CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-6800K vs Intel Core i7-7740X
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-6800K is a six-core, 12-thread HEDT processor on the X99 platform, offering quad-channel DDR4, 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes, and Turbo Boost Max 3.0 for creators and enthusiasts who need more I/O than mainstream desktops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Gaming
Virtualization
Efficiency
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated NPUs or matrix accelerators
- Suitable for CPU-bound inference workloads only
- AVX2 support helps in some compute-heavy tasks
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- Suited only for CPU-bound inference and older ML frameworks
Content Creation
Gaming
- Handles high-refresh gaming with a capable GPU
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 can aid lightly threaded titles
- Modern CPUs typically deliver higher gaming efficiency
- Strong single-threaded core performance keeps frame rates competitive in many titles
- Best paired with mid-to-high-end discrete GPUs
- Modern gaming CPUs with more cores and faster memory often deliver better 1% lows
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Six cores and 12 threads remain viable for productivity
- Quad-channel DDR4 provides strong memory bandwidth
- 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes enable multi-GPU and NVMe flexibility
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking enthusiasts
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 improves lightly threaded performance
Cons
- 140 W TDP is high by modern standards
- No integrated graphics requires a discrete GPU
- X99 platform is legacy with limited future CPU options
- PCIe lane count lower than 40-lane Broadwell-E SKUs
- Launch price higher than newer, more efficient options
Pros
- High out-of-box clocks
- Unlocked for overclocking
- X299 platform offers flexible chipset PCIe lanes and storage options
- Strong single-threaded performance for its era
- Can breathe life into idle LGA2066 boards
Cons
- Quad core count limits multi-threaded performance
- Only 16 CPU PCIe lanes
- No integrated graphics
- 112 W TDP for four cores is relatively power-hungry
- Platform is discontinued with limited future upgrade options
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-6800K
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Rival
Creator
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800XRival
Enthusiast
- Intel Core i7-6700KRival
Mainstream Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-5820KRival
Previous-Gen HEDT
- Intel Core i7-7820XAlt
More cores and higher PCIe lane count on the newer X299 platform.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800XAlt
Much higher single-thread performance and efficiency on AM4.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
12 cores and 24 threads with strong performance per watt.
- Intel Core i7-14700KAlt
Modern DDR5 platform with more cores and features for new builds.
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950XAlt
Cutting-edge multi-threaded performance and PCIe 5.0 support.
Intel Core i7-7740X
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600XRival
Gaming & Productivity
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Rival
Creator
- Intel Core i7-7700KRival
Gaming
- Intel Core i5-7640XRival
Gaming
- Intel Core i7-7820XRival
Workstation
- Intel Core i7-8700KAlt
More cores and better value for gaming and productivity.
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700XAlt
Higher multi-threaded performance and efficiency.
- Intel Core i9-9900KAlt
Strong all-round performance on mainstream platforms.
- Intel Core i7-9700KAlt
More cores and newer platform features.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600Alt
Much better performance per watt and platform longevity.
Our Verdict on Each
A capable entry point into X99 HEDT with solid multi-threading and PCIe headroom, now best suited to budget used builds or specialized workloads rather than new gaming rigs.
Best for: Budget-conscious used HEDT build for multi-threaded workloads
Read the full reviewA niche, high-clock quad-core for X299 that delivers strong single-threaded performance but lacks the PCIe and memory bandwidth of Skylake-X siblings, making sense only at low prices for specific reuse scenarios.
Best for: Reusing an existing LGA2066 board for gaming or general tasks when the CPU is acquired at very low cost.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-6800K or Intel Core i7-7740X?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-6800K 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 uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-7740X has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-6800K (140 W), Intel Core i7-7740X (112 W).
Do Intel Core i7-6800K and Intel Core i7-7740X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-6800K: LGA2011-v3, Intel Core i7-7740X: LGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-6800K has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-6800K (6 cores), Intel Core i7-7740X (4 cores).