CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-5775C vs Core i7-2600K

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-5775C is a rare and highly sought-after socketed desktop processor based on the 14nm Broadwell architecture. Unlike its BGA counterpart, the 5775R, this chip utilizes the LGA 1150 socket, offering a unique upgrade path for users on older Z97 motherboards. It features four cores and eight threads, operating at a base clock of 3.3 GHz with a turbo boost of 3.7 GHz. The defining feature is the inclusion of Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200 with 128 MB of embedded L4 cache (eDRAM). This eDRAM not only supercharges the integrated graphics but also acts as a low-latency memory buffer for the CPU cores, giving it an edge in certain CPU-bound gaming scenarios when paired with a discrete GPU. With a 65-watt TDP and an unlocked multiplier, it is a versatile chip. It represents a unique moment in Intel's history where high-end integrated graphics and eDRAM were brought to the standard DIY desktop market.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-5775C
4C / 8T3.7 GHz65 W
8.5
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Core i7-2600K
4C / 8T3.8 GHz95 W
8
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
Desktop
Desktop
Generation
Core i7 (Broadwell)
2nd Generation
Launched
2015
2011
Status
Active
End-of-life
Codename
Broadwell
Sandy Bridge
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
5th Generation
Sandy Bridge
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-4790
Intel Core i7-875K
Successor
Intel Core i7-6700
Intel Core i7-3770K

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
3.3 GHz
3.4 GHz
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz
3.8 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
6 MB
8 MB
TDP
65 W
95 W
Architecture
Architecture
Broadwell
Sandy Bridge
Process Node
14nm
32nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
1600 MT/s
DDR3-1333
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
32 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 1150
Intel Socket 1155
PCIe Version
Gen 3
PCIe 2.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
Yes
Yes

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-5775CBest70

4 cores handle office tasks effortlessly, but lack modern IPC.

Core i7-2600K68

Still usable for basic tasks and light productivity.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-5775CBest75

The eDRAM provides incredibly smooth frame times in older games.

Core i7-2600K55

When overclocked, can still handle older games well, but bottlenecks modern GPUs.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-5775C55

Capable of light VMs, but limited by 65W TDP.

Core i7-2600KBest65

Handles light VMs without issue.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-5775CBest95

14nm process makes it incredibly power-efficient.

Core i7-2600K45

95W TDP is high, and overclocking makes it worse.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-5775CLimited
  • No AI hardware
  • eDRAM helps slightly with CPU inference
Core i7-2600KNone
  • No AI hardware
  • Instruction sets outdated

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-5775CFair
Basic Photo Editing1080p Video EditingAudio Production
Core i7-2600KFair
StreamingBasic Video EditingPhoto Editing

Gaming

Intel Core i7-5775CVery Good
  • eDRAM reduces stutter in CPU-bound games
  • Iris Pro 6200 good for older games
  • Can be paired with a discrete GPU for better performance
Core i7-2600KFair
  • Overclocking helps single-core performance
  • Needs discrete GPU for modern games
  • PCIe 2.0 limits bandwidth

Industry Impact

Gaming
Moderate
High
Workstations
Low
Moderate
Content Creation
Low
High
Virtualization
Low
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

1080p Gaming (with GPU)
Very Good
Light Gaming (iGPU)
Good
Office Productivity
Excellent
Programming
Very Good
Heavy Rendering
Poor
Overclocking
Excellent
Gaming
Good
Content Creation
Very Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Streamers
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-5775C

Pros

  • 128 MB L4 eDRAM
  • Iris Pro 6200 graphics
  • Drop-in upgrade for LGA 1150
  • Unlocked multiplier

Cons

  • Only 4 cores
  • Supports DDR3 only
  • Expensive on the secondary market
  • Older 14nm process
Core i7-2600K

Pros

  • Unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking
  • HD 3000 integrated graphics
  • Revolutionary IPC for 2011
  • Excellent value at launch

Cons

  • 32nm process is inefficient
  • Lacks AVX2
  • PCIe 2.0 only
  • 4 cores limit modern multi-threaded performance

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-5775C

Core i7-2600K

Our Verdict on Each

A fantastic drop-in upgrade for LGA 1150 systems. The eDRAM gives it surprising legs in older games, though its CPU performance is outclassed by modern hardware.

Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1150 system for smooth retro gaming.

Read the full review
Core i7-2600KSituational

A historic CPU that brought affordable, high-performance overclocking to the masses. Its legacy is unmatched, though it is outdated today.

Best for: Retro gaming or legacy builds.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-5775C or Core i7-2600K?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-5775C comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 i7-5775C or Core i7-2600K?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-5775C leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i7-5775C and Core i7-2600K.

Which uses less power?

The Intel Core i7-5775C has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-5775C (65 W), Core i7-2600K (95 W).

Do Intel Core i7-5775C and Core i7-2600K use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-5775C: Intel Socket 1150, Core i7-2600K: Intel Socket 1155), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Core i7-2600K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-5775C (7,000), Core i7-2600K (9,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.