OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Processors Methodology v3.0
Processors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Processors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Processors Methodology v3.0

Intel Core i7-6900K review: 74 specs compared

Avg. price:~£970PassMark multi-core score:14648N. of physical cores:8CPU boost clock speed:4.0 GHzCPU socket:LGA2011-3TDP (Thermal design power):140 W

Intel Core i7-6900K Review: Compare 74 technical specifications and 11 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

Intel Core i7-6900K
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 25%, List score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

40%

6.0

Technical score

25%

6.0

Reviews score

25%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

6.0

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 62% of processors
6.1

Value for money

Value for money
6.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

5.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 95%
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Score components

60%

6.2

Performance

18%

4.8

Architecture

10%

7.1

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.1

Power & Thermal

4%

7.8

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

â–²Better than 52%
6.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models

6.0

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 7.6 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.3

Average grade

20%

8.7

Popularity

Grades by review (11)
5 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 69%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 25% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • intel-core-i7-6900k
intel-core-i7-6900k
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Intel Core i7-6900K

Based on 5 · 9

Reviewers praise its strong multi-core power for heavy multitasking, but criticise the high price, platform limitations and weaker gaming results.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Intel Core i7-6900K

Based on 26 owners sharing their experience in online comments

54%positive31%mixed15%negative

Owners appreciate its affordable performance and capable overclocking, though high voltage and weaker results against newer chips can frustrate.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say it trails Ryzen chips in Cinebench and games, and a Ryzen 7 2700X at stock beat it in Cinebench R15.3
  • Faster all-core overclocks need about 1.4 to 1.5 V, which raises heat and makes 4.3 GHz or higher hard to reach.3
  • Stable all-core overclocks top out around 4.2 to 4.3 GHz, and some chips needed far more voltage for 4.5 GHz.3

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

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7-6900K

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Score components:

60%

6.2

Performance

18%

4.8

Architecture

10%

7.1

Memory & PCIe

7%

4.1

Power & Thermal

4%

7.8

Platform

1%

4.0

Integrated graphics

6.0
Reviews score
6.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

5.4

Price

6.1
Processor type
desktop
This processor belongs to the desktop processor class, which is more advanced than that of 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 39.5% of processors.
CPU socket
LGA2011-3
This processor uses the LGA2011-3 CPU socket, which is newer than that of 58.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.4% of processors.
Chipset
?
CPU architecture
x86-64
This processor uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.8% of processors and equal to that of 98.2% of processors.
Instruction sets
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2
This processor supports MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 instruction sets, which is broader support than 58.8% of processors and equal to that of 7.6% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of physical cores
8
Market range: <2 – >12
This processor has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 61.2% of processors and equal to 13.9% of processors.
CPU threads
16
Market range: <4 – >24
This processor offers 16 CPU threads, which is more than 69% of processors and equal to 14.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
4 GHz
Market range: <3 GHz – >5.5 GHz
This processor reaches a boost clock of 4 GHz which is lower than that of 62.1% of processors and equal to that of 4.8% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
8x 3.2 GHz
This processor has a base clock of 8x3.2 GHz which is higher than that of 75.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
PassMark multi-core score
14,648
Market range: <2.5k – >32.5k
This processor scores 14,648 in PassMark, which is higher than 57.8% of processors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Semiconductor size
14 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >24 nm
This processor uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 52% of processors and equal to that of 32.9% of processors.
Foundry
Intel 14 nm
This processor is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.9% of processors and equal to that of 29% of processors.
L3 cache
20 MB
Market range: <2 MB – >32 MB
This processor has an L3 cache of 20 MB which is larger than that of 78.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
L2 cache
2 MB
Market range: <1 MB – >16 MB
This processor has an L2 cache of 2 MB which is smaller than that of 52.9% of processors and equal to that of 10.8% of processors.
L1 cache
512 KB
Market range: <128 KB – >1.2k KB
This processor has an L1 cache of 512 KB which is larger than that of 62.8% of processors and equal to that of 9.4% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This processor supports DDR DDR4, which is newer than that of 25.2% of processors and equal to that of 31.1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
2,400 MHz
Market range: <1.5k MHz – >6.5k MHz
This processor supports memory speeds up to 2,400 MHz, which is lower than that of 64.6% of processors and equal to 11.7% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
DDR4-2400 MHz
This processor supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 67.7% of processors and equal to 10.9% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
?
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This processor supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 59.3% of processors and equal to 22.8% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
no
This processor does not include integrated graphics. 85.4% of processors offer this.
Integrated GPU model
N/A
Integrated GPU execution units
N/A
Integrated GPU base frequency
N/A
Integrated media encoders/decoders
N/A
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
140 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a TDP of 140 W which is higher than that of 94.9% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
140 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This processor has a base power of 140 W which is higher than that of 95% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
140 W
Market range: <25 W – >150 W
This processor has a boost power of 140 W which is higher than that of 79.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
?
Configurable TDP
no
This processor does not support configurable TDP. 53.7% of processors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Intel Core i7-6900K vs the average processor

