CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-6800K vs Intel Core i7-7820X
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
Six cores and 12 threads provide solid throughput in multi-threaded creator applications.
Strong multi-threaded throughput in CINEBENCH, HandBrake, and similar workloads at launch; still competent for many content creation tasks compared to modern mainstream parts.
Gaming
Plays modern games well when paired with a strong GPU, though frame rates lag behind newer high-frequency CPUs.
Delivers high frame rates in 2017-era titles and remains adequate for modern gaming, but newer gaming-focused CPUs with higher clocks and improved IPC pull ahead.
Virtualization
Quad-channel memory and PCIe lanes suit lab environments with multiple VMs and storage.
PCIe and memory bandwidth are helpful for multiple VMs, but core count is moderate for modern heavy virtualization needs.
Efficiency
140 W TDP and 14 nm place it behind newer platforms in performance per watt.
High 140 W TDP and 14 nm process lead to greater power consumption versus newer 7 nm and smaller nodes.
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
- AVX-512 can help certain CPU-bound inference tasks
- Most modern AI workloads are better served by GPUs
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
- Capable of high-refresh gaming with a strong GPU
- Single-core boost reaches up to 4.5 GHz on favored cores
- Modern CPUs offer better gaming efficiency and higher IPC
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
- 8 cores and 16 threads for multi-threaded workloads
- Quad-channel DDR4 memory increases bandwidth
- 28 PCIe 3.0 lanes plus chipset lanes for expansion
- Turbo Boost Max 3.0 for higher single-core boosts
- AVX-512 support for optimized workloads
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
Cons
- High 140 W TDP and power consumption
- No integrated graphics
- Only 28 CPU PCIe lanes, limiting multi-GPU configurations
- Discontinued platform with limited future upgrades
- Older 14 nm process versus modern smaller nodes
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-6800K
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600XRival
Mainstream Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700Rival
Creator
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800XRival
Enthusiast
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-6700KRival
Mainstream Gaming
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-5820KRival
Previous-Gen HEDT
More cores and higher PCIe lane count on the newer X299 platform.
Compare head-to-head- 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.
Modern DDR5 platform with more cores and features for new builds.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7950XAlt
Cutting-edge multi-threaded performance and PCIe 5.0 support.
Intel Core i7-7820X
- AMD Ryzen 7 1800XRival
Creator/Gaming
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700XRival
Creator/Gaming
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920XRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950XRival
Workstation
- RivalCompare head-to-head
More cores, higher efficiency, and DDR5 on a modern mainstream platform.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 7900Alt
Strong multi-threaded performance with excellent efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900XAlt
12-core AM4 option with strong gaming and creator performance.
High-performance mainstream platform with good upgrade path.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X (used)Alt
Higher core and lane count for workstation-class workloads.
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 competent eight-core HEDT chip with strong multi-threaded performance and platform expansion, though high power draw and limited PCIe lanes compared to higher-tier X299 CPUs make it a niche choice today.
Best for: Used-market upgrade for an existing X299 build with quad-channel DDR4 and a need for more cores than mainstream.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-6800K or Intel Core i7-7820X?
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.
Do Intel Core i7-6800K and Intel Core i7-7820X use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-6800K: LGA2011-v3, Intel Core i7-7820X: LGA2066), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-7820X has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-6800K (6 cores), Intel Core i7-7820X (8 cores).