Core i7-6700 vs Core i7-8709G

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 i7-6700 vs Core i7-8709G 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 i7-6700 vs Core i7-8709G: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-6700

2015

Why buy it

✅+1.4% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $35 less on MSRP ($303 MSRP vs $338 MSRP).
✅Delivers 13.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.6 vs 23.5 PassMark/$ ($303 MSRP vs $338 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 100W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-8709G

2018

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,934 vs 8,048).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 23.5 vs 26.6 PassMark/$ ($338 MSRP vs $303 MSRP).
❌53.8% higher power demand at 100W vs 65W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6700 better than Core i7-8709G?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-8709G is ahead with a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-6700 pulls ahead with 1.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-6700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-6700 is the better buy right now. Core i7-6700 comes in $35 cheaper on MSRP at $303 MSRP versus $338 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-8709G is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 13.2% better value on MSRP (26.6 vs 23.5 PassMark/$), 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 i7-8709G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-6700 vs Core i7-8709G Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-8709G

The Core i7-8709G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2270. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 7,934 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-6700 and Core i7-8709G share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4 GHz on the Core i7-6700 versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i7-8709G — a 2.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-8709G (base: 3.4 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-6700 uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-8709G uses Kaby Lake G (2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6700 scores 8,048 against the Core i7-8709G's 7,934 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i7-6700. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-6700	Core i7-8709G
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4 GHz	4.1 GHz+2%
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+10%	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Kaby Lake G (2018)
PassMark	8,048+1%	7,934

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-6700 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-8709G uses FCBGA2270 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-6700	Core i7-8709G
Socket	LGA1151	FCBGA2270
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-6700 was priced at $303, while the Core i7-8709G came in at $338. On launch pricing ($303 vs $338), Core i7-6700 was $35 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6700 delivers 26.6 pts/$ vs 23.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-8709G — making the Core i7-6700 the 12.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-6700	Core i7-8709G
MSRP	$303-10%	$338
Performance per Dollar	26.6+13%	23.5
Release Date	2015	2018

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