Intel Core i5-6600 socket: LGA 1151
The Intel Core i5-6600 uses the LGA 1151 socket on 100 series boards. It is a quad Skylake part from 3.3 GHz to 3.9 GHz at 65 W with HD Graphics 530.
- Socket
- LGA 1151
- Launched
- September 2015
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 4
- Base power
- 65 W
- Codename
- Skylake
- Segment
- Desktop
- Family
- Intel Core i5
- Clocks
- 3.3 / 3.9 GHz
Intel Core i5-6600 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Skylake cores on 14 nm |
| Clocks | 3.3 GHz base, up to 3.9 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 6 MB Intel Smart Cache |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 65 W |
| Manufacturing process | 14 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4-1866 and 2133, DDR3L-1333 and 1600, two channels, up to 64 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 16 lanes |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 530 (350 MHz to 1150 MHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | LGA 1151 (FCLGA1151, 37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i5-6600 needs a motherboard with a LGA 1151 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 300 series: B365 and Z390 | Z390, B365 | Not supported |
| 300 series: H310, B360, H370, Q370, Z370 | Z370, H370, B360, H310, Q370 | Not supported |
| 200 series | Z270, H270, B250, Q270, Q250 | Works out of the box |
| 100 series | Z170, H170, B150, H110, Q170, Q150 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for LGA 1151.
LGA 1151 at a glance
| Type | LGA, 1,151 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | August 2015 |
| Memory | DDR4 on most boards (some early boards use DDR3L). DDR4 only on the second revision |
| Cooler mounting holes | 75 × 75 mm |
What the Core i5-6600 is
The Core i5-6600 is the fast locked Skylake quad on LGA 1151 for gaming towers. Intel set four cores and four threads at 3.3 GHz base with turbo to 3.9 GHz. Six megabytes of Smart Cache and 65 W cover 2015 games with a mid range card. The high turbo keeps it close to the unlocked 6600K in stock builds.
All core loads hold 3.3 GHz and above without tuning. Single core bursts to 3.9 GHz help older games. The multiplier is locked, so Z170 adds little beyond I/O. The 14 nm process keeps stock cooling viable.
HD Graphics 530 from 350 MHz to 1150 MHz runs the desktop until a card arrives. DDR4-1866 and 2133 feed the cores over two channels. Buyers pick the 6600 where a 6600K budget cannot stretch to a cooler and Z board but stock speed still matters.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 6600 fits LGA 1151 on B150, H170 and Z170 with 2015 BIOS builds. H170 with four DIMMs is the sweet spot for locked gaming builds. H110 covers budget towers with two slots. A 200 series board runs it after a BIOS update.
Board memory type must match spare modules. DDR4 boards are the common choice, DDR3L boards cover reuse. The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers the chipset split. LGA 1150 boards never accept Skylake despite the shared cooler mount.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4-1866 and 2133 in two channels to 64 GB pair well with SSDs and a GTX 1060 class card. Sixteen gigabytes covers gaming with voice chat and browsers. DDR3L-1333 and 1600 boards work where modules already exist.
PCIe 3.0 with 16 lanes from the CPU carries one graphics card at full width. NVMe adapters share chipset lanes. A single strong card beats two weak cards on four threads.
Cooling uses the 75 mm LGA 1151 mount from the CPU cooler compatibility by socket guide. The boxed cooler handles 65 W stock operation. A tower cooler lowers noise in long sessions.
Upgrade paths
On the same socket the Intel Core i5-6600K unlocks the multiplier at 3.5 GHz to 3.9 GHz and 91 W for overclocking on Z170. The Intel Core i5-6500 trims to 3.2 GHz to 3.6 GHz at the same 65 W for lower cost. Both swap directly where listed.
A step to Kaby Lake i5 keeps board and memory with a BIOS check. A new platform needs a new board. The 6600 holds the fast locked slot for 2015 gaming towers.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i5-6600 use?
It uses LGA 1151 on 100 series boards.
How many cores does the Core i5-6600 have?
Four cores and four threads at 3.3 GHz base with turbo to 3.9 GHz.
Which graphics does the Core i5-6600 include?
Intel HD Graphics 530 from 350 MHz to 1150 MHz.
What is the TDP of the Core i5-6600?
65 W, cooled by the boxed cooler at stock clocks.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core i5 Desktop Processor Comparison Chart (Intel)
- Intel Core i5-6600K Processor specifications (Intel, same Skylake i5 family data)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .