Core i3-1115GRE vs Core i7-6970HQ

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-1115GRE vs Core i7-6970HQ FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-1115GRE vs Core i7-6970HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-1115GRE

2020

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel UHD Graphics, while Core i7-6970HQ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-6970HQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,588 vs 4,632).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $338 MSRP, while Core i7-6970HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1400% higher power demand at 15W vs 1W.

Core i7-6970HQ

2016

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 1W instead of 15W, a 14W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-1115GRE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6970HQ better than Core i3-1115GRE?

Yes. Core i7-6970HQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 14.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-6970HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-6970HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-6970HQ is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-6970HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $338 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-1115GRE only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 14.5% in the shared gaming data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-1115GRE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2016). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-1115GRE vs Core i7-6970HQ Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-1115GRE

The Core i3-1115GRE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, LPDDR4X. Passmark benchmark score: 4,588 points. Launch price was $338.

Core i7-6970HQ

The Core i7-6970HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,632 points. Launch price was $623.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-1115GRE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-6970HQ offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-6970HQ has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-1115GRE versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-6970HQ — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-1115GRE (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i3-1115GRE uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-6970HQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1115GRE scores 4,588 against the Core i7-6970HQ's 4,632 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-6970HQ. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-1115GRE vs 8 MB on the Core i7-6970HQ.

Feature	Core i3-1115GRE	Core i7-6970HQ
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+5%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.8 GHz+27%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB+33%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+25%	1 MB
Process	10 nm-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	4,588	4,632
Geekbench 6 Single	1,175	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,233	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1115GRE uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-6970HQ uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-1115GRE	Core i7-6970HQ
Socket	FCBGA1449	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	4	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: Yes (Core i3-1115GRE) / not specified (Core i7-6970HQ). The Core i3-1115GRE includes integrated graphics (Intel UHD Graphics), while the Core i7-6970HQ requires a dedicated GPU.