CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-6850K vs Intel Core i7-5930K
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-6850K is a high-end desktop processor that occupies the middle tier of the Broadwell-E lineup. Engineered for demanding enthusiasts and professional creators, it features six cores and twelve threads, providing substantial parallel processing power. It operates at a base clock of 3.6 GHz and can boost up to 4.0 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0, ensuring snappy single-threaded performance when needed. Unlike the entry-level 6800K, the 6850K offers a full 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, unlocking maximum expansion potential for quad-GPU setups or massive NVMe storage arrays. It utilizes the LGA 2011-v3 socket and supports quad-channel DDR4 memory, delivering up to 76.8 GB/s of bandwidth. With a 140-watt TDP, it is a power-hungry chip designed for robust cooling. Lacking integrated graphics, it targets users who rely on discrete GPUs, excelling in complex 3D rendering, heavy video editing, and intensive virtualization environments where PCIe lanes and memory bandwidth are critical bottlenecks.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
6 cores handle heavy rendering well, but lack modern IPC.
Respectable multi-threaded throughput in legacy workloads, but modern chips finish faster while using less power.
Gaming
Good for 60fps gaming, but single-core speed limits high-refresh performance.
Playable in older games; struggles with CPU-heavy modern titles at high refresh due to lower IPC and clocks compared to newer CPUs.
Virtualization
40 PCIe lanes and 12 threads make it excellent for VMs.
Adequate for lab use with its PCIe and memory bandwidth, though limited core count and efficiency by today’s standards.
Efficiency
140W TDP is power-hungry by modern standards.
High 140 W TDP for 6/12; modern platforms deliver far better performance-per-watt.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is moderate due to core count
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware.
- Suitable only for light CPU-based inference workloads.
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
- Multi-GPU support was a highlight in its time, but multi-GPU gaming has declined.
- Capable of 1080p/1440p with a strong GPU, though new titles may bottleneck.
- Boost to 3.7 GHz is modest compared with today’s high-clocked desktop CPUs.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes directly from the CPU
- Quad-channel DDR4 memory support
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Solid multi-threaded performance for its era
- Proven X99 platform with broad motherboard options
Cons
- No integrated graphics; a discrete GPU is required
- High 140 W TDP with older 22 nm process
- Lower single-thread performance than modern CPUs
- Platform has no upgrade path beyond Broadwell-E
- Memory support capped at DDR4-2133 officially
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i7-5930K
- AMD Ryzen 9 3950XRival
HEDT/High-End Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- RivalCompare head-to-head
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950XRival
HEDT/Workstation
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6850KRival
HEDT (same platform successor)
Cheaper entry to X99 with 6 cores but fewer PCIe lanes.
Compare head-to-head8-core option on the same platform if you need more cores and lanes.
Compare head-to-headMuch faster gaming and general performance on a more modern mainstream platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 5950XAlt
16 cores, far superior performance and efficiency on AM4.
- AMD Ryzen 7 7700XAlt
Strong single-thread performance and modern platform features on AM5.
Our Verdict on Each
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 reviewThe i7-5930K was a sensible mid-tier HEDT pick in 2014, offering nearly the same multi-GPU and multi-threaded capabilities as the higher-priced model while costing less. Today, it remains viable for specific workloads that need many PCIe lanes and memory bandwidth, but efficiency and single-thread speeds lag far behind modern chips.
Best for: A very low-cost used HEDT build that needs 40 PCIe lanes and quad-channel DDR4, especially for multi-GPU or many NVMe drives.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-6850K or Intel Core i7-5930K?
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 i7-6850K or Intel Core i7-5930K?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6850K leads with a gaming performance score of 68/100 among Intel Core i7-6850K and Intel Core i7-5930K.
Do Intel Core i7-6850K and Intel Core i7-5930K use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-6850K: Intel Socket 2011-3, Intel Core i7-5930K: LGA2011-v3 (FCLGA2011)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-6850K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-6850K (13,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.