CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-6700 vs Intel Core i5-5675C

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-6700 is a mainstream quad-core desktop processor that served as the backbone of the 6th Generation Skylake lineup. Released in 2015, it brought incremental but meaningful improvements over the previous Haswell generation, including higher IPC, improved integrated graphics, and the introduction of DDR4 memory support to the mainstream market. Operating at a base clock of 3.4 GHz and boosting up to 4.0 GHz, it delivered strong single-threaded performance ideal for gaming and everyday productivity. With four cores and eight threads, it handled the multitasking demands of the era effectively. The 65-watt TDP ensured it ran efficiently and coolly, making it a staple in millions of office and home PCs worldwide. The inclusion of Intel HD Graphics 530 allowed for smooth 4K video playback and basic media tasks without requiring a discrete GPU, cementing its reputation as a versatile, do-it-all processor for mainstream users.

Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-6700
4C / 8T4 GHz65 W
8
Full review
Intel · Core i5
Intel Core i5-5675C
4C / 4T3.6 GHz65 W
8
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
Desktop
Desktop
Generation
Core i7 (Skylake)
5th Gen Core i5
Launched
2015
2015
Status
End-of-life
Active
Codename
Skylake
Broadwell
Series
Core i7
Core i5
Family
6th Generation
5th Generation
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-4790
Intel Core i5-4690K
Successor
Intel Core i7-7700
Intel Core i5-6600K

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
4
Base Clock
3.4 GHz
3.1 GHz
Boost Clock
4 GHz
3.6 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
4 MB
TDP
65 W
65 W
Architecture
Architecture
Skylake
Broadwell
Process Node
14nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3, DDR4
DDR3
Memory Speed
2133 MT/s
DDR3-1600
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
64 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 1151
Intel Socket 1150
PCIe Version
Gen 3
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
Yes

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-6700Best75

Handles office workloads and multitasking without issues.

Intel Core i5-5675C70

Quad-core performance at 3.6GHz is snappy for everyday tasks and light creation.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-670065

Good for 60fps gaming with a discrete GPU, but struggles with modern high-refresh titles.

Intel Core i5-5675C65

Iris Pro 6200 allows for solid 1080p gaming on older titles without a dedicated GPU.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-670060

Capable of running 1-2 light VMs.

Intel Core i5-5675C60

Handles basic VMs well, though limited by 4 threads.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-6700Best90

Highly efficient 65W design.

Intel Core i5-5675C75

Broadwell's 14nm process is quite efficient, especially when TDP is configured down.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-6700Limited
  • No AI hardware
  • CPU inference is slow
Intel Core i5-5675CPoor
  • No modern AI hardware features
  • DDR3 bandwidth limits execution unit utilization for AI

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-6700Fair
Basic Photo Editing1080p Video EditingAudio Production
Intel Core i5-5675CGood
PhotoshopLight Premiere Pro editingOBS Streaming (light)

Gaming

Intel Core i7-6700Good
  • Needs a discrete GPU for modern gaming
  • Quad-core design is aging for new AAA games
  • Great for older or esports titles
Intel Core i5-5675CGood (for iGPU)
  • Comparable to an NVIDIA GT 740 GDDR5
  • Can play titles like BioShock Infinite at 1080p High
  • eDRAM significantly reduces texture stuttering

Industry Impact

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

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Productivity
Excellent
Excellent
1080p Gaming (with GPU)
Very Good
Programming
Very Good
4K Media Playback
Excellent
Heavy Rendering
Poor
1080p Gaming
Very Good
Overclocking
Excellent
Home Theater PC
Excellent
Photo Editing
Good

Target Audience

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

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-6700

Pros

  • Excellent power efficiency (65W)
  • Solid single-core performance
  • Supports DDR4 memory
  • Good integrated graphics

Cons

  • Only 4 cores
  • Locked multiplier
  • No PCIe 4.0
  • Outdated platform
Intel Core i5-5675C

Pros

  • Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
  • Powerful Iris Pro 6200 integrated graphics
  • Uses standard LGA 1150 socket
  • Configurable TDP for silent builds
  • Includes 128MB L4 eDRAM

Cons

  • Limited to DDR3 memory
  • Only 4 cores and 4 threads
  • Hard to find on the used market
  • Lower base clock than some Haswell counterparts
  • Socket 1150 is a dead platform

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-6700

Intel Core i5-5675C

Our Verdict on Each

A reliable and efficient quad-core CPU that was the gold standard for mainstream desktop computing in 2015, still capable of basic tasks today.

Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system for budget 1080p gaming.

Read the full review

A cult classic desktop CPU that combined an unlocked multiplier with exceptional integrated graphics, making it a unique and highly sought-after part for compact builds.

Best for: Building a retro or niche HTPC where integrated graphics are preferred.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Intel Core i7-6700 and Intel Core i5-5675C use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-6700: Intel Socket 1151, Intel Core i5-5675C: Intel Socket 1150), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Intel Core i7-6700 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-6700 (7,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.