
Core i7-6820EQ vs Core i7-5850EQ

Core i7-6820EQ

Core i7-5850EQ
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. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-6820EQ is positioned at rank 822 and the Core i7-5850EQ is on rank 954, so the Core i7-6820EQ offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-6820EQ
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-5850EQ
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-6820EQ | Core i7-5850EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($344) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($370) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Skylake (2015−2016) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell (2015−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-6820EQ | Core i7-5850EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+7%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($344) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($370) |
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 i7-6820EQ and Core i7-5850EQ

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.

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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-6820EQ and Core i7-5850EQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-6820EQ versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i7-5850EQ — a 3.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-6820EQ. The Core i7-6820EQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-5850EQ uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-6820EQ scores 7,025 against the Core i7-5850EQ's 7,036 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-5850EQ. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-6820EQ vs 6 MB on the Core i7-5850EQ.
| Feature | Core i7-6820EQ | Core i7-5850EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 2.8 GHz+4% | 2.7 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB+33% | 6 MB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| Process | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| Architecture | Skylake (2015−2016) | Broadwell (2015−2019) |
| PassMark | 7,025 | 7,036 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-6820EQ) / not specified (Core i7-5850EQ). 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 i7-6820EQ | Core i7-5850EQ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 530 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | — |
| Target Use | Embedded | — |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-6820EQ launched at $378 MSRP, while the Core i7-5850EQ debuted at $435. At current prices ($344 vs $370), the Core i7-6820EQ is $26 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-6820EQ delivers 20.4 pts/$ vs 19.0 pts/$ for the Core i7-5850EQ — making the Core i7-6820EQ the 7.1% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-6820EQ | Core i7-5850EQ |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $378-13% | $435 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $344-7% | $370 |
| Performance per Dollar | 20.4+7% | 19.0 |
| Release Date | 2015 | 2015 |
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