Intel Core i7 6700K Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£70
  • PassMark benchmark result: 8940
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.2 GHz

Intel Core i7 6700K review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.3

Technical Score

10.0%

9.5

User score

Poor
4.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.8

Performance

18.0%

4.7

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.1

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

4.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.7

Platform

1.0%

6.2

Integrated Graphics

Poor
9.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(2539)
amazon
4.2
(80)
amazon
4.6
(22)
amazon
4.0
(22)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 3.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.2

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    4.3

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.2

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 2.5
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.8

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 6700K

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.8

Performance

18.0%

4.7

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

5.1

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

4.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.7

Platform

1.0%

6.2

Integrated Graphics

4.3
Intel Core i7 6700K has a technical score of 4.3 points, which is lower than that of 71.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

9.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(2539)
amazon
4.2
(80)
amazon
4.6
(22)
amazon
4.0
(22)
amazon
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.5
Intel Core i7 6700K has a user score of 9.55 points, which is higher than that of 95.1% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
10
Intel Core i7 6700K has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 88.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.8

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.4
Intel Core i7 6700K has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is higher than 49.1% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

desktop
Intel Core i7 6700K belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 56% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

LGA1151
Intel Core i7 6700K uses the LGA1151 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 60.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Intel 100 Series, Intel 200 Series
Intel Core i7 6700K supports Intel 100 Series, Intel 200 Series chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 50% of processors and equal to that of 2.1% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i7 6700K uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i7 6700K has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Intel Core i7 6700K offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i7 6700K offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.2 GHz
Intel Core i7 6700K reaches a boost clock of 4.2 GHz which is lower than that of 51.9% of processors and equal to that of 4.3% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 4 GHz
Intel Core i7 6700K has a base clock of 4x4 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i7 6700K uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i7 6700K is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

8 MB
Intel Core i7 6700K has an L3 cache of 8 MB which is larger than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.8% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1 MB
Intel Core i7 6700K has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

256 KB
Intel Core i7 6700K has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3L/DDR4
Intel Core i7 6700K supports DDR DDR3L/DDR4, which is older than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 5.4% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,133 MHz
Intel Core i7 6700K supports memory speeds up to 2,133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.6% of processors and equal to 8.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2133 MHz
Intel Core i7 6700K supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2,133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.9% of processors and equal to 5.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

4,300 MHz
Intel Core i7 6700K supports XMP/EXPO memory speeds up to 4,300 MHz, which is higher than that of 93.3% of processors.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

64 GB
Intel Core i7 6700K supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.6% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i7 6700K includes integrated graphics. 87.6% include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 530
Intel Core i7 6700K uses the Intel HD Graphics 530 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 78.4% and equal to that in 2.3%.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i7 6700K has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i7 6700K has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

VP9 (HW decode)
Intel Core i7 6700K supports VP9 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 76.2% of processors and equal to 3.6% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

91 W
Intel Core i7 6700K has a TDP of 91 W which is higher than that of 88.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

91 W
Intel Core i7 6700K has a base power of 91 W which is higher than that of 88.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.5% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

?
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i7 6700K does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i7 6700K vs the average processor

  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i7 6700K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Has an unlocked CPU multiplier, which makes manual CPU overclocking much easier on supported platforms.
    When it matters: When you plan to push clock speeds beyond stock settings instead of leaving the processor completely at default behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i7 6700K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i7 6700K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
    When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i7 6700K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 31.5% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a lower die size than the average processor (122 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i7 6700K has a lower die size than the average processor (122 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².122 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 10x more popular
    Intel Core i7 6700K is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
    Intel Core i7 6700K is more popular than the average processor (10.00 vs 1,000).10 vs 1
  • 19.4% higher user score
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a higher user score than the average processor (9.55 vs 8,000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a higher user score than the average processor (9.55 vs 8,000).9.55 vs 8
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core i7 6700K supports HMP, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Uses heterogeneous multi-processing to coordinate different core types together.
    When it matters: When hybrid-core scheduling behavior matters for efficiency, workload balancing, or lower-level software behavior.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i7 6700K supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 6700K uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
    What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i7 6700K uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).LGA1151 vs FP2
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 6700K has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 6700K has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core i7 6700K supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • Modern CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 6700K uses a more modern CPU socket than the average processor (LGA1151 vs FP2).
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    Intel Core i7 6700K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
  • 12 higher clock multiplier
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a higher clock multiplier than the average processor (40 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 31.5% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a lower die size than the average processor (122 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 6700K has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Supports memory overclocking
    Intel Core i7 6700K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
  • 5 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 6700K has an older release date than the average processor (2015 vs 2020).
    August 2,015
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 6700K does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 6700K has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 26% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (2,059 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 2.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 15.1% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (8,940 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 6700K 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.
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 64.6% fewer transistors
    Intel Core i7 6700K has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.8 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i7 6700K uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 25.5% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (34.1 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 27.3% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,133 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i7 6700K supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4 vs DDR4).
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i7 6700K 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)).
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i7 6700K uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 530 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 2.02x higher base power
    Intel Core i7 6700K 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.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 6700K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 2.02x higher TDP
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a higher TDP than the average processor (91 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 6700K has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i7 6700K has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 2.02x higher base power
    Intel Core i7 6700K 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.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i7 6700K 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
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i7 6700K 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
    Intel Core i7 6700K 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.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 6700K 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
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i7 6700K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.1 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 6700K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i7 6700K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 26% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 6700K has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (2,059 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i7 6700K has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (2,059 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.2,059 vs 2,783
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i7 6700K 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)).
    What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
    When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i7 6700K 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)).VP9 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

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 dislike 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.

