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 i7-3770S vs Core i7-6700TE 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 i7-3770S vs Core i7-6700TE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3770S

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $53 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
✅Delivers 20.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.7 vs 20.5 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-6700TE.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (694 vs 914).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,303 vs 3,244).
❌85.7% higher power demand at 65W vs 35W.

Core i7-6700TE

2015

Why buy it

✅+31.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 35W instead of 65W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.5 vs 24.7 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-3770S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6700TE better than Core i7-3770S?

Yes. Core i7-6700TE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 40.9% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.5% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-6700TE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.7% 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 i7-6700TE is the stronger fit. You are getting 40.9% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-6700TE is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-6700TE comes in 21.2% more expensive on MSRP at $303 MSRP versus $250 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3770S only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 20.6% better value on paper (24.7 vs 20.5 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core i7-6700TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-3770S vs Core i7-6700TE Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3770S

The Core i7-3770S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,173 points. Launch price was $330.

Core i7-6700TE

The Core i7-6700TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,203 points. Launch price was $303.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3770S and Core i7-6700TE share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770S versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-6700TE — a 13.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-3770S (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i7-3770S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-6700TE uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3770S scores 6,173 against the Core i7-6700TE's 6,203 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-6700TE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 694 vs 914, a 27.4% lead for the Core i7-6700TE that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,303 vs 3,244 (33.9% advantage for the Core i7-6700TE). L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-3770S vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-6700TE.

Feature	Core i7-3770S	Core i7-6700TE
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+15%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+29%	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	8192 kB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	6,173	6,203
Cinebench R23 Multi	4,500	—
Geekbench 6 Single	694	914+32%
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,303	3,244+41%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3770S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-6700TE uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3770S versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-6700TE — the Core i7-6700TE supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-6700TE 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. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Z77,H77,B75,Z68,P67,H67 (Core i7-3770S) and 100-series (Core i7-6700TE).

Feature	Core i7-3770S	Core i7-6700TE
Socket	LGA1155	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2133+33%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	64 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3770S) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-6700TE). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3770S) and HD Graphics 530 (Core i7-6700TE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3770S targets Budget, Core i7-6700TE targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-6700TE rivals Ryzen 5 3600.

Feature	Core i7-3770S	Core i7-6700TE
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	HD Graphics 530
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Budget	Gaming

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3770S was priced at $250, while the Core i7-6700TE came in at $303. On launch pricing ($250 vs $303), Core i7-3770S was $53 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770S delivers 24.7 pts/$ vs 20.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-6700TE — making the Core i7-3770S the 18.7% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3770S	Core i7-6700TE
MSRP	$250-17%	$303
Performance per Dollar	24.7+20%	20.5
Release Date	2012	2015

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