CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-6700TE vs Core i7-660UE

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-6700TE is a specialized embedded processor based on the 6th Generation Skylake architecture, engineered specifically for long-life cycle applications such as digital signage, kiosks, and industrial IoT devices. Distinguished by the 'TE' suffix, this chip guarantees extended availability, ensuring that system designers can rely on its consistent specifications for years. It features four cores and eight threads, operating at a base frequency of 2.4 GHz with a maximum turbo boost of 3.4 GHz. The processor maintains a strict 35-watt thermal design power, making it suitable for compact, fanless enclosures commonly used in industrial environments. Unlike standard desktop variants, the 6700TE exclusively supports DDR4 memory, reflecting its forward-looking design for stable embedded platforms. With 8 MB of L3 cache and Intel HD Graphics 530, it delivers reliable parallel processing and multimedia decoding capabilities, providing a robust foundation for unattended edge computing and ruggedized deployments where reliability is paramount.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-6700TE
4C / 8T3.4 GHz35 W
8
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Core i7-660UE
2C / 4T2.4 GHz18 W
6.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Embedded
Segment
Embedded
Embedded
Generation
Core i7 (Skylake)
1st Gen Core i7 (Arrandale)
Launched
2015
2010
Status
Active
End-of-life
Codename
Skylake
Arrandale
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
6th Generation
1st Generation
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-4700TE
Core 2 Duo ULV
Successor
Intel Core i7-7700TE
Sandy Bridge Embedded

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
2
Threads
8
4
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
1.333 GHz
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
2.4 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
4 MB
TDP
35 W
18 W
Architecture
Architecture
Skylake
Arrandale
Process Node
14nm
32nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR3
Memory Speed
2133 MT/s
1066 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
64 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 1151
Intel BGA 1288
PCIe Version
Gen 3
Gen 2
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-6700TEBest70

Handles specialized industrial software efficiently.

Core i7-660UE35

Adequate for specific embedded tasks but slow for general OS navigation today.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-6700TEBest25

Not intended for gaming; HD 530 is insufficient for modern titles.

Core i7-660UE15

Not intended for gaming; lacks modern API support.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-6700TEBest65

vPro makes it decent for light edge virtualization.

Core i7-660UE30

VT-x support is present, but limited cores restrict VM density.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-6700TEBest95

Excellent efficiency for always-on embedded devices.

Core i7-660UE65

Excellent efficiency for 2010 embedded standards.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-6700TELimited
  • No dedicated AI hardware
  • Relies on CPU for inference
Core i7-660UENone
  • No AI capabilities
  • Designed well before AI integration

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-6700TEFair
Data AcquisitionSignal ProcessingIndustrial UI
Core i7-660UEPoor
None modern

Gaming

Intel Core i7-6700TELow
  • Uses Intel HD Graphics 530
  • Suitable only for basic display output
  • Not for gaming applications
Core i7-660UEPoor
  • Legacy IGP only
  • Insufficient for 3D workloads
  • Not targeted at consumers

Industry Impact

Gaming
None
None
Workstations
Moderate
Moderate
Content Creation
Low
Low
Virtualization
Moderate
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

Edge Computing
Excellent
Industrial Control
Excellent
Digital Signage
Excellent
Good
Medical Devices
Very Good
Gaming
Poor
Poor
Industrial Controllers
Good
Network Appliances
Good

Target Audience

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

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-6700TE

Pros

  • Intel vPro support
  • Long lifecycle availability
  • 35W TDP for fanless designs
  • Good burst performance

Cons

  • Expensive due to embedded market
  • Weak integrated graphics
  • Locked multiplier
  • Older 14nm process
Core i7-660UE

Pros

  • ECC memory support
  • Long embedded lifecycle
  • Low 18W TDP
  • Hardware virtualization (VT-d)

Cons

  • Obsolete performance
  • Soldered BGA package
  • Limited availability
  • Expensive for its performance

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-6700TE

  • AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B

    Embedded

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-7700TE

    Embedded

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-6500TE

    Embedded

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen Embedded V1807B

    Embedded

    Rival
  • Intel Atom x7-E3950

    Embedded

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen Embedded V2000
    Alt

    More cores and better efficiency.

  • Intel Xeon E-2176G
    Alt

    Server-grade embedded alternative with ECC.

  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600GE
    Alt

    Modern desktop embedded alternative.

Core i7-660UE

  • AMD Embedded G-T56N

    Embedded ULV

    Rival
  • Intel Atom D525

    Embedded

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-610E

    Embedded

    Rival
  • AMD Turion II Neo K625

    Embedded ULV

    Rival
  • Intel Core 2 Duo SP9600

    Embedded

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-660UM
    Alt

    Consumer alternative if ECC is not required.

  • Intel Core i5-430UE
    Alt

    Lower cost embedded alternative.

  • AMD Embedded G-T40N
    Alt

    AMD alternative for low-power embedded systems.

  • Intel Core i7-2617UE
    Alt

    Newer generation embedded alternative.

Our Verdict on Each

A robust embedded processor offering excellent longevity and vPro manageability for specialized industrial applications.

Best for: Designing a long-life medical or industrial edge device.

Read the full review
Core i7-660UESituational

A reliable embedded chip for its era, offering ECC support and low power consumption for mission-critical applications.

Best for: Replacing a failed chip in legacy industrial hardware

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-6700TE or Core i7-660UE?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-6700TE 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 i7-6700TE or Core i7-660UE?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6700TE leads with a gaming performance score of 25/100 among Intel Core i7-6700TE and Core i7-660UE.

Which uses less power?

The Core i7-660UE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-6700TE (35 W), Core i7-660UE (18 W).

Do Intel Core i7-6700TE and Core i7-660UE use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-6700TE: Intel Socket 1151, Core i7-660UE: Intel BGA 1288), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which has more cores?

The Intel Core i7-6700TE has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-6700TE (4 cores), Core i7-660UE (2 cores).

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Intel Core i7-6700TE posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-6700TE (6,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.