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Intel Core i7 6820HQ Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£320
  • Avg. price in US: ~$380
  • PassMark benchmark result: 6762
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.6 GHz

Intel Core i7 6820HQ review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.5

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%

4.5

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.5

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%

4.0

Performance

18.0%

4.8

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.7

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.7

Platform

1.0%

6.6

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.8

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.1

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.4

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 5.3
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    9.0

    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

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £320

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-6820HQ is a high-performance quad-core mobile processor from the Skylake architecture (6th Generation), featuring a 2.7 GHz base frequency, 3.6 GHz max turbo speed, 8 MB of Smart Cache, and a 45W TDP. It supports up to 64 GB of DDR4-2133 or DDR3L-1600 memory and includes integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 with 4K support at 60Hz. Main pros include its solid multi-threaded performance for demanding workstations, support for enterprise security features like Intel vPro and TXT, and high energy efficiency for its era due to the 14nm manufacturing process. However, it lacks an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, is officially unsupported for Windows 11 without workarounds, and can experience performance throttling in laptops with inadequate cooling solutions.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 6820HQ

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%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

4.5
Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a technical score of 4.54 points, which is lower than that of 64.8% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% 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%

4.5

Overall score

40.0%

8.8

Price

5.8
Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.8 points, which is lower than 73.6% 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

mobile
Intel Core i7 6820HQ belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% 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

FCBGA1440
Intel Core i7 6820HQ uses the FCBGA1440 CPU socket, which is older than that of 81.4% of processors and equal to that of 4.8% 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

?
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 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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

3.6 GHz
Intel Core i7 6820HQ reaches a boost clock of 3.6 GHz which is lower than that of 76.7% of processors and equal to that of 3.6% 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 2.7 GHz
Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a base clock of 4x2.7 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
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 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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.
Show more
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/LPDDR3
Intel Core i7 6820HQ supports DDR DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3, which is older than that of 74.3% of processors and equal to that of 3.3% 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 6820HQ supports memory speeds up to 2133 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 6820HQ supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2133 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

N/A
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 6820HQ supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.6% of processors.
Show more
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 6820HQ includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors 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 6820HQ uses the Intel HD Graphics 530 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 78.4% of processors and equal to that in 2.3% of processors.
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 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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

H.264 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i7 6820HQ supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 69% of processors and equal to 0.2% of processors.
Show more
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

45 W
Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a TDP of 45 W which is lower than that of 39.9% of processors and equal to that of 11.4% 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

45 W
Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a base power of 45 W which is lower than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.6% 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

28 seconds
Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
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

yes
Intel Core i7 6820HQ supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 35 W
Show more

Intel Core i7 6820HQ vs the average processor

  • 31.5% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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
  • 52.3% faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (505.3 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >290

    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (505.3 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.505.34 vs 331.88
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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
  • 52.3% faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (505.3 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 31.5% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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.

Total
Performance
Cache & Architecture
  • 5 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has an older release date than the average processor (2,015 vs 2,020).
    September 2015
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,440 vs FP2).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 16.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 22.2% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,931 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 26.2% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (357 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 23.9% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,120 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 36.8% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,759 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 35.8% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (6,762 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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 6820HQ has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Skylake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 25.5% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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 6820HQ supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 530 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 16.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    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

    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 22.2% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,931 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,931 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,931 vs 2,483
  • 26.2% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (357 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >600

    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (357 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.357 vs 484
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ 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 6820HQ has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 23.9% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,120 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,120 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.1,120 vs 1,471
  • 36.8% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,759 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 6820HQ has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,759 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.1,759 vs 2,783
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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 6820HQ 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
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 6820HQ and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 6820HQ?

  • Reliable workhorse for daily tasks, office work, and programming
  • Capable of handling demanding software and excessive multitasking
  • Great value for money when purchased second-hand
  • Stronger overall performance compared to similar older quad-core products
  • Maintains good thermals and reduced throttling under long-lasting full loads
  • Supports 4K video playback and basic video editing efficiently

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 6820HQ?

  • Lacks native support for Windows 11, requiring workarounds for installation
  • Integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530) are considered weak for modern gaming
  • Four cores may feel limiting for highly intensive modern workloads
  • High power consumption (45W TDP) makes it unsuitable for slim or passively cooled laptops
  • Outdated architecture compared to 8th Gen and newer processors which offer more cores and better efficiency
  • Slower compilation speeds for complex programming tasks

Expert reviews

O
openbenchmarking.org
29/03/2026
Intel Core I7-6820HQ Benchmarks, Linux Performance

The Intel Core i7-6820HQ is a quad-core 14nm "Skylake" processor featuring 8 threads, a 2.7 GHz base clock, and 8MB of L3 cache, designed for high-end mobile workstations. It supports Hyper-Threading and various instruction sets, including AES and AVX2, making it suitable for demanding, specialized computational tasks. Based on OpenBenchmarking data, the CPU delivers solid...Read more

