntelCore i7-6700K	4/8	4.2 GHz	8 MB	91 W	LGA1151	Aug 2015
IntelCore i7-5775C	4/8	3.7 GHz	6 MB	65 W	LGA1150	Jun 2015
IntelCore i5-4690K	4/4	3.9 GHz	6 MB	88 W	LGA1150	Jun 2014

Previous model: Core i5-4690K. Newer model: Core i5-7600K.

Sources

Photo: Expert Reviews exact Core i5-6600K engineering sample, with Intel Confidential and QJEC 3.50 GHz markings; not a retail sample.

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