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Intel Core i7-6700K review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£70PassMark multi-core score:8940N. of physical cores:4CPU boost clock speed:4.2 GHzCPU socket:LGA1151TDP (Thermal design power):91 W

Intel Core i7-6700K Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 19 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i7-6700K

6.6/10

▼Worse than 53% of processors

7.6

▲Better than 65%

4.7

▼Worse than 68%

7.8

▲Better than 61%

?

Not in any best-of list yet

4.1
Gaming
Gaming
4.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Measures single-core benchmark performance, peak boost clock speeds, and fast L3 cache sizing critical for high frame rates.
When it matters
When you want to play demanding mobile games, 3D titles, or run graphics-intensive apps smoothly.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
4.5
PassMark single-core score
25.0%
4.5
Geekbench 6 single-core score
20.0%
5.5
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
1.8
L3 cache
8.0%
2.3
N. of physical cores
3.5
Video editing
Video editing
3.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Assesses multi-core benchmark throughput, total physical core and thread count, and cache bandwidth for rapid video rendering.
When it matters
When evaluating how effectively this processors meets your specific video editing needs.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
45.0%
4.3
Geekbench 6 multi-core score
20.0%
2.3
N. of physical cores
20.0%
4.4
CPU threads
15.0%
1.8
L3 cache

Where to buy

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Best rankings

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i7-6700K

Based on 5 · 23

Reviewers like the strong gaming performance and easy overclocking, but say it runs hot and offers little gain over its predecessor.

Praised

Mixed views

Criticised

Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i7-6700K

Based on 187 owners sharing their experience in online comments

68%positive19%mixed13%negative

Owners praise its lasting performance, while heat and unstable overclocks that need high voltage cause the main frustration.

What owners like

Owners report stable overclocks around 4.5–4.8 GHz at roughly 1.27–1.36 V, with some reaching 5 GHz with more voltage; temperatures stay in the 70s under load.38
Owners say the i7-6700K stays reliable and fast for many years, with some still using it for gaming a decade after launch, often at stock or mild overclocks.27
Delidding and replacing the stock thermal paste with liquid metal or better compounds like CLU or Kryonaut lowered load temperatures by roughly 10–30°C for many owners.26
Owners report strong gaming performance at high settings and frame rates, with many pairing it with GTX 970 through RTX 2080 Ti cards and still gaming well years later.19
Owners say the 6700K is noticeably faster than older chips like the 4790K, 3770K, 2600K and FX processors, with gains of about 20 fps in some games.9
Owners say the 6700K handles video encoding, editing and simulations well, though some note it is slower at encoding than higher-core chips like the 5820K.5
Owners report the 6700K runs games smoothly at stock speeds, with some saying it performs well even at 1.4 GHz and that overclocking was not needed for good frame rates.4

What owners dislike

Overclocks can crash or blue-screen in games or stress tests, even when they pass a short test; some owners had to lower the clock or raise voltage to stay stable.14
Some owners felt the gains from overclocking or upgrading to the 6700K were small, often only 1–5 fps in games, and not worth the extra heat and voltage.10
Owners report hitting a wall around 4.5–4.7 GHz, with some unable to get past 4.2 GHz, so overclocking headroom is limited compared with older chips.9
Automatic overclock or default motherboard settings, especially on some Asus and ASRock boards, can push voltage above 1.4 V or crash the system, so manual settings are safer.7
Owners say the 6700K struggles to hold 60 fps in demanding or busy games like Witcher 3 and Warzone, with CPU usage near 100% causing stutters.7
Higher clocks, such as 4.7 to 4.8 GHz, often need 1.4 V or more, which owners say adds heat and is not worth the small gain.6
Owners report load temperatures around 80–95°C at 4.6–4.7 GHz on stock or air coolers, often reduced by delidding or better cooling.5
Owners with RTX 3070 or newer cards, or the RX 5700 XT, say the 6700K bottlenecks the GPU and limits frame rates at higher settings.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7-6700K

6.6

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Platform

7.7

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Processor type

CPU socket

Chipset

CPU architecture

Instruction sets

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What reviewers say

Performance

4.3

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N. of physical cores

CPU threads

CPU boost clock speed

CPU base clock speed

PassMark multi-core score

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What reviewers say

Architecture

4.6

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Semiconductor size

Foundry

L3 cache

L2 cache

L1 cache

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Memory & PCIe

5.2

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DDR memory version

Maximum memory speed

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

Maximum memory capacity

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What reviewers say

Integrated graphics

6.2

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Integrated graphics

Integrated GPU model

Integrated GPU execution units

Integrated GPU base frequency

Integrated media encoders/decoders

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What reviewers say

Power & Thermal

5.5

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TDP (Thermal design power)

Base power (PL1)

Boost power (PL2)

?

Tau (power duration limit)

?

Configurable TDP

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What reviewers say

Intel Core i7-6700K vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7-6700K better than the average processor?

