CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-6600 vs Core i7-7700
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-6600 is a high-clocked locked quad-core Skylake processor offering the best non-overclocking mainstream performance for 2015 gaming and productivity builds.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Fast single-core makes everyday tasks snappy, but multi-threaded work is slow.
Gaming
Good 1080p performance in older games, but severe stuttering in modern CPU-heavy titles.
Virtualization
Inadequate for running multiple VMs due to 4 threads.
Efficiency
65W TDP provides a great balance of performance and power draw.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware acceleration
- 4 threads are insufficient for modern AI workloads
No data
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
- 3.9 GHz turbo provides solid single-core grunt
- Lacks the threads for modern open-world games
- Will bottleneck mid-range modern GPUs at 1080p
No data
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- High 3.9 GHz single-core turbo
- Solid 3.6 GHz all-core turbo
- 65W TDP is easy to cool
- Included a decent stock cooler
Cons
- Only 4 threads without Hyper-Threading
- Locked multiplier
- End-of-life platform with no upgrade path
- Struggles in modern multi-threaded workloads
Pros
- Low 65W TDP
- Good single-core performance
- Includes integrated graphics
- Wide compatibility with LGA 1151 motherboards
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Limited multi-threaded performance by modern standards
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-6600
- AMD FX-8370Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-6600KRival
Enthusiast Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4690Rival
Previous Gen
- AMD FX-6350Rival
Budget Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4790Rival
High-End Previous Gen
Modern budget king that obliterates the i5-6600 in single-core and multi-core.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600Alt
6 cores/12 threads, much better for gaming and productivity today.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
The direct modern equivalent with 12 threads and superior IPC.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Older generation but still vastly superior in multi-threaded tasks.
Cheap 6-core/12-thread option on the used market.
Compare head-to-head
Core i7-7700
- AMD Ryzen 5 1500XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7600KRival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6700Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Intel Core i7-7700KAlt
Unlocked for overclocking and higher base clocks.
More budget-friendly 4-core option.
Compare head-to-headNext-gen upgrade with 6 cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Much newer architecture with better IPC.
Our Verdict on Each
The i5-6600 was the ultimate locked gaming chip of 2015, boasting high boost clocks, though modern users will find its 4-thread design a major bottleneck.
Best for: The i5-6600 is a solid drop-in upgrade if you are currently running a Pentium or i3 on an LGA 1151 motherboard and can get this chip for dirt cheap. It offers a noticeable bump in single-core speed and cache over lower-tier Skylake chips, making your system feel much snappier for daily use and older games. It’s also a decent holdover chip if your main CPU died and you need a cheap replacement. However, buying this to build a new system is a mistake. Modern budget chips like the i3-12100F offer vastly superior single-thread and multi-thread performance, alongside modern platform features. Do not overspend on this legacy hardware; your money is better saved for a modern platform overhaul.
Read the full reviewA solid quad-core processor from 2017 that still handles everyday tasks and older games well, though it struggles with modern multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1151 system on a tight budget
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-6600 or Core i7-7700?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-6600 comes out ahead with a score of 7.2/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-6600 or Core i7-7700?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-6600 leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Intel Core i5-6600 and Core i7-7700.
Do Intel Core i5-6600 and Core i7-7700 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the LGA 1151 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-6600 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-6600 (5,600), Core i7-7700 (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.