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.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles specialized industrial software efficiently.
Adequate for specific embedded tasks but slow for general OS navigation today.
Gaming
Not intended for gaming; HD 530 is insufficient for modern titles.
Not intended for gaming; lacks modern API support.
Virtualization
vPro makes it decent for light edge virtualization.
VT-x support is present, but limited cores restrict VM density.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency for always-on embedded devices.
Excellent efficiency for 2010 embedded standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Relies on CPU for inference
- No AI capabilities
- Designed well before AI integration
Content Creation
Gaming
- Uses Intel HD Graphics 530
- Suitable only for basic display output
- Not for gaming applications
- Legacy IGP only
- Insufficient for 3D workloads
- Not targeted at consumers
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
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 V1605BRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-7700TERival
Embedded
- Intel Core i5-6500TERival
Embedded
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1807BRival
Embedded
- Intel Atom x7-E3950Rival
Embedded
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V2000Alt
More cores and better efficiency.
- Intel Xeon E-2176GAlt
Server-grade embedded alternative with ECC.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Modern desktop embedded alternative.
Core i7-660UE
- AMD Embedded G-T56NRival
Embedded ULV
- Intel Atom D525Rival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-610ERival
Embedded
- AMD Turion II Neo K625Rival
Embedded ULV
- Intel Core 2 Duo SP9600Rival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-660UMAlt
Consumer alternative if ECC is not required.
- Intel Core i5-430UEAlt
Lower cost embedded alternative.
- AMD Embedded G-T40NAlt
AMD alternative for low-power embedded systems.
- Intel Core i7-2617UEAlt
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 reviewA 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 reviewFrequently 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.