CPU
GPU
Core i7-6700K
Ryzen 5 7520U
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-6700K is positioned at rank #677 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-6700K
Performance Per Dollar
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-6700K | Ryzen 5 7520U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($142) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | ✨ Modern (Mendocino-U (Zen 2) (2022) / 6 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-6700K | Ryzen 5 7520U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($142) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-6700K and Ryzen 5 7520U
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.
Ryzen 5 7520U
The Ryzen 5 7520U is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 20 September 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Mendocino-U (Zen 2) (2022) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 6 nm process technology. Socket: FT6. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 9,063 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-6700K and Ryzen 5 7520U share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i7-6700K versus 4.3 GHz on the Ryzen 5 7520U — a 2.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 7520U (base: 4 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-6700K uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen 5 7520U uses Mendocino-U (Zen 2) (2022) (6 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6700K scores 8,933 against the Ryzen 5 7520U's 9,063 — a 1.4% lead for the Ryzen 5 7520U. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-6700K vs 4 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 7520U.
| Feature | Core i7-6700K | Ryzen 5 7520U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 4.2 GHz | 4.3 GHz+2% |
| Base Clock | 4 GHz+43% | 2.8 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+100% | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 512 kB (per core)+100% |
| Process | 14 nm | 6 nm-57% |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Mendocino-U (Zen 2) (2022) |
| PassMark | 8,933 | 9,063+1% |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 4,527 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 797 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,744 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-6700K uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen 5 7520U uses FT6 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i7-6700K versus LPDDR5-5500 on the Ryzen 5 7520U — the Ryzen 5 7520U supports 22.2% 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 16 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-6700K) vs 4 (Ryzen 5 7520U) — the Core i7-6700K offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i7-6700K | Ryzen 5 7520U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1151 | FT6 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2133 | LPDDR5-5500+25% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB+300% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+300% | 4 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-6700K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6700K) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 5 7520U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i7-6700K) and Radeon 610M (Ryzen 5 7520U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6700K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i7-6700K | Ryzen 5 7520U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 530 | Radeon 610M |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Desktop | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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