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browser.geekbench.com
29/03/2026
Intel Core i7-6820HQ Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Core i7-6820HQ is a high-end 2015 Skylake quad-core processor built on a 14nm process, offering a 2.7 GHz base clock and 3.6 GHz boost for high-performance laptops. Benchmarks indicate performance comparable to older Haswell-based i7-4900MQ models, but with improved energy efficiency, 8 MB L3 cache, and support for faster DDR4-2133 memory. Its integrated HD Graphics 530...Read more

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cpubenchmark.net
29/03/2026
Intel Core i7-6820HQ @ 2.70GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-6820HQ is a high-performance, 45W quad-core processor based on the Skylake architecture, commonly found in 2015-era workstation laptops like the Dell Precision and HP ZBook. Featuring a 2.7 GHz base clock and up to 3.6 GHz boost, it supports 8 MB of L3 cache and up to 64 GB of DDR4/DDR3L memory for intensive workloads. The chip also integrates Intel HD Graphics...Read more

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cpu.userbenchmark.com
01/12/2025
Intel Core i7-6820HQ - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i7-6820HQ is a 14nm Skylake-based quad-core processor (2.7–3.6 GHz) geared toward professional mobile workstations, offering roughly 22% better multi-threaded performance than the previous i7-4710HQ. It boasts strong professional performance for CAD and rendering, with decent efficiency and integrated HD Graphics 530, supported by Intel vPro technology. However, it is...Read more

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pcgamebenchmark.com
29/03/2026
Intel Core i7-6820HQ Benchmark - PCGameBenchmark

The Intel Core i7-6820HQ is a 6th Gen "Skylake" quad-core processor from 2015, designed for workstations, operating at 2.7 GHz with up to 3.6 GHz boost. It features 4 cores/8 threads with vPro support and HD Graphics 530, offering reliable multi-threaded performance for its era. While once high-end, it now struggles with modern gaming and lacks native Windows 11 support. Pros...Read more

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cpu-monkey.com
03/03/2026
Intel Core i7-6820HQ vs Intel Core Ultra 7 165H - CPU-Monkey

The comparison between the 2015 Intel Core i7-6820HQ (14nm, 4 cores/8 threads) and the 2023 Intel Core Ultra 7 165H (7nm, 16 cores/22 threads) demonstrates a massive performance leap, with the Ultra 7 offering vastly superior speed and efficiency. The Ultra 7's primary pros include superior multi-core performance (roughly 3-4x higher in Geekbench 6), modern Intel Arc integrated...Read more

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valid.x86.fr
15/03/2026
CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i7-6820HQ (1T) - Validator

This CPU-Z validation for an AMD Ryzen 7 3700X features a 7nm Zen 2, 8-core/16-thread processor running at 4.3 GHz on an ASRock B450 Pro4 motherboard. The system utilizes 16GB of DDR4 RAM at 3600 MT/s, optimizing performance through a 1:1 Infinity Fabric ratio. Key pros include the high-performance capabilities for gaming and content creation, paired with the cost-effective B450...Read more

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cpu-monkey.com
03/03/2026
Intel Core i7-6820HQ Benchmarks & Specs - CPU-Monkey

The Intel Core i7-6820HQ is a high-end 14nm Skylake-H mobile processor featuring 4 cores and 8 threads with a 2.7 GHz base clock, peaking at 3.6 GHz. A key pro is its 8 MB L3 cache, ensuring responsive multitasking, while support for Intel vPro and TXT makes it suitable for workstations. Performance remains viable for daily productivity, though its integrated Intel HD Graphics 530...Read more

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pcggthaleshengelo.nl
01/05/2017
Test Intel Core i7-6820HQ Processor", "HP ZBook 15 G3 Workstation Review", "Brief Review of the Dell Precision 3510 Workstation

Chip magazine's review of 13 solid-state drives (SSDs) identifies them as the most effective upgrade for boosting the performance of older, sluggish PCs. Top-rated models, such as the Samsung 850 series and Crucial MX200, offer exceptional data transfer rates, high durability with impressive TBW ratings, and a significant improvement in system responsiveness. While SSDs provide...Read more

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asbascomputers.nl
14/03/2022
Product Overview: HP ZBook 17 G3 with Core i7-6820HQ

The HP ZBook 17 G3 is a robust 17.3-inch mobile workstation designed for intensive professional applications, featuring an Intel Core i7-6820HQ processor, 32GB RAM, and an NVIDIA Quadro M3000M GPU. Built to MIL-STD 810G standards, this portable desktop replacement offers extensive connectivity, including dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and a high-quality, 300-nit IPS anti-glare display....Read more

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