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Intel Core i7 6900K Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£970
PassMark benchmark result: 14648
N. of physical cores: 8
CPU boost clock speed: 4.0 GHz

Intel Core i7 6900K review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.4

Good

5.1

Good

7.8

Very good

3.9
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
3.8
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
3.6
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
4.6
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
3.8
L3 cache
8.0%
3.5
N. of physical cores
4.0
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
3.7
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
3.5
N. of physical cores
20.0%
5.2
CPU threads
15.0%
3.8
L3 cache

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Verdict

The Intel Core i7-6900K is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor from the Broadwell-E family, featuring 8 physical cores and 16 threads with a 140W TDP. It operates at a base frequency of 3.2 GHz, reaching a maximum turbo frequency of 4.0 GHz via Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, and is equipped with a 20 MB Smart Cache. Built on a 14nm lithography process for the LGA 2011-v3 socket, its main strengths include quad-channel DDR4-2400 memory support, 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes for extensive multi-GPU or NVMe storage configurations, and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. However, it lacks integrated graphics, requires a significant cooling solution due to its high power consumption, and is restricted to the aging X99 chipset platform.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 6900K

Overall score

5.4

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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.

Platform

7.8

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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

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

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

X99

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

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Performance

4.9

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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+

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+

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

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

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

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Cache & Architecture

4.9

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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

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

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

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

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

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Memory & PCIe

7.0

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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

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

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

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

?

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

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Integrated Graphics

3.4

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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

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

?

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

N/A

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Power & Thermal

3.0

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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

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

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

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Intel Core i7 6900K vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7 6900K better than the average processor?

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24 more PCIe lanes
Intel Core i7 6900K has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
What it is: The number of PCIe lanes provided directly by the processor.
When it matters: When you connect fast GPUs, SSDs, or expansion cards.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=20
Intel Core i7 6900K has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.40 vs 16
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i7 6900K 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 6900K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
8 more CPU threads
Intel Core i7 6900K has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 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+
Intel Core i7 6900K has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.16 vs 8
28 °C lower CPU temperature
Intel Core i7 6900K has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (72 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
What it is: The reported operating temperature of the processor.
When it matters: When you monitor thermals, cooling, or system stability.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <100 °C
Intel Core i7 6900K has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (72 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.72 °C vs 100 °C
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i7 6900K 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 6900K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
45.9% more L3 per core
Intel Core i7 6900K has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 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 6900K has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core
2.5x larger L3 cache
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
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
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.20 MB vs 8 MB
67.7% higher memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
What it is: The maximum theoretical memory bandwidth the processor can support.
When it matters: When memory-heavy workloads matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >75 GB/s
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.76.8 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i7 6900K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
8 more CPU threads
Intel Core i7 6900K has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
52.7% higher multi-core score
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,320 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
2 more CPU cores
Intel Core i7 6900K has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
39.1% higher PassMark score
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (14,648 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
2.5x larger L3 cache
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
45.9% more L3 per core
Intel Core i7 6900K has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
33.3% larger L1 cache
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (512 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
24 more PCIe lanes
Intel Core i7 6900K has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i7 6900K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
67.7% higher memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
2x more memory capacity
Intel Core i7 6900K has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
28 °C lower CPU temperature
Intel Core i7 6900K has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (72 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.

Cache & Architecture

Power & Thermal

Why is Intel Core i7 6900K worse than the average processor?

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4 year/s older release date
Intel Core i7 6900K has an older release date than the average processor (2016 vs 2020).
May 2,016
No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i7 6900K does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
7% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 6900K has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
13% lower single-core score
Intel Core i7 6900K has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,280 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
5.6% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 6900K has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,344 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
38.2% larger die size
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher die size than the average processor (246 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i7 6900K 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.
Less advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i7 6900K uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Broadwell vs Kaby Lake).
20% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i7 6900K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (2 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
18.2% lower memory speed
Intel Core i7 6900K has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
2 fewer memory channels
Intel Core i7 6900K has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
No integrated graphics
Intel Core i7 6900K does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
3.11x higher base power
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
2.19x higher boost power
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
3.11x higher TDP
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher TDP than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i7 6900K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
6 °C lower TJ Max
Intel Core i7 6900K has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (94 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
3.11x higher base power
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (140 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 6900K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.140 W vs 45 W
2.19x higher boost power
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
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
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.140 W vs 64 W
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i7 6900K 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 6900K 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
38.2% larger die size
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher die size than the average processor (246 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 6900K has a higher die size than the average processor (246 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².246 mm² vs 178 mm²
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i7 6900K 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 6900K 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
7% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 6900K has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 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 6900K has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.4.0 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
3.11x higher TDP
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher TDP than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
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
Intel Core i7 6900K has a higher TDP than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.140 W vs 45 W
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i7 6900K 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 6900K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 6900K and other processors

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i7 6900K?