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Unlocked for overclocking
This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
Supports memory overclocking
This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
16.4% higher review score
Reviews score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 61% of models
80%
7.5
Average grade
20%
9.1
Popularity
Grades by review (19)
6 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 13 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
7.8 vs 6.7
31.1% smaller die size
This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (122 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
122 mm² vs 177 mm²
26.4% higher sentiment score
9.1 vs 7.2
Supports heterogeneous scheduling
This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
3.57x cheaper
Intel Core i7-6700K is cheaper than the average processor (£70 vs £250).
£70 vs £250
8.1% more L3 per core
This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core

16.4% higher review score
Reviews score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 61% of models
80%
7.5
Average grade
20%
9.1
Popularity
Grades by review (19)
6 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 13 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
7.8 vs 6.7
26.4% higher sentiment score
9.1 vs 7.2
3.57x cheaper
Intel Core i7-6700K is cheaper than the average processor (£70 vs £250).
£70 vs £250

Supports heterogeneous scheduling
This processor uses heterogeneous multi-processing, while the average processor does not. 24.8% of processors use it.
Modern CPU socket
This processor uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP5).
LGA1151 vs FP5

Unlocked for overclocking
This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
12 higher clock multiplier
This processor has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (40 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
40 vs 28
Higher base clock
This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (4x4 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
4x4 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz

31.1% smaller die size
This processor has a lower die size than the average processor (122 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
122 mm² vs 177 mm²
8.1% more L3 per core
This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
2 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core

Supports memory overclocking
This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.

Why is Intel Core i7-6700K worse than the average processor?

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2 fewer CPU cores
This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4 vs 6
No configurable TDP
This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
2.02x higher base power
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
91 W vs 45 W
76% slower classroom rendering
This processor has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (81.6 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
81.55 vs 340.075
66.7% smaller L2 cache
This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
1 MB vs 3 MB
16.7% larger process node
This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
14 nm vs 12 nm
Narrower media codec support
This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
VP9 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
33.3% lower memory speed
This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,133 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
2,133 MHz vs 3,200 MHz

5 years older release date
This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2015 vs 2020).
August 2015
2015 vs 2020
Weaker security extensions
This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, MPX, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
More limited crypto acceleration
This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
AES vs AES, SHA

2 fewer CPU cores
This processor has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4 vs 6
76% slower classroom rendering
This processor has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (81.6 vs 340.1). The average processor needs 340.075 for the Blender Classroom test.
81.55 vs 340.075
22.1% lower PassMark score
This processor has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (8,940 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
8,940 vs 11,469
26.6% weaker multi-core performance
This processor has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (2059 vs 2,804.5). The average processor scores 2,804.5 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
2,059 vs 2,804.5
4.5% lower boost clock
This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.2 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
4.2 GHz vs 4.4 GHz

66.7% smaller L2 cache
This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
1 MB vs 3 MB
16.7% larger process node
This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
14 nm vs 12 nm
50% less L2 per core
This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
33.3% smaller L1 cache
This processor has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
256 KB vs 384 KB
Less advanced microarchitecture
This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
Skylake vs Kaby Lake
64.6% fewer transistors
This processor has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.8 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
1.75 billion vs 4.95 billion

33.3% lower memory speed
This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,133 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
2,133 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
27.3% lower memory bandwidth
This processor has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (34.1 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
34.1 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
Lower JEDEC memory speed
This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR4-2133 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
DDR4-2,133 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
Older DDR support
This processor supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4 vs DDR4).
DDR3L/DDR4 vs DDR4
Limited PCIe bifurcation
This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4

Narrower media codec support
This processor supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)).
VP9 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
Inferior integrated GPU
This processor uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 530 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
Intel HD Graphics 530 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630

No configurable TDP
This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
2.02x higher base power
This processor has a higher base power draw than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
91 W vs 45 W
2.02x higher TDP
This processor has a higher TDP than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
91 W vs 45 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

4.0

Older Tech Today

≈ estimated

11/09/2026

Used-sample test · gaming benchmarks and IPC check

Verdict

Intel Core i7-6700K is poor value at its price, and a Ryzen 5 3600 platform is the better buy for most.

8.0

Nexus Tech

≈ estimated

16/08/2026

Hands-on review · benchmarks, power draw and overclocking

Verdict

Intel Core i7-6700K is a decent step up, but gains are small and it mainly suits Sandy or Ivy Bridge owners.

9.5

TechteamGB

≈ estimated

08/01/2016

Hands-on review · benchmarks and platform features

Verdict

Intel Core i7-6700K is a strong multi-core chip worth its price, though not the cheapest Skylake option.

7.0

Inside Tech

≈ estimated

30/08/2015

Performance test · benchmarks and game tests

Verdict

Intel Core i7-6700K is worth buying only if you're upgrading from Sandy Bridge or older, not from Haswell or X99.

9.0

Nicolas11x12 English

≈ estimated

30/08/2015

Hands-on review · gaming, overclocking and platform tests

Verdict

Intel Core i7-6700K is pricey, but it is recommended for its performance, overclocking, and new platform.

