CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-6700K vs Core i7-875K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-6700K is an enthusiast-grade quad-core desktop processor that became the definitive gaming CPU of its generation. Released as the flagship of the 6th Gen Skylake lineup, it introduced the new LGA 1151 socket and DDR4 memory support to the mainstream market. Operating at a high base clock of 4.0 GHz and boosting up to 4.2 GHz, it delivered exceptional single-threaded performance, dominating benchmarks at the time. With four cores and eight threads, it provided the multi-tasking headroom necessary for concurrent gaming and streaming. The unlocked multiplier made it a favorite among overclockers, capable of easily reaching 4.6 GHz or higher with adequate cooling. Its 91-watt TDP reflects its focus on raw performance. Paired with the Z170 chipset, the 6700K offered cutting-edge features like NVMe storage and advanced PCIe lane allocation, cementing its legacy as a highly capable, overclocking-friendly processor that pushed the limits of 14nm technology.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Good for general tasks, but 4 cores struggle with heavy rendering.
Identical to i7-870 at stock, highly responsive when OC'd.
Gaming
Still handles 60fps gaming well, but quad-core limitations show in modern CPU-heavy titles.
Handles old games well but bottlenecks modern titles.
Virtualization
Okay for light VMs, but limited by core count.
Good for legacy VMs.
Efficiency
91W TDP is manageable, but power draw increases significantly when overclocked.
95W TDP, but power draw increases heavily when overclocked.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow due to core count
- No AI hardware
- Unsuitable for modern inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can handle 60fps gaming with a mid-range GPU
- Struggles with high-refresh-rate modern titles
- Excellent for retro and esports gaming
- PCIe 2.0 only
- No AVX support
- Requires discrete GPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier
- 8MB L3 cache
- High turbo clock
- Historical significance
Cons
- Obsolete platform
- No integrated graphics
- No stock cooler
- DDR3 only
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Core i7-875K
- AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black EditionRival
Desktop Enthusiast
- Intel Core i7-870Rival
Desktop High-End
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-750Rival
Desktop Mainstream
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-920Rival
Desktop High-End
- AMD Phenom II X6 1090TRival
Desktop Enthusiast
The true successor, massively better OC potential.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Phenom II X4 965 BEAlt
AMD's unlocked alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
An 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 reviewA groundbreaking CPU that brought unlocked multipliers to the mainstream, making overclocking accessible. Still obsolete but legendary.
Best for: Legacy LGA 1156 overclocking project.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-6700K or Core i7-875K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6700K leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i7-6700K and Core i7-875K.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-6700K has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-6700K (91 W), Core i7-875K (95 W).
Do Intel Core i7-6700K and Core i7-875K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-6700K: Intel Socket 1151, Core i7-875K: Intel Socket 1156), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-6700K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-6700K (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.