Intel Core i5-6600 vs Intel Processor N150

The Intel Core i5-6600, introduced in 2015, targeted the mainstream desktop market, offering a solid foundation for office applications and light gaming.

The Intel Processor N150, a significantly newer processor from 2023, aims at energy-efficient systems and basic productivity tasks.

The Intel Core i5-6600 is based on the Skylake S architecture and is manufactured using a 14 nm process. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Its L3 cache is 6 MB, while an L2 cache is absent. The maximum memory bandwidth is 34 GB/s. The Intel Processor N150 utilizes the Twin Lake architecture and is produced using the more advanced 7 nm process.

It offers 8 cores and 8 threads, complemented by 4 MB of L2 cache and also 6 MB of L3 cache. The memory bandwidth is slightly higher at 38 GB/s. Both CPUs support PCIe 3.0. In single-core performance, both processors show comparable results. For multi-core applications, the Intel Core i5-6600 demonstrates noticeably higher performance.

For gaming scenarios, the Intel Core i5-6600 generally offers a slightly better foundation due to its core architecture and potentially higher clock frequencies, especially for older titles. However, its integrated graphics solution, Intel HD Graphics 530, is only suitable for very simple or older games.

The Intel Processor N150 with its Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs (Alder Lake) is also not designed for demanding gaming. For modern games, a dedicated graphics card is essential in both cases. The Intel Core i5-6600 has a higher thermal design power (TDP) and thus higher power consumption, which is typical for processors of its generation and performance class.

The Intel Processor N150, on the other hand, is designed for maximum energy efficiency, leading to significantly lower power consumption and a lower TDP. In the current market, the Intel Core i5-6600 is primarily found as a used part, often at a very low price, making it interesting for budget systems.

The Intel Processor N150 is usually offered as part of a platform or a complete system, which makes a direct price evaluation of the individual chip difficult. Its price-performance ratio should be viewed in the context of its energy efficiency and more modern feature sets. In summary, the Intel Core i5-6600 offers higher computing performance for general and slightly more demanding tasks.

The Intel Processor N150 excels with excellent energy efficiency and is ideal for compact, silent systems or applications with low power requirements. For users seeking maximum computing power for their budget and willing to accept higher power consumption, the Intel Core i5-6600 is an option.

However, those who value low energy consumption and quiet operation should consider the Intel Processor N150.