Excellent multi-threaded performance for professional workloads like video rendering, 3D ray tracing, and transcoding.
Features 8 physical cores and 16 threads, providing a significant boost over previous-generation 4-core chips.
Includes 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, which is ideal for multi-GPU setups and high-speed NVMe storage.
Compatible with existing X99 motherboards via a BIOS update, allowing for easier upgrades from Haswell-E.
Introduced Turbo Boost Max 3.0 to identify and prioritize the fastest individual core for lightly-threaded tasks.
More power efficient at stock frequencies compared to its predecessor, the 5960X.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 6900K?

Extremely high launch price (originally ~$1,000), making it a poor value for pure gaming compared to the i7-6700K.
Limited overclocking headroom, often hitting a 'voltage wall' around 4.3GHz to 4.5GHz.
Single-core performance is often outpaced by lower-core-count 'mainstream' processors in tasks like gaming or office apps.
Power consumption and heat generation increase drastically when overclocked, requiring high-end cooling solutions.
Stranded in 'middle ground limbo' between the more affordable 6-core 6800K and the more powerful 10-core 6950X.

Expert reviews

legitreviews.com

07/02/2017

Intel Core i7-6900K Processor Review Hardware Canucks

The Legit Reviews assessment of the Intel Core i7-6900K highlights it as a high-end desktop (HEDT) powerhouse, utilizing the 14nm Broadwell-E architecture with 8 cores and 16 threads for significant multi-threaded performance. Positioned as a "budget-friendly" alternative to the i7-6950X, it delivers strong results in video rendering and 3D tasks while offering 40 PCIe lanes for...Read more

pcgamer.com

06/09/2016

Intel Core i7-6900K Review - PC Gamer

The Intel Core i7-6900K is a high-end 8-core Broadwell-E processor offering exceptional multi-threaded performance, providing a roughly 28% speed increase over the 6-core i7-6850K in professional applications like video editing. Despite its workstation capabilities, gaming performance gains are negligible—less than two percent—due to lack of widespread game scaling, making it a...Read more

pcmag.com

22/07/2016

Intel Core i7-6900K Review - PCMag

The Intel Core i7-6900K is a high-end, 14nm Broadwell-E processor featuring eight cores and 16 threads, offering exceptional multi-threaded performance and 40 PCI Express lanes for workstation applications. It excels in media creation and heavy multitasking, providing performance close to the flagship 10-core model while utilizing Turbo Boost Max 3.0 to optimize single-core tasks....Read more

vortez.net

31/05/2016

Intel Broadwell-E Core i7-6900K & 6950X Review

The Vortez review highlights the Intel Broadwell-E series, featuring the 10-core i7-6950X and 8-core i7-6900K, as a premier, yet high-priced, HEDT platform upgrade offering superior multi-threaded performance and Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technology. Pros include dominant performance in creative workloads, excellent overclocking potential to 4.4GHz, and X99 motherboard compatibility,...Read more

hardwarecanucks.com

29/05/2016

Intel Broadwell-E i7-6950X & i7-6900K Review

The Hardware Canucks review of Intel's Broadwell-E lineup highlights the 10-core, 20-thread i7-6950X as a high-performance, 14nm processor utilizing Turbo Boost Max 3.0 to maximize per-core efficiency. Offering unmatched multi-threaded power for content creators, these CPUs retain compatibility with existing X99 motherboards, making for a straightforward upgrade path. However, the...Read more

tomshardware.com

30/05/2016

Intel Core i7-6950X, 6900K, 6850K & 6800K Review

The Tom's Hardware review of Intel’s Broadwell-E lineup, featuring the 10-core Core i7-6950X, highlights a significant jump in multi-threaded performance on the 14nm process, utilizing 20 threads and 25MB of L3 cache for workstation-level tasks. While the chips, particularly the flagship -6950X, offer immense power for rendering and encoding, they are limited by lower base clock...Read more

chip.de

21/07/2016

Intel Core i7-6900K Review - CHIP

The Intel Core i7-6900K, a 14nm Broadwell-E processor, offers exceptional multi-core performance with 8 cores and 16 threads, making it ideal for workstations and heavy content creation. It supports LGA 2011-v3 sockets, providing an easy upgrade path for existing X99 users, and supports 40 PCIe lanes for robust multi-GPU and storage configurations. Key advantages include impressive...Read more

