Core i7-5850EQ vs Core i7-6820EQ

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 i7-5850EQ vs Core i7-6820EQ 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 i7-5850EQ vs Core i7-6820EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-5850EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.2% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.2 vs 18.6 PassMark/$ ($435 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-6820EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-6820EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Costs $57 less on MSRP ($378 MSRP vs $435 MSRP).
✅Delivers 14.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.6 vs 16.2 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $435 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 47W, a 2W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,025 vs 7,036).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6820EQ better than Core i7-5850EQ?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-6820EQ is ahead with a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-5850EQ pulls ahead with 0.2% better PassMark. Core i7-6820EQ also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-5850EQ 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 i7-6820EQ is the better buy right now. Core i7-6820EQ comes in $57 cheaper on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $435 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-5850EQ is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.2% better PassMark. It is also 14.9% better value on MSRP (18.6 vs 16.2 PassMark/$), 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 i7-5850EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 i7-5850EQ vs Core i7-6820EQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-5850EQ

The Core i7-5850EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 7,036 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-6820EQ

The Core i7-6820EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 7,025 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-5850EQ and Core i7-6820EQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i7-5850EQ versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-6820EQ — a 3.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-6820EQ. The Core i7-5850EQ uses the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-6820EQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-5850EQ scores 7,036 against the Core i7-6820EQ's 7,025 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-5850EQ. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i7-5850EQ vs 8 MB on the Core i7-6820EQ.

Feature	Core i7-5850EQ	Core i7-6820EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	2.8 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	6 MB	8 MB+33%
L2 Cache	1 MB	1 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Broadwell (2015−2019)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	7,036	7,025

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-5850EQ) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6820EQ). The Core i7-6820EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i7-5850EQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6820EQ targets Embedded.

Feature	Core i7-5850EQ	Core i7-6820EQ
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	HD Graphics 530
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	—	Embedded

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-5850EQ was priced at $435, while the Core i7-6820EQ came in at $378. On launch pricing ($435 vs $378), Core i7-6820EQ was $57 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-5850EQ delivers 16.2 pts/$ vs 18.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-6820EQ — making the Core i7-6820EQ the 13.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-5850EQ	Core i7-6820EQ
MSRP	$435	$378-13%
Performance per Dollar	16.2	18.6+15%
Release Date	2015	2015

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