CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-6700 vs Intel Core i7-6700T

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.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-6700
4C / 8T4 GHz65 W
8
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-6700T
4C / 8T3.6 GHz35 W
7.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
Desktop
Desktop Low Power
Generation
Core i7 (Skylake)
Core i7 (Skylake)
Launched
2015
2015
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Skylake
Skylake
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
6th Generation
6th Generation
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-4790
Intel Core i7-4790T
Successor
Intel Core i7-7700
Intel Core i7-7700T

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
3.4 GHz
2.8 GHz
Boost Clock
4 GHz
3.6 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
8 MB
TDP
65 W
35 W
Architecture
Architecture
Skylake
Skylake
Process Node
14nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3, DDR4
DDR3, DDR4
Memory Speed
2133 MT/s
2133 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
64 GB
64 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 1151
Intel Socket 1151
PCIe Version
Gen 3
Gen 3
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-6700Best75

Handles office workloads and multitasking without issues.

Intel Core i7-6700T70

Handles office applications and multitasking smoothly.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-6700Best65

Good for 60fps gaming with a discrete GPU, but struggles with modern high-refresh titles.

Intel Core i7-6700T30

Only suitable for very light or older games on low settings.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-6700Best60

Capable of running 1-2 light VMs.

Intel Core i7-6700T55

Can run light VMs but limited by 35W power constraints.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-670090

Highly efficient 65W design.

Intel Core i7-6700TBest98

Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for silent computing.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-6700Limited
  • No AI hardware
  • CPU inference is slow
Intel Core i7-6700TLimited
  • No dedicated AI hardware
  • Basic CPU inference only

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-6700Fair
Basic Photo Editing1080p Video EditingAudio Production
Intel Core i7-6700TFair
Basic Photo EditingAudio Production1080p Video Editing

Gaming

Intel Core i7-6700Good
  • Needs a discrete GPU for modern gaming
  • Quad-core design is aging for new AAA games
  • Great for older or esports titles
Intel Core i7-6700TLow
  • Relies on Intel HD Graphics 530
  • Not suitable for modern AAA titles
  • Great for retro or indie gaming

Industry Impact

Gaming
High
Low
Workstations
Moderate
Moderate
Content Creation
Moderate
Low
Virtualization
Moderate
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Productivity
Excellent
1080p Gaming (with GPU)
Very Good
Programming
Very Good
4K Media Playback
Excellent
Heavy Rendering
Poor
Silent Office PC
Excellent
Home Theater PC
Excellent
Light Productivity
Very Good
Web Browsing
Excellent
Modern Gaming
Poor

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Content Creators
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-6700

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
Intel Core i7-6700T

Pros

  • Extremely low 35W TDP
  • Supports DDR4 memory
  • Good for silent computing
  • Solid quad-core multitasking

Cons

  • Locked multiplier
  • Older 14nm process
  • Weak integrated graphics
  • Limited upgrade path

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-6700

Intel Core i7-6700T

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 review

A highly efficient 35W processor that delivers reliable quad-core performance for SFF builds, though it lacks the power for modern heavy workloads.

Best for: Building a low-power home server or near-silent HTPC.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-6700 or Intel Core i7-6700T?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-6700 comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. 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 i7-6700T?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6700 leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i7-6700 and Intel Core i7-6700T.

Which uses less power?

The Intel Core i7-6700T has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-6700 (65 W), Intel Core i7-6700T (35 W).

Do Intel Core i7-6700 and Intel Core i7-6700T 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 i7-6700 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-6700 (7,500), Intel Core i7-6700T (6,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.