Product features
- Intel i7-6700K, Core. Processor family: Intel Core i7-6xxx, Processor frequency: 4 GHz, Processor socket: LGA1151
- Maximum RAM supported: 64 GB, Supported memory types: DDR3L-SDRAM, DDR4-SDRAM, Supported memory clock speeds: 1600, 2133 MHz. On-board graphics adapter model: Intel HD Graphics 530, Graphics base frequency: 350 MHz, Graphics max dynamic frequency: 1150 MHz
- Thermal power: 91W. PCI Express slots version: 3.0, PCI Express configurations: 1x16, 2x8, 1x8+2x4, Supported instruction sets: AVX 2.0, SSE4.1, SSE4.2
Intel Core i7 6700K Processor Review
Overview The Intel Core i7 6700K is a high-end quad-core desktop processor based on the Skylake architecture, announced in August 2015. It is manufactured in a 14 nm process and operates at a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz, with a turbo boost up to 4.2 GHz. This processor supports up to 8 threads simultaneously due to Hyper-Threading technology.
Performance The i7 6700K offers significant performance improvements over its predecessors, despite a slightly lower clock speed compared to the i7-4790K. The per-MHz performance has been increased by roughly 5-10% compared to the Haswell architecture, making it well-suited for demanding applications and games. The processor's ability to execute multiple threads efficiently, combined with its high clock speeds, makes it a powerful choice for multitasking and resource-intensive tasks.
Graphics The integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 handles graphics processing, featuring 24 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 350 - 1150 MHz. This represents a 25% performance increase over the HD Graphics 4600 found in Haswell processors, though the overall GPU performance remains low-end. Modern games can only be played smoothly with low settings.
Power Consumption The TDP (Thermal Design Power) of the i7 6700K is 91 watts, which is slightly higher than its predecessor. This increased power consumption is a trade-off for the improved performance and efficiency of the Skylake architecture.
Pros
- High Performance: The i7 6700K offers excellent performance for its class, making it suitable for demanding applications and games.
- Hyper-Threading: The ability to execute up to 8 threads simultaneously enhances multitasking capabilities.
- Overclocking: The "K" model allows for easy overclocking, further increasing performance potential.
- Integrated Graphics: Although low-end, the integrated graphics provide a basic solution for casual gaming and multimedia tasks.
Cons
- Limited GPU Performance: The integrated graphics are not sufficient for modern gaming at high settings.
- Power Consumption: The increased TDP requires more power, which may impact system cooling and energy efficiency.
- Age: The processor is several years old, making it less competitive with newer models.
Verdict The Intel Core i7 6700K remains a powerful and capable processor for its generation, offering strong performance and overclocking potential. However, its limitations in GPU performance and higher power consumption compared to newer models make it less ideal for modern systems requiring high-end graphics capabilities.
Features Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Clock Speed | 4.0 GHz (base), 4.2 GHz (turbo) |
| Cores/Threads | 4 cores, 8 threads |
| Cache | 8 MB L3 Cache, 4 x 32 KB L1 Instruction Cache, 4 x 32 KB L1 Data Cache, 4 x 256 KB L2 Cache |
| Socket | LGA1151 |
| TDP | 91 watts |
| Manufacturing Process | 14 nm |
| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 530 (24 EUs, 350 - 1150 MHz) |
| Hyper-Threading | Supports up to 8 threads simultaneously |
| Overclocking | "K" model allows for easy overclocking |
| Memory Support | DDR4-2133, DDR3L-1600 @ 1.35V (max. 64 GB) |
| Architecture | Skylake |
| Release Date | August 2015 |
| Starting Price | $339 USD (at release) |
| Power Consumption | 91 watts (TDP) |
| Socket Compatibility | LGA1151 |
| Cache Size | 8 MB L3 Cache |
| L1 Cache | 4 x 32 KB Instruction Cache, 4 x 32 KB Data Cache |
| L2 Cache | 4 x 256 KB |
| Integrated GPU Performance | 25% increase over HD Graphics 4600 (Haswell) |
| Effective Speed | 123% (compared to other CPUs in its class) |
| Single Core Speed | 243 Pts (UserBenchmark) |
| Dual Core Speed | 487 Pts (UserBenchmark) |
| Quad Core Speed | 1012 Pts (UserBenchmark) |
| Octa Core Speed | 1972 Pts (UserBenchmark) |
| Market Share | 0.03% (trailing 30 days) |
| User Rating | 52% (UserBenchmark) |
| Price (score) | €809 (at release) |
| Age | Several years old (released in 2015) |
This table summarizes the key features and specifications of the Intel Core i7 6700K processor.