Core i7-6770HQ 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 i7-6770HQ 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 i7-6770HQ 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 i7-6770HQ

2016

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-6820EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,025 vs 7,083).
❌Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while Core i7-6770HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6770HQ better than Core i7-6820EQ?

Yes. Core i7-6770HQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% better 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 i7-6770HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 i7-6770HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-6770HQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-6770HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-6820EQ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (18.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older DDR4-era platform.

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

Core i7-6770HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2015) 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 i7-6770HQ vs Core i7-6820EQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-6770HQ

The Core i7-6770HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,083 points. Launch price was $434.

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 i7-6770HQ and Core i7-6820EQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-6770HQ versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-6820EQ — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-6770HQ. Both are built on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-6770HQ scores 7,083 against the Core i7-6820EQ's 7,025 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-6770HQ. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i7-6770HQ vs 8 MB on the Core i7-6820EQ.

Feature	Core i7-6770HQ	Core i7-6820EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+25%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB	8 MB+33%
L2 Cache	1 MB	1 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	7,083	7,025
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,769	—

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Memory & Platform

Both support up to 2133 memory speed. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i7-6770HQ	Core i7-6820EQ
Socket	BGA1440	—
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	2133	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-6770HQ) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6820EQ). Both include integrated graphics — Intel Iris Pro Graphics 580 (Core i7-6770HQ) and HD Graphics 530 (Core i7-6820EQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6820EQ targets Embedded.