CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-6800K vs Intel Core i7-6850K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-6800K is a high-end desktop (HEDT) processor built on the Broadwell-E architecture. Designed for enthusiasts and professionals, it features six cores and twelve threads, offering a significant multi-threaded performance leap over mainstream quad-core CPUs of its era. Operating at a base frequency of 3.4 GHz and boosting up to 3.8 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0, it delivers robust computing power for demanding applications. Unlike mainstream chips, it utilizes the LGA 2011-v3 socket and the X99 chipset, supporting quad-channel DDR4 memory for massive memory bandwidth. With 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes, it provides extensive expansion capabilities for multi-GPU setups and high-speed storage arrays. The 140-watt TDP reflects its workstation-class design. While it lacks integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU, the 6800K excels in parallel processing tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and virtualization, making it a powerhouse for creators who need more than standard desktop platforms offer.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
6 cores handle rendering well, but lack the speed of modern architectures.
6 cores handle heavy rendering well, but lack modern IPC.
Gaming
Good for gaming, but single-core speed lags behind modern CPUs.
Good for 60fps gaming, but single-core speed limits high-refresh performance.
Virtualization
Quad-channel memory and 12 threads make it great for VMs.
40 PCIe lanes and 12 threads make it excellent for VMs.
Efficiency
140W TDP is power-hungry by modern standards.
140W TDP is power-hungry by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is moderate due to core count
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is moderate due to core count
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can handle modern games with a discrete GPU
- Lower single-core speed limits high-refresh gaming
- Great for multi-tasking while gaming
- Can handle modern games with a discrete GPU
- Lower single-core speed limits high-refresh gaming
- Great for multi-tasking while gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- 28 PCIe lanes
- Quad-channel memory
- Unlocked for overclocking
Cons
- High 140W TDP
- Older 14nm process
- Only 28 PCIe lanes
- Lacks integrated graphics
Pros
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Full 40 PCIe lanes
- Quad-channel memory
- Unlocked for overclocking
Cons
- High 140W TDP
- Older 14nm process
- Lacks integrated graphics
- Expensive on the used market
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-6800K
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700XRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-5820KRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Rival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-7800XRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6850KRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAlt
Vastly superior single-core speed and efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Modern alternative that beats it in almost everything.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
8 cores, better IPC, lower power.
Intel Core i7-6850K
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800XRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6800KRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-5930KRival
High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700XRival
High-End Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-7820XRival
High-End Desktop
Offers 8 cores for more multi-threaded power.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600XAlt
Vastly superior single-core speed and efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-12400FAlt
Modern alternative that beats it in almost everything.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700XAlt
8 cores, better IPC, lower power.
Our Verdict on Each
A solid entry point into the HEDT market, offering 6 cores and 28 PCIe lanes, though aging rapidly compared to modern alternatives.
Best for: Upgrading an existing X99 system for more cores.
Read the full reviewAn excellent HEDT chip for its time, offering 40 PCIe lanes and strong multi-core performance, though outclassed by modern hardware.
Best for: Upgrading an X99 system for maximum PCIe expansion.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-6800K or Intel Core i7-6850K?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-6850K comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. 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 i7-6800K or Intel Core i7-6850K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6850K leads with a gaming performance score of 68/100 among Intel Core i7-6800K and Intel Core i7-6850K.
Do Intel Core i7-6800K and Intel Core i7-6850K use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket 2011-3 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-6850K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-6800K (13,000), Intel Core i7-6850K (13,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.