CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-6700 vs Core i7-6785R

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 · 6th Generation Core i7
Core i7-6785R
4C / 8T3.9 GHz65 W
7.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
Desktop
BGA Desktop
Generation
Core i7 (Skylake)
6th Gen
Launched
2015
2016
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Skylake
Skylake-R
Series
Core i7
6th Generation Core i7
Family
6th Generation
Skylake-R
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-4790
Core i7-5775R
Successor
Intel Core i7-7700
N/A

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
3.4 GHz
3.3 GHz
Boost Clock
4 GHz
3.9 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
8 MB
TDP
65 W
65 W
Architecture
Architecture
Skylake
Skylake-R
Process Node
14nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3, DDR4
DDR4, DDR3L
Memory Speed
2133 MT/s
DDR4-2133, DDR3L-1600
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
64 GB
64 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 1151
Intel BGA 1440
PCIe Version
Gen 3
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-670075

Handles office workloads and multitasking without issues.

Core i7-6785R

Gaming

Intel Core i7-670065

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

Core i7-6785R

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-670060

Capable of running 1-2 light VMs.

Core i7-6785R

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-670090

Highly efficient 65W design.

Core i7-6785R

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-6700Limited
  • No AI hardware
  • CPU inference is slow
Core i7-6785R

No data

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-6700Fair
Basic Photo Editing1080p Video EditingAudio Production
Core i7-6785R

No data

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
Core i7-6785R

No data

Industry Impact

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

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Productivity
Excellent
1080p Gaming (with GPU)
Very Good
Programming
Very Good
4K Media Playback
Excellent
Heavy Rendering
Poor
Compact Media PC
Excellent
Light 1080p Gaming
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Content Creators
Developers
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
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
Core i7-6785R

Pros

  • Powerful Iris Pro 580 integrated graphics
  • 128MB eDRAM boosts CPU and GPU performance
  • Low 65W TDP
  • Good 3.9 GHz single-core performance

Cons

  • Soldered BGA package (cannot be upgraded)
  • Hard to source for consumers
  • Only 4 cores
  • Older 14nm process

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-6700

Core i7-6785R

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
Core i7-6785RSituational

A unique BGA desktop CPU with exceptional integrated graphics for its era. Perfect for small form factor builds where a discrete GPU isn't possible.

Best for: Buying a used NUC or AIO with this chip pre-installed

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-6700 or Core i7-6785R?

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 Core i7-6785R?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6700 leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i7-6700 and Core i7-6785R.

Do Intel Core i7-6700 and Core i7-6785R use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-6700: Intel Socket 1151, Core i7-6785R: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

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), Core i7-6785R (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.