7.0

Linus Tech Tips

≈ estimated

25/08/2015

Hands-on review · benchmarks and overclocking tests

Verdict

Intel Core i7-6700K is worth a look for overclockers and Thunderbolt users, but a tough call for gamers already on newer platforms.

7.0

Gamers Nexus

≈ estimated

06/08/2015

Hands-on review · gaming benchmarks and overclocking

Verdict

Intel Core i7-6700K is a fast chip, but gaming gains over older Intel CPUs are small and DDR4 memory adds to the cost.

5.0

HiTechLegion

≈ estimated

05/08/2015

Hands-on review · memory compatibility, overclocking and benchmarks

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-6700K is disappointing for now, as memory compatibility problems make the platform feel immature.

5.0

Hardware Unboxed

≈ estimated

05/08/2015

Full review · benchmarks, power and overclocking

Verdict

Intel Core i7-6700K is disappointing: performance barely changes, though it draws less power.

8.0

PC Perspective

≈ estimated

05/08/2015

Launch review · benchmarks, overclocking and pricing

Verdict

Intel Core i7-6700K gives a solid performance gain and strong overclocking at a competitive price, but upgrading costs more because of the new board and DDR4.

9.0

Bitwit

≈ estimated

03/01/2017

Comparison · gaming benchmarks against the 7700K

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-6700K is still as capable for gaming as the 7700K, so there is no need to upgrade for games.

9.0

Delta249er

≈ estimated

24/10/2015

Build overview · CPU temperatures and performance

Verdict

Intel Core i7-6700K is clearly faster than the previous chip and runs noticeably cooler in this build.

More graded video reviews (2)

Hardware Unboxed

creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0

pcmag.com

✓ explicit

05/08/2015

Intel Core i7-6700K Review - PCMag

Benchmark review · Desktop Skylake chip

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-6700K overclocks very well and edges past the Core i7-4790K, though the gain is modest for anyone upgrading from a Haswell PC.

5.0

overclocking.com

≈ estimated

10/09/2015

TEST || Core i7 6700K: Skyfail, the disappointment

Reader discussion · Heat and gaming

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-6700K is a disappointment, running hot and drawing heavy power under load, so readers often rate Haswell chips higher.

6.0

hardware.fr

≈ estimated

28/09/2015

Intel Core i7-6700K, i5-6600K and Z170 (Printable version) HardWare.fr

Lab tests · Skylake desktop CPUs

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-6700K beats Haswell chips in rendering and encoding, but its 14nm process brings little gain in power use or efficiency.

6.0

madboxpc.com

≈ estimated

11/09/2015

Intel Core i7-6700K (Skylake) Review

Lab review · Desktop Skylake chip

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-6700K has much better built-in graphics and runs cooler, but its speed gain over the i7-4790K is small.

9.0

geeknetic.es

✓ explicit

05/08/2015

Intel Skylake Core i5-6600k y Core i7-6700k

Launch review · Overclocking and chipset

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-6700K overclocks well, reaching a stable 4.8GHz on conventional cooling, while the Z170 chipset offers the bigger upgrade.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7-6700K

Excellent single-threaded and multi-threaded performance for its era, especially in rendering and video editing.
Easier overclocking navigation with increased headroom, often reaching 4.6GHz to 4.7GHz with stable air or liquid cooling.
Introduction of DDR4 memory support, providing higher bandwidth for productivity applications.
The Z170 chipset offers significant connectivity upgrades, including more PCIe 3.0 lanes for high-speed NVMe storage and USB 3.1 support.
Noticeable performance leap (up to 30-50%) for users upgrading from older architectures like Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge.

What customers don't like about Intel Core i7-6700K

Requires a total platform upgrade, necessitating a new LGA 1151 motherboard and typically new DDR4 RAM.
Incremental performance gains (only about 5-10%) for those already using Haswell-based chips like the i7-4790K.
Conservative stock Turbo Boost frequency (4.2GHz) compared to some previous enthusiast models.
Higher thermal output and power consumption under full load compared to some predecessors.
Integrated graphics (HD 530), while improved, remain insufficient for modern high-end gaming.

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-6700K is a high-performance, 6th Generation 'Skylake' desktop processor built on a 14nm lithography, featuring 4 cores and 8 threads with a base frequency of 4.00 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 4.20 GHz. Key characteristics include an 8 MB Intel Smart Cache, a 91W TDP, and support for up to 64 GB of dual-channel DDR4-2133 or DDR3L-1600 memory. Its primary advantages are its unlocked multiplier for easy overclocking, significantly improved memory bandwidth via DDR4 support, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 that supports 4K resolution. However, notable drawbacks include its lack of a bundled stock cooler, the requirement for a new LGA1151 motherboard (Z170 chipset), and the fact that it is officially unsupported for Windows 11.

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Compare Intel Core i7-6700K with other processors

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