Core i7-4790K vs Core i7-6700

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 i7-4790K vs Core i7-6700 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 i7-4790K vs Core i7-6700: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4790K

2014

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +17.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, while Core i7-6700 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.0 vs 26.6 PassMark/$ ($350 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
❌35.4% higher power demand at 88W vs 65W.

Core i7-6700

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $47 less on MSRP ($303 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
✅Delivers 15.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.6 vs 23.0 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $350 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 88W, a 23W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4790K across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,048 vs 8,063).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4790K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4790K better than Core i7-6700?

Yes. Core i7-4790K is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 17.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4790K is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 17.0% 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 i7-4790K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4790K is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4790K comes in 15.5% more expensive on MSRP at $350 MSRP versus $303 MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-6700 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 15.3% better value on paper (26.6 vs 23.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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

Core i7-6700 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4790K vs Core i7-6700 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4790K

The Core i7-4790K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Junho 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Devil's Canyon architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 88 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 8,063 points. Launch price was $339.

Core i7-6700

The Core i7-6700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,048 points. Launch price was $303.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4790K and Core i7-6700 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.4 GHz on the Core i7-4790K versus 4 GHz on the Core i7-6700 — a 9.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-4790K (base: 4 GHz vs 3.4 GHz). The Core i7-4790K uses the Devil's Canyon architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-6700 uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4790K scores 8,063 against the Core i7-6700's 8,048 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-4790K. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-4790K	Core i7-6700
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.4 GHz+10%	4 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+18%	3.4 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Devil's Canyon	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	8,063	8,048

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4790K uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-6700 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4790K	Core i7-6700
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-4790K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-6700 requires a dedicated GPU.

Feature	Core i7-4790K	Core i7-6700
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4600	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4790K was priced at $350, while the Core i7-6700 came in at $303. On launch pricing ($350 vs $303), Core i7-6700 was $47 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4790K delivers 23.0 pts/$ vs 26.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-6700 — making the Core i7-6700 the 14.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4790K	Core i7-6700
MSRP	$350	$303-13%
Performance per Dollar	23.0	26.6+16%
Release Date	2014	2015

Search Core i7-4790K on Amazon

Search Core i7-6700 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.