CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-6900K vs Core i7-7820X

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-6900K is a formidable high-end desktop processor built on the Broadwell-E architecture, designed for extreme enthusiasts and professional content creators. Featuring eight cores and sixteen threads, it delivers massive multi-threaded processing power for the most demanding workloads. It operates at a base clock of 3.2 GHz and utilizes Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 to dynamically push frequencies up to 4.0 GHz on the fastest core, balancing raw parallel performance with responsive single-threaded speed. The processor leverages the LGA 2011-v3 socket, supporting quad-channel DDR4 memory for unparalleled memory bandwidth. With a full 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, it supports expansive multi-GPU configurations and high-speed NVMe RAID arrays without bandwidth bottlenecks. Its 20 MB of L3 cache ensures efficient data handling across all eight cores. The 140-watt TDP requires robust cooling, but the payoff is exceptional performance in 3D rendering, complex video editing, and heavy virtualization scenarios, making it a true workstation powerhouse.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-6900K
8C / 16T4 GHz140 W
8.5
Full review
Intel · X-Series 7th Gen
Core i7-7820X
8C / 16T4.5 GHz140 W
8
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)
7th Gen X-Series
Launched
2016
2017
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Broadwell-E
Skylake-X
Series
Core i7
X-Series 7th Gen
Family
6th Generation
Skylake-X
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-5960X
Core i7-6900K
Successor
Intel Core i9-7820X
Core i9-9800X

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
8
8
Threads
16
16
Base Clock
3.2 GHz
3.6 GHz
Boost Clock
4 GHz
4.5 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
20 MB
11 MB
TDP
140 W
140 W
Architecture
Architecture
Broadwell-E
Skylake-X
Process Node
14nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR4
Memory Speed
2400 MT/s
2666 MT/s
Memory Channels
Quad (4)
Quad (4)
Max Memory
128 GB
128 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket 2011-3
LGA 2066
PCIe Version
Gen 3
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
40
28
Integrated GPU
None
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-6900K85

8 cores handle heavy rendering excellently, but lack modern IPC.

Core i7-7820X

Gaming

Intel Core i7-6900K68

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

Core i7-7820X

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-6900K90

40 PCIe lanes and 16 threads make it perfect for VMs.

Core i7-7820X

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-6900K40

140W TDP is power-hungry by modern standards.

Core i7-7820X

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-6900KLimited
  • No AI hardware
  • CPU inference is good due to core count
Core i7-7820X

No data

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-6900KExcellent
Premiere ProBlenderAutoCADDaVinci Resolve
Core i7-7820X

No data

Gaming

Intel Core i7-6900KGood
  • Can handle modern games with a discrete GPU
  • Lower single-core speed limits high-refresh gaming
  • Great for multi-tasking while gaming
Core i7-7820X

No data

Industry Impact

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

Best CPU by Use Case

4K Video Editing
Excellent
Excellent
3D Rendering
Excellent
Excellent
Virtual Machines
Excellent
Streaming
Excellent
High-Refresh Gaming
Good

Target Audience

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

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-6900K

Pros

  • 8 cores / 16 threads
  • Full 40 PCIe lanes
  • Quad-channel memory
  • 20 MB L3 cache

Cons

  • High 140W TDP
  • Older 14nm process
  • Lacks integrated graphics
  • Expensive on the used market
Core i7-7820X

Pros

  • Strong 8-core multi-threaded performance
  • Turbo Boost Max 3.0 for high single-core bursts
  • Quad-channel memory support
  • AVX-512 support

Cons

  • High 140W TDP
  • Runs very hot (uses thermal paste)
  • Lacks integrated graphics
  • Expensive X299 platform

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-6900K

Core i7-7820X

Our Verdict on Each

An incredible 8-core HEDT processor for its time, offering massive multi-threaded power, though modern mainstream CPUs now match or exceed it.

Best for: Upgrading an X99 system for maximum multi-core rendering.

Read the full review
Core i7-7820XSituational

An excellent 8-core HEDT processor for 2017, offering a great balance of frequency and core count, though it suffers from high thermals.

Best for: Used budget workstation build

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-6900K or Core i7-7820X?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-6900K comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 i7-6900K or Core i7-7820X?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-6900K leads with a gaming performance score of 68/100 among Intel Core i7-6900K and Core i7-7820X.

Do Intel Core i7-6900K and Core i7-7820X use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-6900K: Intel Socket 2011-3, Core i7-7820X: LGA 2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Intel Core i7-6900K posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-6900K (17,000), Core i7-7820X (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.