Core i7-1160G7 vs Core i7-6700K

CPU

GPU

Core i7-1160G7

4 Cores8 Thrd15 WWMax: 4.4 GHz2020

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Core i7-6700K

4 Cores8 Thrd91 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2015

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Core i7-1160G7 vs Core i7-6700K Performance Spectrum

Core i7-1160G7

4 / 8

8,720

0.0%

8,933

+2.4%

About PassMark

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 i7-1160G7 vs Core i7-6700K 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 i7-1160G7 vs Core i7-6700K: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-1160G7

2020

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Draws 15W instead of 91W, a 76W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-6700K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,720 vs 8,933).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.5 vs 25.5 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).

Core i7-6700K

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $76 less on MSRP ($350 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
✅Delivers 24.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.5 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($350 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
✅300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
❌506.7% higher power demand at 91W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6700K better than Core i7-1160G7?

Yes. Core i7-6700K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 2.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-6700K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.9% 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 i7-6700K is the stronger fit. You are getting 2.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-6700K is the better buy right now. Core i7-6700K comes in $76 cheaper on MSRP at $350 MSRP versus $426 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 24.7% better value on MSRP (25.5 vs 20.5 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-1160G7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2015) and 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-1160G7 vs Core i7-6700K Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-1160G7

The Core i7-1160G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1598. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,720 points. Launch price was $426.

Core i7-6700K

The Core i7-6700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 August 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 91 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,933 points. Launch price was $339.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-1160G7 and Core i7-6700K share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-1160G7 versus 4.2 GHz on the Core i7-6700K — a 4.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-1160G7 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i7-1160G7 uses the Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i7-6700K uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-1160G7 scores 8,720 against the Core i7-6700K's 8,933 — a 2.4% lead for the Core i7-6700K. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-1160G7 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-6700K.

Feature	Core i7-1160G7	Core i7-6700K
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+5%	4.2 GHz
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	4 GHz+233%
L3 Cache	12 MB (total)+50%	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)+400%	256 kB (per core)
Process	10 nm SuperFin-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	8,720	8,933+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,758	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-1160G7 uses the FCBGA1598 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-6700K uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR4x-4267 on the Core i7-1160G7 versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-6700K — the Core i7-1160G7 supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-6700K supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 4 (Core i7-1160G7) vs 16 (Core i7-6700K) — the Core i7-6700K offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i7-1160G7	Core i7-6700K
Socket	FCBGA1598	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+33%	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR4x-4267+100%	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	64 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	4	16+300%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-6700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Only the Core i7-1160G7 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-1160G7) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6700K). Both include integrated graphics — Iris Xe Graphics 96EU (Core i7-1160G7) and HD Graphics 530 (Core i7-6700K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-1160G7 targets Premium Ultrabook/Tablet, Core i7-6700K targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-1160G7 rivals Ryzen 7 4800U.

Feature	Core i7-1160G7	Core i7-6700K
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Iris Xe Graphics 96EU	HD Graphics 530
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Premium Ultrabook/Tablet	Desktop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-1160G7 was priced at $426, while the Core i7-6700K came in at $350. On launch pricing ($426 vs $350), Core i7-6700K was $76 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-1160G7 delivers 20.5 pts/$ vs 25.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-6700K — making the Core i7-6700K the 22% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-1160G7	Core i7-6700K
MSRP	$426	$350-18%
Performance per Dollar	20.5	25.5+24%
Release Date	2020	2015

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