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.

Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-6800K
6C / 12T3.8 GHz140 W
8
Full review
Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-6850K
6C / 12T4 GHz140 W
8.2
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Desktop
Desktop
Segment
High-End Desktop
High-End Desktop
Generation
Core i7 (Broadwell-E)
Core i7 (Broadwell-E)
Launched
2016
2016
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Broadwell-E
Broadwell-E
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
6th Generation
6th Generation
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-5820K
Intel Core i7-5930K
Successor
Intel Core i7-7800X
Intel Core i7-7820X

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
6
6
Threads
12
12
Base Clock
3.4 GHz
3.6 GHz
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz
4 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
15 MB
15 MB
TDP
140 W
140 W
Architecture
Architecture
Broadwell-E
Broadwell-E
Process Node
14nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR4
Memory Speed
2400 MT/s
2400 MT/s
Memory Channels
Quad (4)
Quad (4)
Max Memory
128 GB
128 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 2011-3
Intel Socket 2011-3
PCIe Version
Gen 3
Gen 3
PCIe Lanes
28
40
Integrated GPU
None
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-6800K75

6 cores handle rendering well, but lack the speed of modern architectures.

Intel Core i7-6850KBest78

6 cores handle heavy rendering well, but lack modern IPC.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-6800K65

Good for gaming, but single-core speed lags behind modern CPUs.

Intel Core i7-6850KBest68

Good for 60fps gaming, but single-core speed limits high-refresh performance.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-6800K80

Quad-channel memory and 12 threads make it great for VMs.

Intel Core i7-6850KBest85

40 PCIe lanes and 12 threads make it excellent for VMs.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-6800K40

140W TDP is power-hungry by modern standards.

Intel Core i7-6850K40

140W TDP is power-hungry by modern standards.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-6800KLimited
  • No AI hardware
  • CPU inference is moderate due to core count
Intel Core i7-6850KLimited
  • No AI hardware
  • CPU inference is moderate due to core count

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-6800KVery Good
Premiere ProBlenderAutoCADDaVinci Resolve
Intel Core i7-6850KExcellent
Premiere ProBlenderAutoCADDaVinci Resolve

Gaming

Intel Core i7-6800KGood
  • Can handle modern games with a discrete GPU
  • Lower single-core speed limits high-refresh gaming
  • Great for multi-tasking while gaming
Intel Core i7-6850KGood
  • Can handle modern games with a discrete GPU
  • Lower single-core speed limits high-refresh gaming
  • Great for multi-tasking while gaming

Industry Impact

Gaming
Moderate
Moderate
Workstations
High
High
Content Creation
High
High
Virtualization
High
High

Best CPU by Use Case

4K Video Editing
Very Good
Excellent
3D Rendering
Very Good
Excellent
Virtual Machines
Excellent
Excellent
1440p Gaming
Good
Compilation
Excellent
Multi-GPU Compute
Excellent
High-Refresh Gaming
Fair

Target Audience

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

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-6800K

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
Intel Core i7-6850K

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

Intel Core i7-6850K

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 review

An 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 review

Frequently 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.