Intel Core i7-6700 vs Intel Core i5-7600

The Intel Core i7-6700 was introduced for demanding multitasking. The Intel Core i5-7600 targeted mainstream users and gamers.

Both Intel processors are manufactured using a 14nm process. The Intel Core i7-6700 (Skylake) offers 4 cores, 8 threads (Hyper-Threading), and 8 MB of L3 cache. The Intel Core i5-7600 (Kaby Lake) features 4 cores, 4 threads, and 6 MB of L3 cache. The Intel Core i7-6700 delivers higher performance in multi-threaded applications thanks to Hyper-Threading.

Single-core performance is very similar, with a slight advantage for the Intel Core i7-6700 in specific scenarios. The Intel Core i5-7600 achieves 38 GB/s memory bandwidth, while the Intel Core i7-6700 achieves 34 GB/s. Both use PCIe 3.0 and have integrated graphics units (Intel HD Graphics 530 and Intel HD Graphics 630, respectively).

For gaming, single-core performance is crucial. The Intel Core i5-7600 can be advantageous in less core-intensive games due to its higher boost clock. The Intel Core i7-6700 offers reserves for multitasking thanks to additional threads. Both processors have a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 65 Watts, which leads to comparable power consumption under load.

On the used market, the Intel Core i7-6700 is usually more expensive due to its multi-core performance. The Intel Core i5-7600 can offer better value for money for budget-conscious buyers in gaming or everyday use. The Intel Core i7-6700 is the better choice for multi-threaded applications.

The Intel Core i5-7600 is well-suited for gaming or general desktop tasks where single-core performance matters.