Expert reviews

K
kitguru.net
05/08/2015

KitGuru's review of the Intel Core i7-6700K and i5-6600K details the Skylake architecture, highlighting the shift to the LGA 1151 socket and Z170 chipset, which brings native DDR4 support and improved PCIe 3.0 connectivity. The CPUs offer solid, "excellent" performance gains in productivity and rendering over previous generations, along with the reintroduction of full-range BCLK...Read more

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tomshardware.com
05/08/2015

Intel's 6th Gen Skylake processors (i7-6700K and i5-6600K) debut on the 14nm process, utilizing the new LGA 1151 socket, Z170 chipset, and DDR4/DDR3L memory support, resulting in high efficiency and performance. While offering solid IPC gains and superior overclocking (up to 4.7GHz) for enthusiasts, the integrated HD Graphics 530 performance is underwhelming, and the platform...Read more

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pcmag.com
05/08/2015

The Intel Core i7-6700K ("Skylake") is a high-performance quad-core processor featuring a 4GHz base clock and supporting both DDR4 and DDR3L memory, necessitating a new LGA 1151 socket and Z170 chipset motherboard. It excels in raw speed, enhanced with faster integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 and increased PCIe 3.0 lanes for improved storage performance, along with easier...Read more

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hardwareluxx.de
05/08/2015

Hardwareluxx reviewed the Intel Core i7-6700K and i5-6600K, marking the 14nm Skylake architecture transition to the LGA 1151 socket with Z170 chipset support for DDR4. The i7-6700K delivers superior multi-threaded performance due to Hyper-Threading, while the i5-6600K provides a more cost-effective option, both offering solid IPC improvements, especially with improved overclocking...Read more

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hardware.fr
05/08/2015

The Hardware.fr review of the Intel Core i7-6700K and i5-6600K highlights the 14nm Skylake architecture and LGA 1151 socket as a major platform transition supporting DDR4 and the Z170 chipset. Performance testing indicates a notable IPC increase over Haswell, with the i7-6700K excelling in multi-threaded tasks and the i5-6600K offering high value for gaming, while boasting improved...Read more

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hardware.fr
28/09/2015

The Hardware.fr review of the AMD Radeon R9 Fury X highlights the introduction of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) on a 4,096-bit bus, enabling a compact 7.5-inch PCB and impressive 4K performance. Key pros include the innovative form factor, excellent all-in-one liquid cooling, and strong bandwidth, while cons center on the 4GB VRAM limitation, limited overclocking, and audible pump...Read more

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overclocking.com
10/09/2015

The Intel Core i7-6700K review highlights a significant shift to the 14nm Skylake architecture and DDR4 memory support, marking a strong, though not revolutionary, update for enthusiasts. While offering only modest performance gains (4-10%) over the i7-4790K at stock speeds, the processor introduces improved efficiency by removing the integrated voltage regulator. The chip is...Read more

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tomshardware.fr
05/08/2015

Intel's 6th-generation Skylake CPUs, specifically the Core i7-6700K and Core i5-6600K, introduce the Z170 platform and DDR4 memory support, delivering a significant performance boost for users upgrading from older architectures like Sandy Bridge. While showing iterative gains over Haswell, these processors feature improved thermal management due to the removal of the fully...Read more

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cowcotland.com
05/08/2015

The Intel Core i7-6700K (Skylake) is a 14nm quad-core processor with Hyper-Threading, featuring a 4.0 GHz base and 4.2 GHz turbo frequency, utilizing the Z170 chipset and DDR4 memory. It delivers strong, balanced performance in gaming and heavily threaded applications, outperforming older models like the i7-4790K. Pros include excellent stock speeds, reasonable power consumption...Read more

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comptoir-hardware.com
05/08/2015

The Comptoir-Hardware review of Intel’s 14nm Skylake processors shows the Core i7-6700K and i5-6600K delivering 5-10% IPC gains over Haswell, while moving to the LGA 1151 socket and Z170 chipset with native DDR4 support and DMI 3.0. While the i5-6600K provides excellent value for gaming, the i7-6700K offers superior, hyper-threaded performance for workstation tasks. Key advantages...Read more

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elchapuzasinformatico.com
05/08/2015

The El Chapuzas Informático review of the Intel Core i7-6700K highlights the 14nm "Skylake" processor as a flagship LGA1151 CPU with 4 cores/8 threads, operating at 4.0 GHz base and 4.2 GHz turbo speeds. While performance improvements over the i7-4790K are modest, ranging from 4% to 10% in benchmarks, the platform introduces significant upgrades, including DDR4 support, native USB...Read more

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madboxpc.com
11/09/2015

The MadBoxPC review highlights the Intel Core i7-6700K (Skylake) as a significant 14nm architectural leap, featuring the LGA1151 socket, 4.0 GHz base clock, and DDR4 support. Performance shows a 5-10% improvement over the i7-4790K, with better results in multi-threaded tasks and professional rendering, supported by the new Z170 chipset's USB 3.1 and NVMe capabilities. Key advantages...Read more

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elchapuzasinformatico.com
05/08/2015

The Intel Core i7-6700K review from El Chapuzas Informático highlights the 14nm Skylake processor as a 4.0 GHz flagship introducing the LGA1151 socket, Z170 chipset, and DDR4 support. While the processor offers strong single-core performance, improved integrated graphics, and solid overclocking potential as key pros, the review criticizes the high platform upgrade cost. Ultimately,...Read more

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tomshw.it
05/08/2015

Intel's 6th Generation "Skylake" processors, the Core i7-6700K and Core i5-6600K, introduce 14nm architecture, the LGA 1151 socket, and DDR4 memory support for enhanced bandwidth. The Z170 chipset offers improved connectivity, including native NVMe SSD support, while the processors provide solid IPC gains for productivity and gaming. Notable pros include exceptional idle power...Read more

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