CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-6700 vs Intel Core i7-6700K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-6700 is a mainstream quad-core desktop processor that served as the backbone of the 6th Generation Skylake lineup. Released in 2015, it brought incremental but meaningful improvements over the previous Haswell generation, including higher IPC, improved integrated graphics, and the introduction of DDR4 memory support to the mainstream market. Operating at a base clock of 3.4 GHz and boosting up to 4.0 GHz, it delivered strong single-threaded performance ideal for gaming and everyday productivity. With four cores and eight threads, it handled the multitasking demands of the era effectively. The 65-watt TDP ensured it ran efficiently and coolly, making it a staple in millions of office and home PCs worldwide. The inclusion of Intel HD Graphics 530 allowed for smooth 4K video playback and basic media tasks without requiring a discrete GPU, cementing its reputation as a versatile, do-it-all processor for mainstream users.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office workloads and multitasking without issues.
Good for general tasks, but 4 cores struggle with heavy rendering.
Gaming
Good for 60fps gaming with a discrete GPU, but struggles with modern high-refresh titles.
Still handles 60fps gaming well, but quad-core limitations show in modern CPU-heavy titles.
Virtualization
Capable of running 1-2 light VMs.
Okay for light VMs, but limited by core count.
Efficiency
Highly efficient 65W design.
91W TDP is manageable, but power draw increases significantly when overclocked.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow due to core count
Content Creation
Gaming
- Needs a discrete GPU for modern gaming
- Quad-core design is aging for new AAA games
- Great for older or esports titles
- Can handle 60fps gaming with a mid-range GPU
- Struggles with high-refresh-rate modern titles
- Excellent for retro and esports gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent power efficiency (65W)
- Solid single-core performance
- Supports DDR4 memory
- Good integrated graphics
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Locked multiplier
- No PCIe 4.0
- Outdated platform
Pros
- Unlocked for overclocking
- High 4.0 GHz base clock
- Supports DDR4 memory
- Strong single-core performance
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Runs hot when overclocked
- Uses thermal paste under IHS
- Older 14nm process
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-6700
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop
- AMD FX-8370Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-6600Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4790Rival
Desktop
- AMD A10-7890KRival
Desktop
- Intel Core i7-7700Alt
Slightly faster with better clock speeds.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Vastly superior modern alternative for budget builds.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Alt
More cores, better modern value.
Cheaper, 6 cores, better performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Legacy alternative with much better multi-threading.
Intel Core i7-6700K
- AMD FX-8370Rival
Desktop Enthusiast
- AMD FX-9590Rival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4790KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-6600KRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Intel Core i7-7700KAlt
Successor with slightly better clocks and IPC.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Vastly superior modern alternative for budget builds.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500Alt
More cores, better modern value.
Cheaper, 6 cores, better performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Legacy alternative with much better multi-threading.
Our Verdict on Each
A reliable and efficient quad-core CPU that was the gold standard for mainstream desktop computing in 2015, still capable of basic tasks today.
Best for: Upgrading an older LGA 1151 system for budget 1080p gaming.
Read the full reviewAn iconic processor that brought DDR4 to the mainstream, offering incredible overclocking headroom and gaming performance that still holds up for basic use.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1151 system for budget 1080p gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-6700 or Intel Core i7-6700K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-6700K comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-6700 or Intel Core i7-6700K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6700K leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i7-6700 and Intel Core i7-6700K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-6700 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-6700 (65 W), Intel Core i7-6700K (91 W).
Do Intel Core i7-6700 and Intel Core i7-6700K use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket 1151 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-6700K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-6700 (7,500), Intel Core i7-6700K (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.