Is Skylake Worth it? A Comprehensive Review of i5-6600k (Comparison Vs. 5820k Vs. 4670k)

Is Skylake Worth it? A Comprehensive Review of i5-6600k (Comparison Vs. 5820k Vs. 4670k)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Performance Comparison with 5820k and 4670k
3. Power Consumption and Heat
4. Overclocking and Voltage Differences
5. Price Comparison and Value for Money
6. Other CPU Options
7. Final Score and Recommendations
8. Benefits of Skylake 6600k
9. Conclusion
10. FAQ

💡 Highlights:

• The Skylake 6600k CPU performs about 5 to 7.5% better than the previous generation 4670k.
• Skylake runs slightly cooler and has improved thermal paste on the die.
• Overclocking the 6600k requires more voltage compared to the 4670k.
• The price increase of the 6600k is not justified by the performance improvement.
• The 5820k offers better productivity performance at a slightly higher price.
• The Skylake 6600k is recommended for those who prioritize single-core performance and fast boot speeds.

Introduction

In this review, we will be taking a closer look at the Skylake 6600k CPU and comparing its performance to the previous generation CPUs such as the 5820k and 4670k. We will examine various aspects including power consumption, overclocking potential, and value for money. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the Skylake 6600k and whether it is worth investing in.

Performance Comparison with 5820k and 4670k

When comparing benchmark results, the Skylake 6600k showed a performance improvement of about 5 to 7.5% over the 4670k. The best-case Scenario was seen in the Cinebench score, where the 6600k scored 750 points compared to the 697 points of the 4670k. However, it is important to note that the performance increase is not as significant as some other tech sites have claimed. This can be attributed to the potential performance hit when the case ratio is set at the same speed or above the core clock.

Power Consumption and Heat

The Skylake 6600k CPU tends to run slightly cooler than the 4670k, although this can also be influenced by the cooler being used. The thermal paste on the die has been improved, eliminating the need for additional cooling modifications. Interestingly, the 6600k requires more voltage to achieve the same core speeds as the 4670k. This is unexpected considering the manufacturing process has transitioned to 14 nanometers. In terms of power consumption, there is not a significant difference between the two CPUs. During the prime95 benchmark, both CPUs consumed around 260-264 watts of power.

Overclocking and Voltage Differences

Overclocking the Skylake 6600k can be a bit trickier compared to its predecessor. It requires more voltage to reach the same clock speeds. For example, the 6600k required 1.28V to achieve 4.6 GHz, whereas the 4670k only needed 1.35V for the same clock speed. This is an important factor to consider for enthusiasts looking to push their CPU to its limits. The voltage difference suggests that Skylake CPUs may require more power to attain stable overclocking speeds.

Price Comparison and Value for Money

When considering the price of the Skylake 6600k, it is important to take into account the performance increase compared to its predecessor. Unfortunately, the price increase of the 6600k relative to the 4670k does not seem justified by the modest performance improvement. When the 4670k was first released, it cost around $220 USD (adjusted for inflation), while the 6600k was priced at around $260 USD (adjusted). The $40.00 increase in price does not Align with the 7.5% increase in performance, making it a questionable value for money.

Other CPU Options

For those looking for alternatives, there are two CPUs worth considering. Firstly, the Xeon 1231 v3 offers a cost-effective option with 8 Threads and comparable performance to the 6600k. It is priced lower and does not require an aftermarket CPU cooler or overclockable motherboard. Additionally, the 5820k provides a significant leap in productivity performance compared to the 6600k and 4670k. Although the 5820k is slightly more expensive, the overall productivity gains outweigh the price difference.

Final Score and Recommendations

Taking into account the performance, value for money, and comparison to alternative CPU options, the Skylake 6600k receives a rating of three and a half stars out of five. The modest performance improvement, the need for higher voltage in overclocking, and the relatively higher price compared to its predecessor contribute to the lowered rating. It's worth noting that the 6600k is recommended for users who prioritize single-core performance and fast boot speeds.

Benefits of Skylake 6600k

Despite its drawbacks, the Skylake 6600k offers several benefits. It provides the best single-core performance on the market and comes with advanced features such as USB 3.1, good onboard audio, and anti-seize technology. Overclocking enthusiasts will also find the 6600k enjoyable to work with, although it requires more voltage for stable overclocking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Skylake 6600k CPU offers a modest improvement in performance compared to its predecessor, the 4670k. However, the price increase and voltage requirements make it a questionable choice for value-conscious consumers. Considering alternative options, such as the Xeon 1231 v3 or the 5820k, may provide better overall performance and value. For those seeking the best single-core performance and high-end features, the Skylake 6600k remains a viable option, albeit with some trade-offs.

FAQ

Q: Is the Skylake 6600k compatible with DDR4 RAM?
A: Yes, the Skylake 6600k is compatible with DDR4 RAM, providing faster memory speeds and better overall performance.

Q: Can I use the integrated GPU (iGPU) on the Skylake 6600k for gaming?
A: The integrated GPU on the Skylake 6600k is not ideal for gaming. It is recommended to use a dedicated graphics card for a better gaming experience.

Q: Are there any significant differences in gaming performance between the Skylake 6600k and the 4670k?
A: The gaming performance difference between the Skylake 6600k and the 4670k is minimal in most cases. The improved performance of the 6600k is more noticeable in single-core tasks rather than gaming.

Q: Does the Skylake 6600k require a specific motherboard?
A: Yes, the Skylake 6600k requires a motherboard that supports the LGA 1151 socket and a compatible chipset, such as the Intel Z170.

Q: Can the Skylake 6600k be used for video editing and other intensive tasks?
A: While the Skylake 6600k can handle video editing and other intensive tasks, the performance gains may not be significant compared to the 5820k. The 5820k is better suited for productivity-oriented workloads.