246810TotalPlatformPerformanceArchitectureMemory & PCIeIntegrated graphicsPower & Thermal
  • 4 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    8 vs 4
  • 24 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    40 vs 16
  • 8 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    16 vs 8
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • 28 °C lower CPU temperature
    This processor 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
  • 35.1% more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    2.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x3.2 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    8x3.2 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 40.5% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,320 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    7,320 vs 5,209
  • 4 more performance cores
    This processor has more performance cores than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor has 4 performance cores.
    8 vs 4
  • 8 more CPU threads
    This processor has more CPU threads than the average processor (16 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
    16 vs 8
  • Unlocked for overclocking
    This processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the average processor does not. 22.6% of processors offer this.
  • Higher base clock
    This processor has a higher base clock than the average processor (8x3.2 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz).
    8x3.2 GHz vs 4x3.4 GHz
  • 40.5% higher multi-core score
    This processor has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (7,320 vs 5,209). The average processor scores 5,209 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    7,320 vs 5,209
  • 2 more CPU cores
    This processor has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    8 vs 6
  • 27.7% higher PassMark score
    This processor has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (14,648 vs 11,469). The average processor scores 11,469 in PassMark benchmark.
    14,648 vs 11,469
  • More advanced Turbo Core
    This processor has a more advanced Turbo Core version than the average processor (3 vs 2).
    Turbo Core
    3.0 vs 2.0
  • 35.1% more L3 per core
    This processor has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.85 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    2.5 MB/core vs 1.85 MB/core
  • 2.22x larger L3 cache
    This processor has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 9 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 9 MB.
    20 MB vs 9 MB
  • 33.3% larger L1 cache
    This processor has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (512 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    512 KB vs 384 KB
  • 24 more PCIe lanes
    This processor has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
    40 vs 16
  • Supports memory overclocking
    This processor supports memory overclocking, while the average processor does not. 43.9% of processors support memory overclocking.
  • 2x more memory capacity
    This processor has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    128 GB vs 64 GB
  • 63.8% higher memory bandwidth
    This processor has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 46.9 GB/s.
    76.8 GB/s vs 46.9 GB/s
  • 28 °C lower CPU temperature
    This processor 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
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.11x higher base power
    This processor 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
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 9.1% lower boost clock
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.0 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 2.19x higher boost power
    This processor 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
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 16.6% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,280 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,280 vs 1,535
  • 39% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (246 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    246 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 10.4% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.2 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models

