CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-6700 vs Core i7-7700
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.
Gaming
Good for 60fps gaming with a discrete GPU, but struggles with modern high-refresh titles.
Virtualization
Capable of running 1-2 light VMs.
Efficiency
Highly efficient 65W design.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
No data
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
- Needs a discrete GPU for modern gaming
- Quad-core design is aging for new AAA games
- Great for older or esports titles
No data
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- Outdated platform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
- Low 65W TDP
- Good single-core performance
- Includes integrated graphics
- Wide compatibility with LGA 1151 motherboards
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Locked multiplier
- Older 14nm process
- Limited multi-threaded performance by modern standards
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.
Core i7-7700
- AMD Ryzen 5 1500XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-7600KRival
Mainstream Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6700Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD FX-8350Rival
Mainstream Desktop
- Intel Core i7-7700KAlt
Unlocked for overclocking and higher base clocks.
More budget-friendly 4-core option.
Compare head-to-headNext-gen upgrade with 6 cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Much newer architecture with better IPC.
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 reviewA solid quad-core processor from 2017 that still handles everyday tasks and older games well, though it struggles with modern multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: Upgrading an existing LGA 1151 system on a tight budget
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-6700 or Core i7-7700?
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 i7-7700?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6700 leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i7-6700 and Core i7-7700.
Do Intel Core i7-6700 and Core i7-7700 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-6700: Intel Socket 1151, Core i7-7700: LGA 1151), 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 i7-7700 (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.