tomshardware.fr

31/05/2016

Broadwell-E Test: Core i7-6950X, 6900K, 6850K, and 6800K break records

The Broadwell-E lineup, led by the 10-core Core i7-6950X, brings 14nm architecture and superior multi-threaded performance to the X99 platform, offering significant gains for content creation and rendering. However, the processors suffer from high thermal output, making them difficult to cool, and the flagship model carries an extreme price tag, notes Tom's Hardware. While the 6800K...Read more

cowcotland.com

28/09/2016

Intel i7-6900K Processor: Introduction, Page 1

The Intel Core i7-6900K, reviewed by Cowcotland, is an 8-core/16-thread Broadwell-E processor designed for high-end desktop (HEDT) tasks, running at a 3.2 GHz base and 3.7 GHz boost on the LGA 2011-v3 platform. It offers significant performance in rendering and heavy multitasking, maintaining a full 40 PCIe lanes and solid efficiency, though it hits a 4.3-4.4 GHz overclocking "wall"...Read more

hardware.fr

08/08/2016

Intel Broadwell-E: i7-6950X, 6900K and 6800K review

The Intel Core i7-6950X introduces the first 10-core/20-thread, 14nm consumer processor, operating at 3.0-3.5 GHz with 25MB L3 cache and a 140W TDP. It features Turbo Boost Max 3.0 to enhance single-threaded tasks and is optimized for heavy multi-tasking and professional workstation applications. In performance tests, the CPU excels in heavily multi-threaded workloads, offering up...Read more

profesionalreview.com

31/05/2016

Intel Core i7-6900K Review

The Intel Core i7-6900K is a high-end 8-core/16-thread Broadwell-E processor for the X99 platform, offering a 3.2 GHz base clock and significant multi-threaded performance for content creation. Key advantages include 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, 14nm efficiency, and Turbo Boost Max 3.0, making it ideal for workstations, although it is compatible with existing X99 motherboards via BIOS...Read more

tech.everyeye.it

01/06/2016

Intel: the new i7-6950X, i7-6900K, i7-6850K and i7-6800K CPUs

The Everyeye.it review highlights the Intel Core i7-6950X as a pioneering 14nm "Broadwell-E" processor, marking the first consumer CPU with 10 cores and 20 threads, accompanied by 25MB of L3 cache and Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0. The CPU excels in professional, multi-threaded workloads like 4K editing and 3D rendering, offering up to 35% better performance than previous...Read more

tomshw.it

31/05/2016

Intel Core i7-6950X, 6900K, 6850K and 6800K Review

The Intel Broadwell-E lineup, including the 10-core Core i7-6950X, brings high-end enthusiast performance to the existing LGA 2011-v3 platform. These 14nm processors introduce Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 for better single-threaded efficiency and support DDR4-2400 memory. While offering unmatched multi-threaded performance, the series is hampered by a very high price point and limited...Read more

tomshw.it

31/05/2016

Intel Core i7-6900K: overclocking, power consumption, and temperatures

The Intel Core i7-6900K and Broadwell-E lineup deliver improved efficiency through a 14nm process, offering 8 cores/16 threads, Turbo Boost Max 3.0, and 40 PCIe lanes. While stock power usage is reasonable, overclocking results in significant power draw exceeding 200W, and the smaller die creates thermal challenges with high temperatures. Key pros include excellent multi-threaded...Read more

ct.nl

28/12/2019

Gigabyte Aorus NVMe Gen4 SSD - c't - Ct.nl

The Gigabyte AORUS NVMe Gen4 SSD, utilizing the Phison E16 controller and Toshiba 3D TLC NAND, acts as an early consumer-grade entry into PCIe 4.0, offering sequential read/write speeds of up to 5,000/4,400 MB/s. This high throughput is designed for professionals and requires a compatible X570/B550 motherboard and Ryzen 3000 series CPU to achieve peak performance. Key advantages...Read more

id.nl

09/10/2017

The best processors across different price ranges

The ID.nl review highlights AMD Ryzen 3/5 and Intel Core (i)3/(i)5 processors for budget-friendly daily tasks, offering high efficiency and affordability. While these entry-level options are suitable for basic usage, they suffer from limited multitasking capability and insufficient power for demanding applications. For power users, the review recommends the AMD Ryzen 7/9 and Intel...Read more

ct.nl

23/08/2017

AMD Ryzen and Windows Compilers in Practice

An analysis by c't found that the performance of AMD's Ryzen processors on Windows is highly dependent on the compiler used, with updated compilers (such as newer Visual Studio versions) significantly improving efficiency compared to older tools. The study highlights that when software is properly optimized for the Zen architecture's high core count, Ryzen 1800X shows competitive...Read more

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