    6.0

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 7.6 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (11)
    5 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.0 vs 6.7
  • 3.88x more expensive
    Intel Core i7-6900K is more expensive than the average processor (£970 vs £250).
    £970 vs £250
  • 20.2% worse value for money
    Intel Core i7-6900K has worse value for money than the average processor (6.06 vs 7.3).
    6.06 vs 7.29
  • 16.7% lower sentiment score
    6.0 vs 7.2
  • Weaker security extensions
    This processor provides less advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK).
    AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard, CET, MBEC, TME, TME-MK
  • 4 years older release date
    This processor has an older release date than the average processor (2016 vs 2020).
    May 2016
    2016 vs 2020
  • More limited crypto acceleration
    This processor offers more limited crypto acceleration than the average processor (AES vs AES, SHA).
    AES vs AES, SHA
  • 9.1% lower boost clock
    This processor has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.4 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz.
    4.0 GHz vs 4.4 GHz
  • 16.6% lower single-core score
    This processor has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,280 vs 1,535). The average processor scores 1,535 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,280 vs 1,535
  • 8.4% weaker single-core performance
    This processor has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,344 vs 2,558). The average processor scores 2,558 in PassMark single-core.
    2,344 vs 2,558
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    This processor has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
    5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
  • 16.7% larger process node
    This processor has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 50% less L2 per core
    This processor has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 39% larger die size
    This processor has a higher die size than the average processor (246 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    246 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    This processor uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Broadwell vs Kaby Lake).
    Broadwell vs Kaby Lake
  • 33.3% smaller L2 cache
    This processor has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (2 MB vs 3 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 3 MB.
    2 MB vs 3 MB
  • 25% lower memory speed
    This processor has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,400 MHz vs 3,200 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 3,200 MHz.
    2,400 MHz vs 3,200 MHz
  • Lower JEDEC memory speed
    This processor has a lower JEDEC memory speed than the average processor (DDR4-2400 MHz vs DDR4-3200 MHz). The average processor supports JEDEC memory speed of DDR4-3200 MHz.
    DDR4-2,400 MHz vs DDR4-3,200 MHz
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    This processor supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4).
    x16, x8/x8, x8/x4/x4 vs x16, x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4
  • 2 fewer memory channels
    This processor has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
    4 vs 2
  • No integrated graphics
    This processor does not include integrated graphics, while the average processor does. 85.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
  • No configurable TDP
    This processor does not support configurable TDP, while the average processor does. 53.7% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 3.11x higher base power
    This processor 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
    This processor 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
  • 3.11x higher TDP
    This processor 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
  • 6 °C lower temperature limit
    This processor has a lower temperature limit than the average processor (94 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor can run up to 100 °C.
    94 °C vs 100 °C

Video reviews

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

3.0
Does It Game?!
≈ estimated
21/11/2023
Hands-on retest · gaming and benchmarks against cheaper CPUs
Verdict
Intel Core i7-6900K is a poor buy in 2023, beaten by cheaper newer CPUs in almost every test.
4.0
Greg Salazar
≈ estimated
27/10/2016
Benchmark review · productivity and gaming tests
Verdict
Intel Core i7-6900K is fast in multithreaded work, but not worth its price or X99 platform cost for most users.
7.0
GECID Benchmarks
≈ estimated
01/08/2016
Review and benchmarks · multithreaded and overclocking tests
Verdict
Intel Core i7-6900K is mainly for workstation and multitasking users, with little gain for gaming.
7.0
BPS Customs
≈ estimated
15/06/2016
Hands-on review · benchmarks and overclocking tests
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-6900K is too expensive for most, but a strong workhorse for creative professionals who can afford it.
10
TechteamGB
✓ explicit
31/05/2016
Hands-on review · benchmarks, temperatures and value
Verdict
Intel Core i7-6900K is a very impressive chip and strong value in the enthusiast price class, if you can afford it.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
22/07/2016
Benchmark review · Content creation chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-6900K stays close to the 10-core 6950X in heavy rendering, making it the better-balanced pick for media professionals.
7.8
pcgamer.com
✓ explicit
06/09/2016
Benchmark review · Gaming and workstation
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-6900K is built for video editing and rendering, but for games the i7-6700K is still the better choice.
9.0
chip.de
≈ estimated
21/07/2016
Lab test · Eight-core desktop chip
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-6900K is an eight-core, 16-thread chip, slightly faster and more efficient than its predecessor, with raw speed as its main strength.
9.5
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
31/05/2016
Hands-on test · Benchmarks and overclocking
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-6900K suits heavy multitasking and workloads that use all eight cores, reaching a stable 4.4 GHz overclock at about 1.31 volts.
6.0
tomshw.it
≈ estimated
31/05/2016
Overclock test · Power and temperature
Verdict
The Intel Core i7-6900K runs efficiently at stock speeds, but it cannot be overclocked past 4.3 GHz and draws over 200 watts at full load.

Third-party reviews

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 don't like 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.

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.

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